The Influence of Visual Art Therapy on Paediatric Dental Patient: A Pilot Study

Objective: This study examined the influence of visual art therapy techniques in reducing anxiety level among 4 to 6 years old paediatric dental patients. Methods: Eleven subjects were selected among 4 to 6 years old paediatric dental patients. The initial reaction towards dental procedure/treatment was evaluated using Frankl Behavior Rating Scale. The anxiety level was assessed by using Malay-Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDASf) to measure a child situational anxiety of pre- and post-treatment. Visual art making activities included free drawing, clay moulding and collage technique. The participant reaction to dental treatment was assessed by using Frankl Behavioural Rating Scale for two subsequent independent visits in two weeks interval. Median and Ordinal Test ranked the variables score of behavioural reaction towards dental treatment and anxiety level. Results: Play-doh (PD) subjects could accept dental procedures more if compared to free drawing (FD) and storytelling by collage (ST) subjects, which has lower post treatment-median scores in Visit 1 and Visit 2, FD and ST subjects need more time to show positive attitude towards dental treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest dental anxiety level of children aged 4 to 6 years old reduced after the art therapy and play-doh (clay-moulding technique) is the art making activity of choice among 4 to 6 years old paediatric dental patients.