Impact of Sensory-adapted Dental Environment on Potentially Cooperative Children: An Observational Study

Aim: The present study is an observational study assessing the impact of a sensory-adapted dental environment (SADE) over a routine dental environment (RDE) on potentially cooperative children receiving routine oral healthcare. Materials and methods: The research was performed on 40 potentially cooperative children, aged 4–9, who visited the Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry at People's Dental Academy, Bhopal. Each participant was assigned to an RDE for their initial dental procedure (Phase I). They were instructed to report back for the second session (Phase II), where the treatment was planned under an SADE. The physiological indicators, such as oxygenation and heart rate, patient behavior using the Frankl scale, and a posttreatment survey completed by parents or caregivers, were used to evaluate their child's cooperation in the RDE vs the SADE. Results: Study subjects completed 44 visits. The mean oxygen saturation levels for the SADE and RDE showed no statistically significant difference. The mean heart rate was greater for the SADE compared with the RDE. The Frankl scores were substantially higher with the SADE compared to the RDE (<i>p</i> = 0.000). However, one-half of the parents firmly felt that the SADE would be their preferred option for their child's future dental treatments. Conclusion: The SADE could be associated with improved behavior in children who are potentially cooperative.