Abstract
The following is the result of an investigation into the relaxation efficacy of showing video films (via ceiling mounted television) to child patients undergoing dental treatment. Patients were evaluated using four time categories and three compliance categories. The subjects were 60 1-5 year old first time patients, and 1802-5 year old patients who were undergoing treatment.
1. The level of interest among the first time patients was as follows: 30% showed a strong interest in the ceiling mounted television sets prior to entering the examination area proper. Interest grew as they approached the chair.76.7%were reported to have continued viewing during oral examination and training. This was categorized as a remarkably interested group. Of the group,66.7%continued viewing until the examination was complete. Interest faded gradually as the patients left the examination area.
2. Of the group which had been undergoing treatment,42.5% were classified as remarkably interested,50% fairly interested, and 2.5% uninterested. No significant variation was noted for age groupings. Evaluation of the state of compliance showed 92.5% acceptance or light resistance to sitting on the chair,90.7% acceptance of local anesthesia administration, and 85.8% acceptance of caries treatment.
3. Disadvantages of ceiling mounted television were noted among the 4 year old children's group.10.6% were unresponsive to the dentist's instructions, and 6.1% attempted to move the dentist's hand and face. The incidence is marked in comparison to other age groups.
4. In conclusion, since more than 90% of both first time patients and patients who were undergoing treatment exhibited a high degree of interest in video films, their use may contribute to the better management of child patient behaviour. Although the study group showed a tendency to behave better in comparison to the control group, no statistical difference was noted.
