Reducing dental anxiety in children using video self-modelling

Abstract

This single case design study aimed to reduce dental anxiety in children using a point-of-view video self-modelling (VSM) intervention using a chroma-key technique. To meet criteria for inclusion two seven-year-old children were screened with the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule – Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS). Participants who met criteria completed a Behavioural Avoidance Test (BAT) and heart rate was measured. Participants viewed their VSM intervention four times over two weeks. The results showed that both participants’ anxiety decreased on the CFSS-DS scale. The overall findings support the hypothesis that dental anxiety could be reduced using a VSM intervention. The results also suggest that dental anxiety was displayed differently in these two young children and individual needs should be addressed.