Pediatric Dental AnxietyAIVDACNCT07596771
Effects of AI-Generated Animated Videos on Dental Anxiety in Children
A study testing AI-Generated Animated Video Series and Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique in people with Pediatric Dental Anxiety, run by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the overall effect of an artificial intelligence-generated, instrument-specific animated video series compared with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique on dental anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 4 to 8 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Pediatric Dental Anxiety
- What is being tested?
- AI-Generated Animated Video Series and Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 144 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 17 Feb 2026to 8 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 4 to 8 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child
Who may be able to join
- Age 4-8 years
- Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 (positive or definitely positive) at initial assessment
- No previous restorative or surgical dental treatment
- ASA physical status classification I or II
- Ability to communicate in Turkish
- Written informed consent from the parent or legal guardian
Who cannot join
- Confirmed neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Clinically significant visual or hearing impairment
- Prior exposure to formal behaviour management conditioning programmes
- Requirement for emergency dental care at the study appointment
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University Faculty of Dentistry
Alanya, Antalya, 07425
About this study
Official title: Instrument-Specific Effects of an AI-Generated Animated Video Series on Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the overall effect of an artificial intelligence-generated, instrument-specific animated video series compared with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique on dental anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years. The study will also investigate whether the anxiety-reducing effect differs according to the dental instrument introduced.
Researchers will compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique across four dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups. Children will either watch an instrument-specific animated educational video or receive the Tell-Show-Do technique related to a specific dental instrument. Dental anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf), together with pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels, before and after the application procedure.
Read the detailed description
This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-generated animated educational video series in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4 to 8 years. The study uses a 2×4 factorial design to compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique across four commonly used dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of eight study groups according to intervention type and dental instrument. Only healthy children with no previous dental treatment experience and a Frankl Behavior Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 will be included in the study. Children in the animation groups will watch an instrument-specific animated educational video, while children in the control groups will receive the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique for the same instrument.
Dental anxiety will be assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT), and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf). Physiological parameters including pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels will also be recorded before and after the application procedure.
The study aims to investigate both the overall effectiveness of the animated educational video series and the instrument-specific differences in anxiety reduction among pediatric dental patients.
- Conditions
- Pediatric Dental Anxiety
- Being tested
- AI-Generated Animated Video Series, Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique
- Keywords
- Animated Educational Video, Dental Anxiety, Tell-Show-Do, Artificial Intelligence, Pediatric Dentistry
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesBehavioural
An original four-episode animated video series produced using AI-assisted animation tools. Each episode is approximately 60 seconds in duration and is designed around a single dental instrument, featuring a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters whose mischievous behaviour is resolved through the action of the featured instrument. Each child viewed only the single episode corresponding to the instrument assigned to their group.
Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueBehavioural
The standard Tell-Show-Do technique applied specifically to the instrument assigned to each group. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Each TSD session lasted approximately 4 minutes, matching the viewing time of the single animated episode in the intervention condition.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Animated Series - Dental Mirror | Experimental | Children in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the dental mirror, presented on a 10-inch tablet at 60 dB SPL in the dental waiting area prior to clinical examination. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that hide among tooth surfaces and are revealed and removed by the dental mirror. Receives: Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video Series |
| Tell-Show-Do - Dental Mirror | Active comparator | Children in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the dental mirror, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Receives: Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique |
| Animated Series - Dental Probe | Experimental | Children in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the dental probe. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that jump between teeth and become wedged in interproximal spaces, then are dislodged and removed by the dental probe. Receives: Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video Series |
| Tell-Show-Do - Dental Probe | Active comparator | Children in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the dental probe, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Receives: Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique |
| Animated Series - Micromotor Handpiece | Experimental | Children in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the micromotor handpiece. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that eat and rest on a tooth surface, then are tickled and removed by the micromotor handpiece. Receives: Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video Series |
| Tell-Show-Do - Micromotor Handpiece | Active comparator | Children in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the micromotor handpiece, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Receives: Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique |
| Animated Series - Saliva Ejector | Experimental | Children in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the saliva ejector. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that flood the mouth with water and swim freely, then are eliminated by the suction of the saliva ejector. Receives: Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video Series |
| Tell-Show-Do - Saliva Ejector | Active comparator | Children in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the saliva ejector, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Receives: Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Venham's Picture Test (VPT)
An eight-item pictorial anxiety measure requiring children to select the image (anxious or non-anxious figure) that best represents their feelings (score range 0-8).
Measured: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Facial Image Scale (FIS)
A five-item pictorial self-report scale depicting faces ranging from very happy (1) to very unhappy (5), validated for use in children aged ≥ 4 years with limited literacy.
Measured: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Secondary outcomes (3)
Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale - Faces Version (MCDASf)
A six-item self-report scale using facial images (score range 6-30), validated for the paediatric dental setting.
Measured: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Heart Rate (HR)
Measured using a paediatric pulse oximeter positioned on the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The mean of two consecutive readings was used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Measured using a paediatric pulse oximeter positioned on the index finger of the non-dominant hand. The mean of two consecutive readings was used for analysis.
Measured: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted19 May 2026
- Study start17 Feb 2026
- Primary completion8 Jun 2026
- Study completion8 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Pediatric Dental AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized into factorial groups based on behavioral management technique and dental instrument exposure.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 144 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Gül Keskin, Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07596771
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- ALKU-PEDO-2026-1/10
- Acronym
- AIVDAC
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 13 May 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to ethical considerations related to pediatric participants and institutional data protection policies. De-identified aggregate data may be reported in publications.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Instrument-Specific Effects of an AI-Generated Animated Video Series on Dental Anxiety in Paediatric Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07596771
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- AIVDAC / ALKU-PEDO-2026-1/10
- Conditions
- Pediatric Dental Anxiety
- Keywords
- Animated Educational Video, Dental Anxiety, Tell-Show-Do, Artificial Intelligence, Pediatric Dentistry
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 144 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 17 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 8 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 8 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 19 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the overall effect of an artificial intelligence-generated, instrument-specific animated video series compared with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique on dental anxiety in children aged 4 to 8 years. The study will also investigate whether the anxiety-reducing effect differs according to the dental instrument introduced.
Researchers will compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique across four dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the study groups. Children will either watch an instrument-specific animated educational video or receive the Tell-Show-Do technique related to a specific dental instrument. Dental anxiety levels will be evaluated using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT) and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf), together with pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels, before and after the application procedure.
Detailed description
This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial will evaluate the effectiveness of an artificial intelligence-generated animated educational video series in reducing dental anxiety among children aged 4 to 8 years. The study uses a 2×4 factorial design to compare the animated video series with the conventional Tell-Show-Do (TSD) technique across four commonly used dental instruments: dental mirror, dental probe, micromotor handpiece, and saliva ejector.
Participants will be randomly assigned to one of eight study groups according to intervention type and dental instrument. Only healthy children with no previous dental treatment experience and a Frankl Behavior Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 will be included in the study. Children in the animation groups will watch an instrument-specific animated educational video, while children in the control groups will receive the conventional Tell-Show-Do technique for the same instrument.
Dental anxiety will be assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), Venham Picture Test (VPT), and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale-Faces version (MCDASf). Physiological parameters including pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels will also be recorded before and after the application procedure.
The study aims to investigate both the overall effectiveness of the animated educational video series and the instrument-specific differences in anxiety reduction among pediatric dental patients.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Factorial
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 8
- Model description
- Participants will be randomized into factorial groups based on behavioral management technique and dental instrument exposure.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Animated Series - Dental Mirror | Experimental | Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesChildren in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the dental mirror, presented on a 10-inch tablet at 60 dB SPL in the dental waiting area prior to clinical examination. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that hide among tooth surfaces and are revealed and removed by the dental mirror. |
| Tell-Show-Do - Dental Mirror | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueChildren in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the dental mirror, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). |
| Animated Series - Dental Probe | Experimental | Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesChildren in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the dental probe. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that jump between teeth and become wedged in interproximal spaces, then are dislodged and removed by the dental probe. |
| Tell-Show-Do - Dental Probe | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueChildren in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the dental probe, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). |
| Animated Series - Micromotor Handpiece | Experimental | Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesChildren in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the micromotor handpiece. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that eat and rest on a tooth surface, then are tickled and removed by the micromotor handpiece. |
| Tell-Show-Do - Micromotor Handpiece | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueChildren in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the micromotor handpiece, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). |
| Animated Series - Saliva Ejector | Experimental | Behavioral: AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesChildren in this arm viewed a single episode of the AI-generated animated video series (~60 seconds) corresponding to the saliva ejector. The episode features a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters that flood the mouth with water and swim freely, then are eliminated by the suction of the saliva ejector. |
| Tell-Show-Do - Saliva Ejector | Active comparator | Behavioral: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueChildren in this arm received the standard Tell-Show-Do technique (~4 minutes) applied specifically to the saliva ejector, following a standardised script. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 4 to 8 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 4-8 years
- Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale score of 3 or 4 (positive or definitely positive) at initial assessment
- No previous restorative or surgical dental treatment
- ASA physical status classification I or II
- Ability to communicate in Turkish
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Confirmed neurodevelopmental disorder (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
- Clinically significant visual or hearing impairment
- Prior exposure to formal behaviour management conditioning programmes
- Requirement for emergency dental care at the study appointment
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| AI-Generated Animated Video SeriesAn original four-episode animated video series produced using AI-assisted animation tools. Each episode is approximately 60 seconds in duration and is designed around a single dental instrument, featuring a recurring maternal character and anthropomorphic dental germ characters whose mischievous behaviour is resolved through the action of the featured instrument. Each child viewed only the single episode corresponding to the instrument assigned to their group. | Behavioural | Animated Series - Dental Mirror, Animated Series - Dental Probe, Animated Series - Micromotor Handpiece, Animated Series - Saliva Ejector |
| Tell-Show-Do (TSD) TechniqueThe standard Tell-Show-Do technique applied specifically to the instrument assigned to each group. The clinician verbally described the instrument's name, appearance, and function using age-appropriate language (Tell); demonstrated it on the child's hand before approaching the mouth (Show); and applied it intra-orally (Do). Each TSD session lasted approximately 4 minutes, matching the viewing time of the single animated episode in the intervention condition. | Behavioural | Tell-Show-Do - Dental Mirror, Tell-Show-Do - Dental Probe, Tell-Show-Do - Micromotor Handpiece, Tell-Show-Do - Saliva Ejector |
Primary outcome
Venham's Picture Test (VPT)
Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
An eight-item pictorial anxiety measure requiring children to select the image (anxious or non-anxious figure) that best represents their feelings (score range 0-8).
Facial Image Scale (FIS)
Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
A five-item pictorial self-report scale depicting faces ranging from very happy (1) to very unhappy (5), validated for use in children aged ≥ 4 years with limited literacy.
3 secondary outcomes
Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale - Faces Version (MCDASf)
Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Heart Rate (HR)
Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)
Time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Jun 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared publicly due to ethical considerations related to pediatric participants and institutional data protection policies. De-identified aggregate data may be reported in publications.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing AI-Generated Animated Video Series and Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Technique in people with Pediatric Dental Anxiety, run by Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Venham's Picture Test (VPT) (time frame: Baseline (T0) and immediately post-intervention (T1)). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Jun 2026.