Comparison of the effectiveness of pre-treatment sensitization program and tell-show-do technique on dental anxiety of children undergoing dental treatment in their first dental visit– a randomized controlled trial

Children between 4 to 6 years of age reporting to the department of pediatric and preventive dentistry of Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences will be selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Randomisation will be done by computer generated numbers.Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups:

• Group 1 (Pre-treatment sensitization program): Children will watch a pre-recorded video explaining dental procedures in child-friendly language, followed by restorative treatment.
• Group 2 (Tell-Show-Do technique): Children will receive a verbal explanation, a demonstration of dental instruments, and then the procedure will proceed as described.

Anxiety and pulse rates will be recorded during the procedure by a blinded observer. Data will be analyzed to assess the effects of each technique on anxiety and pulse rate.