Should parents stay or go? study tests how parental presence affects kids' dental fear

NCT ID NCT05125731

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at 72 children aged 4-7 who had never been to the dentist and needed a filling. Kids were randomly assigned to have a parent present, absent, or watching behind glass during treatment. Researchers measured anxiety using questionnaires, heart rate, and oxygen levels, and videotaped behavior. The goal is to understand how parental presence influences a child's dental anxiety and cooperation.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to

If successful, this study could help dentists decide whether to have parents in the room to reduce children's dental anxiety.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed trial with 72 children, so results may not apply to all kids or dental settings. It measures anxiety through questionnaires and heart rate, not long-term outcomes.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dental caries

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Faculty of Dentistry

    Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)