The Impact of A Humanoid Robot on Children’s Dental Anxiety, Behavior and Salivary Amylase Levels: A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION: With the spread of technological possibilities, the idea that humanoid robots can accompany medical interventions has gained momentum. The objective of this two-armed randomized controlled study is (i) to assess the effect of a human-like robot in behavior guidance during children’s dental treatment, by comparing dental anxiety scale, behavioral scale, pulse rate and amylase levels in the saliva and (ii) to determine whether the children would like to have treatment with a humanoid robot.
METHODS: 102 children (52 girls, 50 boys; mean age: 6.71±1.43 years) were included. Exclusion criteria were children showing definitely negative behaviour (Frankl 1) during dental prophylaxis at the first visit and children who had dental treatment before. 50 children were participated in robot group (RG) and 52 children were participated in control (CG). Facial Image Scale (FIS), Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS), physiological pulse rate and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) level were used to assess the stress related changes. Mann-Whitney U-test and Student t-test were used to compare groups. In-group comparisons were tested with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Chi square test, Continuity (Yates) correction, and Fisher Freeman Halton test were used to compare qualitative data. Statistical tests were used with p value fixed at 0.05.
RESULTS: The post-treatment FIS score of RG in the 6-10 year-olds was significantly lower then CG (p<0.05). Post-treatment FBRS score was statistically significantly higher in the RG than in the CG in younger and older children (p<0.05). In children aged between 6-10 years, pulse rates during and after treatment in RG were significantly lower than those in CG (p<0.05). No correlation was found between children’s anxiety and behavior and sAA levels.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The robot was found to be more effective in reducing dental anxiety and pulse rate in children aged 6-10 years, and it was more preferred by children of this age.