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.