OBJECTIVETo evaluate the attention shift effect produced by a video-audio eyewear in pediatric dentistry.

METHODSTotally 40 children aged 4-7 years were equally randomized into fissure sealant group(group S) and caries filling group(group F). A self-control comparison method was used in each group: each child took two visits to finish the whole study, they received the dental treatment either with normal method(SC, FC) or with attention shift by wearing the video-audio eyewear (SI, FI) for each visit. The degree of pain, accomplishment of treatment, and co-operation were analyzed and compared.

RESULTSAll children were successfully managed in the whole course. The pain scores were not significantly different between SC group and SI group or between FC group and FI group (P0.05), while the Frankl scores were significantly different between SC group and SI group (P=0.04) and between FC group and FI group (P=0.03). Houpt scores were significantly different between SC group and SI group (P=0.04), but not between FC group and FI group (P=0.85). Most children (90% in group S) and (85% in group F) expressed the willingness to receive the video-audio eyewear if they were asked to do so again.

CONCLUSIONSThe video-audio eyewear provides satisfactory attention shift for children during dental treatment and increases their cooperation. However, it has little effect on pain relieving.