Assessment of children's anxiety and behavior throughout dental appointments

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess dental anxiety throughout three sessions and to note the correlation with behavior during dental practice. Methods: Twenty-one children, aged 4-9 years old, were selected from a pediatric dental clinic (Faculty of Dentistry of Uberlandia). Before the beginning of the dental treatment, each child answered the Venham Picture Test (VPT) to determine anxiety level. After that, the behavior during dental practice was assessed using Sarnat Scale. Results: The results showed that the anxiety was low and the number of children without anxiety throughout the three sessions increased (38,1% without anxiety, in first session to 66,6% in third). Furthermore, at first behavior assessment, it was found that 57,2% of patients were cooperative, at second, 19,0% and at third, only 9,5% of the patients. There was not significant difference between the anxiety assessment during the three sessions, but it was found significant difference between the first behavior assessment compared to the second an third session. There was not significant correlation with VPT and Sarnat Scale and with respect to gender and age, it was found not to be statistic significant. Conclusion: Based on the methodology used, it was concluded that the most of children presented without or with low anxiety throughout the three sessions, however, it was noted a increased number of patients with uncooperative behavior.