Evaluation of children’s drawings as a measure of dental anxiety before and after oral health education

Abstract

Background: Drawing is an effective tool for evaluating dental anxiety and communicating with children.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate children’s drawings as a measure of dental anxiety with two different assessment methods and their possible relationship with age, gender, and previous dental visits before and after education.

Methods: A total of 129 children aged 4‑6 years old were requested to draw a picture of the dentist and dental office perception before and after a 20‑minute dental education at selected Kindergartens. Drawings were evaluated according to Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) and Massoni methodologies.

Results: The difference in drawing groups between before and after oral health education was found to be statistically significant which meant children had less anxiety after education (P = 0.001). A statistical difference was observed in the scores before and after the education in the group of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.001). Statistically significant differences were observed in both groups of children who had previous dental visits and those who did not (P = 0.002).

Conclusion: Oral health education at younger ages is effective in overcoming dental anxiety and improving the positivity of dental perception. Drawing is a suitable assessment tool for learning about the child’s notions and feelings.