assessment of salivary cortisol level as stress biomarker in anxious pediatric dental patient before and after sandalwood aromatherapy: a randomized clinical trial

This randomized clinical trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of sandalwood aromatherapy in reducing stress levels among pediatric dental patients. The study will assess salivary cortisol levels as a biomarker of stress before and after the intervention. Children without underlying medical conditions who experience anxiety during dental procedures will be enrolled. The intervention group will receive sandalwood aromatherapy, while the control group will receive standard care without aromatherapy. Various time points will be measured on the same day, including baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at intervals thereafter. Secondary outcomes may include physiological parameters such as heart rate variability and subjective measures of patient comfort and satisfaction.