A touchable booklet may tame dental fear in young children
NCT ID NCT07719205
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a tactile booklet — one that lets children touch and feel real dental tools before their procedure — can reduce anxiety and improve behavior in kids aged 4 to 10 who have never had dental treatment before. The booklet walks them through each step of a filling or crown placement, aiming to replace fear of the unknown with familiarity. Researchers will measure changes in anxiety and cooperation before and after the visit.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a tactile pre-visit imagery booklet that children can touch and feel, containing materials used during dental treatment
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this simple, low-cost booklet could become a standard tool to help young children feel calmer and cooperate better during their first dental filling or crown procedure.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 100 children. The booklet may not reduce anxiety for all kids, and results may not apply to older children or those with prior dental experience.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Altamed Dental Clinic
RECRUITINGSanta Ana, California, 92704, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry - Pediatric Dental Clinic
RECRUITINGLos Angeles, California, 90089, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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