Puppet power: could a Hand-Held friend tame Kids' dental fears?

NCT ID NCT07736170

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: King Abdulaziz University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jul 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether using a puppet to explain dental procedures can lower anxiety and improve behavior in children during a dental visit. Healthy children aged 3–9 who need emergency dental treatment are randomly assigned to receive either puppet-aided tell-show-do or standard tell-show-do guidance. Their anxiety and behavior are measured using validated scales to see if the puppet makes a difference.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: puppet play therapy combined with tell-show-do behavior guidance
What this could lead to: If it works, this simple, low-cost technique could become a standard tool to ease dental fear in young children.
What could go wrong: The trial is small (66 children) and tests a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply broadly. Effectiveness may vary by age and temperament.

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As listed by the trial registrant

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

DENTAL ANXIETY IN CHILDREN

Contacts and locations

Locations

King Abdulaziz University Dental Hospital

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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