Reliability and Validity of Measures Used in Assessing Dental Anxiety in 5-15 Year-Old Croatian Children

Svrha je rada vrjednovati pouzdanost psihometrijskih metoda u procjeni dentalne anksioznosti djece, te ispitati čimbenike koji utječu na djetetov dentalni strah. Ispitivanje uključuje 165 djece (91 dječak) i isti broj roditelja. U ispitivanje su uključena djeca dobne skupine od 5-15 godina koja su zbog nekooperativnoga ponašanja i dentalnoga straha upućena na tretman specijalisti pedodontu. Ispitanici su po završetku tretmana ispunili upitnike temeljem kojih je procijenjena dentalna anksioznost, dispozicijski čimbenici te zadovoljstvo glede posjeta stomatologu. Roditelji ispitanika ispunili su upitnik o dentalnoj anksioznosti, a određen je i stupanj socio-ekonomskog statusa roditelja. Temeljem CFSS-DS upitnika prosječna je vrijednost djetetove dentalne anksioznosti 27,02 i nema razlike u stupnju dentalne anksioznosti glede spola. Najviši stupanj pouzdanosti pokazuju S-DAI, CFSS-DS i PDAS testovi. Pearsonov koeficijent pokazuje znatnu korelaciju između CMGQ, CDAS i S-DAI; OAS, CDAS i S-DAI; OAS i DVSS-SV testova. Statistička raščlamba izvedena je programskim paketom Statistica for Windows, Release 5,5 i SPSS for Windows Release 7,5. Pearsonov koeficjent korelacije i Cronbachov alpha uporabljeni su u svrhu vrjednovanja pouzdanosti testova. Spearman Brownova formula upotrijebila se je u vezi s računanjem konačnih alpha vrijednosti. Prijašnje negativno medicinsko iskustvo znatno utječe na razinu djetetove dentalne anksioznosti, čime se potvrđuje Racmanova teorija (Rachman, 1991). Anksiozna djeca imaju veću predispoziciju za agresivno ponašanje, a introvertna su glede procjene stomatologa. S-DAI i CFSSDS su temeljem ovog istraživanja standardizirani na hrvatskoj populaciji i pokazuju najviši stupanj pouzdanosti u procjeni djetetove dentalne anksioznosti.The aim of the study was to evaluate reliability and validity of different questionnaires and predict related cause-concomitant factors in assessing differnet aspects to childrens dental anxiety. Children were interviewed on dental anxiety, dispositional risk factors and satisfaction with the dentist after dental treatment had been accomplished. Parents were interiewed on dental anxiety as well. The study population included 165 children (91 boys) between the age od 5 and 15 years. They were sent to the dental Clinic by general practitioners, because of their dental fear and uncooperative bahaviour during previous dental visits. Children were treated by two dentists, both experienced in treating fearful children. The childrens total average CFSS-DS score was 27.02, with no significant difference with respect to gender. The highest Cronbach alpha scores regarding reliability were obtained for the S - DAI, the CFSS - DS and the PDAS. Pearsons correlations regarding validity represented significant correlations between the CMFQ, the CDAS and the S - DAI; the OAS, the CDAS and the S - DAI; as well as between the OAS and the DVSS - SV. Statistical analysis was performed in Statistics for Windows, Release 5.5 and release 7.5. Pearsons correlation coefficients were calculated for validity and Cronbach alpha for reliability of the measures. Spearman Brown prophecy formula was used for correction of the alpha scores. Previous negative medical experience has significant influence on children’s dental anxiety, supporting the Rachmans conditioning theory ( Rachman, 1991). Anxious children are more likely to exibit behaviour problems (agression) and are more introvert in expressing their judgement regarding the dentist. Both the S - DAI and teh CFSS - DS, which was standardized in the Croatian population sample, showed the highest reliability in assessment of children’s dental anxiety

Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization

This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a population-based prospective cohort study from fetal life until young adulthood. This study focused on the relationship between Deciduous Molar Hypomineralization (DMH) and Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). First permanent molars develop during a period similar to that of second primary molars, with possible comparable risk factors for hypomineralization. Children with DMH have a greater risk of developing MIH. Clinical photographs of clean, moist teeth were taken with an intra-oral camera in 6,161 children (49.8% girls; mean age 74.3 mos, SD +/- 5.8). First permanent molars and second primary molars were scored with respect to DMH or MIH. The prevalence of DMH and MIH was 9.0% and 8.7% at child level, and 4.0% and 5.4% at tooth level. The Odds Ratio for MIH based on DMH was 4.4 (95% CI, 3.1-6.4). The relationship between the occurrence of DMH and MIH suggests a shared cause and indicates that, clinically, DMH can be used as a predictor for MIH

Comparison of two computerised anaesthesia delivery systems: pain and pain-related behaviour in children during a dental injection

Aim The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there is a difference in pain and distress response of the child when using two different computer-controlled local analgesic delivery systems, the Sleeper One® and the WAND®, and whether this was influenced by the anxiety level of the child. Methods This randomised controlled trial was conducted among 112 children (56 girls) aged 4-6 years (mean age 66 months, SD 9 months). All children needing at least one dental visit using local analgesia were randomly assigned to either the Sleeper One® or the WAND®. Results During the injection phase, children expressed the same amount of disruptive behaviour using the Sleeper One® or the WAND® (Mann-Whitney U test, p > 0.05). The average injection time of the Sleeper One® (mean 2.49 min, SD 0.56) was significantly shorter than that of the WAND® (mean 3.20 min, SD 0.61; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Conclusion No significant difference was found in pain and distress reaction of the child between the WAND® and the Sleeper One®. The average delivery time of the Sleeper One® was shorter