Effects of AI-Generated Animated Videos on Dental Anxiety in Children

Instrument-Specific Effects of an AI-Generated Animated Video Series on Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the overall effect of an artificial intelligence-generated, instrument-specific animated video series compared with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique on dental anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years. The study will also investigate whether the anxiety-reducing effect differs according to the dental instrument introduced.

Researchers will compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique across four dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups. Children will either watch an instrument-specific animated educational video or receive the Tell-Show-Do technique related to a specific dental instrument. Dental anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf), together with pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels, before and after the application procedure.

This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-generated animated educational video series in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4 to 8 years. The study uses a 2×4 factorial design to compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique across four commonly used dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of eight study groups according to intervention type and dental instrument. Only healthy children with no previous dental treatment experience and a Frankl Behavior Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 will be included in the study. Children in the animation groups will watch an instrument-specific animated educational video, while children in the control groups will receive the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique for the same instrument.

Dental anxiety will be assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT), and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf). Physiological parameters including pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels will also be recorded before and after the application procedure.

The study aims to investigate both the overall effectiveness of the animated educational video series and the instrument-specific differences in anxiety reduction among pediatric dental patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 4-8 years
• Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 (positive or definitely positive) at initial assessment
• No previous restorative or surgical dental treatment
• ASA physical status classification I or II
• Ability to communicate in Turkish
• Written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
• Clinically significant visual or hearing impairment
• Prior exposure to formal behaviour management conditioning programmes
• Requirement for emergency dental care at the study appointment