The Science Tooth Fairy: A Randomized Trial of a Storytelling-Based Educational Intervention to Promote Primary Tooth Donation in a Pediatric Setting
STF RCT
Tooth Book Evaluation
1 other identifier
interventional
120
1 country
1
Brief Summary
Study Overview Primary ("baby") teeth are unique biological samples because they can permanently store information about a child's early life health and development. While donating baby teeth to scientific research is painless and simple, researchers often face challenges collecting them. Past studies show that donation rates are particularly low among racial minority groups and lower-income families, even though these populations may experience higher rates of early-life adversity and could benefit greatly from this research. Currently, very little is known about what influences a parent's willingness to donate their child's teeth. This study evaluates whether an educational tool can bridge this gap. Researchers will use a children's book and video called "The Science Tooth Fairy" to see if explaining the importance of tooth donation can positively change parents' attitudes and willingness to participate in scientific research. Study Objectives and Hypotheses The main goal of this research is to investigate parental attitudes toward donating their children's baby teeth and to see if educational materials can encourage participation. The study is testing two main hypotheses:
- Primary Hypothesis: Parents who interact with "The Science Tooth Fairy" materials (either the book, video, or both) will show a greater positive shift in their attitudes toward tooth donation compared to parents who read a standard oral health book that does not mention research.
- Secondary Hypothesis: "The Science Tooth Fairy" story's content and delivery format (book, video, or both) influence parental engagement with and understanding of the intervention materials. Study Design and Procedures This is a randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit approximately 120 parents or legal guardians of children aged 4 to 10. Recruitment will take place in diverse clinical spaces (such as pediatric and dental clinics) and public events to ensure a representative sample. The entire study takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete in a single session. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups:
- Group 1: Read a printed copy of "The Science Tooth Fairy" book.
- Group 2: Watch a video version of "The Science Tooth Fairy".
- Group 3: Watch the video and have the option to read the printed book.
- Group 4 (Control Group): Read a standard children's book about oral health ("Cavities vs. Toothpaste"), which contains no mention of research or donation.
- Informed Consent: Reviewing and signing the study consent form.
- Pre-Assessment Survey: A 14-item questionnaire evaluating current trust in medical research and attitudes toward biological donations.
- The Intervention: Completing the reading or viewing activity assigned during randomization.
- Post-Assessment Survey: An identical 14-item questionnaire to measure changes in attitude, along with a background demographics survey. By comparing survey responses before and after the activity, researchers hope to learn how to design future recruitment strategies.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable
Started Sep 2022
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
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Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
Study Start
First participant enrolled
September 1, 2022
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
May 31, 2024
CompletedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
May 31, 2024
CompletedFirst Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
July 14, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
July 17, 2026
CompletedJuly 17, 2026
July 1, 2026
1.7 years
July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Change in psychosocial construct scores relevant to tooth donation
To measure primary outcomes we developed a survey by adapting validated psychometric scales assessing psychosocial factors that are relevant to primary tooth donation. The same survey was applied before and after the assigned intervention.
Thirty minutes before intervention (pre-intervention) and within 30 minutes of completion of the intervention (post-intervention)
Secondary Outcomes (1)
Post-intervention psychosocial construct scores relevant to parental engagement with the intervention materials
Within 30 minutes of intervention completion
Study Arms (4)
STF Book
EXPERIMENTALPrinted narrative
STF Video
EXPERIMENTALAudiovisual adaptation of the book
STF Book + Video
EXPERIMENTALCombined exposure
Control
ACTIVE COMPARATORCavities vs. Toothpaste, book by Didi Dragon
Interventions
The STF narrative follows two children, Isabella and Charlie, as they learn about tooth donation, rituals practiced by different cultures, and why and how these teeth are used in the scientific process. Centered on curiosity and respect for child autonomy and traditions, the story concludes with a tear-away page that allows children to correspond with the character and receive a personalized response. Narrative persuasion theory suggests that readers who identify with story characters are more likely to adopt the characters' beliefs and intentions . By following Isabella and Charlie's journey of curiosity, parents and children may indirectly experience the primary tooth donation process, which may enhance self-efficacy and increase the likelihood of participation.
Cavities vs. Toothpaste by Didi Dragon is a children's book that humorously explains dental hygiene, following the "bad" bacteria in your mouth as they feast on sugar, create "sugapoo" (lactic acid), and form cavities, only to be defeated by toothpaste and proper brushing.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Biological or non-biological parents (e.g., legal caregivers or guardians) of children aged 4-10 years
You may not qualify if:
- Reports feeling uncomfortable reading and listening to materials
- Prior exposure to the STF book or video.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
Study Sites (1)
MGH Revere HealthCare Center and Tufts Pediatric Dental Clinic
Boston, Massachusetts, 02145, United States
Related Publications (1)
Davis KA, Mountain RV, Pickett OR, Den Besten PK, Bidlack FB, Dunn EC. Teeth as Potential New Tools to Measure Early-Life Adversity and Subsequent Mental Health Risk: An Interdisciplinary Review and Conceptual Model. Biol Psychiatry. 2020 Mar 15;87(6):502-513. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.09.030. Epub 2019 Dec 17.
PMID: 31858984RESULT
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- NONE
- Purpose
- OTHER
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Associate Professor of Psychiatry
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
July 14, 2026
First Posted
July 17, 2026
Study Start
September 1, 2022
Primary Completion
May 31, 2024
Study Completion
May 31, 2024
Last Updated
July 17, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-07
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will not share
Individual participant data will not be shared to protect the privacy of the participants. Data sharing is limited to the aggregate results of the study, which will be published in peer-reviewed journals and reported on ClinicalTrials.gov as required.