The Impact Of Nursing Support On Reducing Dental Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Dental Procedures: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract

Dental anxiety is one of the most common challenges in pediatric dentistry, with prevalence rates estimated at 23.9 to 50% among children globally, or even higher among preschoolers and school-age children, being 36.5 and 25.8%, respectively. This comprehensive review considers the crucial impact of nursing support on reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients receiving dental treatments. Based on the critical analysis of the evidence-based interventions-including behavioral techniques, such as Tell-Show-Do, distraction, and positive reinforcement; cognitive approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; changing the environment; and pharmacological support with conscious sedation-this paper revealed the multifunctional potential of nursing interventions in pediatric dental anxiety management. The randomized controlled trial analysis revealed that the combined use of innovative interventions, such as artificial intelligence-based animated videos, together with traditional techniques, is much more efficient in terms of anxiety reduction than single component-based strategies: "TSD+AI group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease of MDAS when compared with the TSD group (p < 0.05), while both groups presented decrease in anxiety in T1 when compared with T0." Nursing support was provided in the form of evaluation by validated scales, implementation of behavioral measures, empathetic communication, optimisation of the environment, and sedation monitoring in case of severe states. As confirmed by the findings of current evidence, "78% of paediatric patients with the implementation of TSD could improve in cooperation," while "distraction techniques were found to reduce anxiety and pulse rate by 10 beats per minute during dental treatment." The current paper will represent the meaningful role of dental nurses in providing therapeutic environments, establishing trust-based relationships, and introducing evidence-based protocols that transform probably traumatic dental experiences into positive encounters for all children. Future directions may also involve standardized nursing training on CBT and sedation protocols, integrating emerging technologies such as virtual reality, and devising culturally sensitive interventions so as to enhance not only accessibility but also the effectiveness across diverse pediatric populations.