Full-Cycle Science Picture Books For Pediatric Dental Fear Alleviation

To investigate the effectiveness of a strategy combining picture book-based visual construction and mission empowerment in alleviating dental fear (DF) among children aged 4-8 years, and to provide a novel intervention approach for managing pediatric dental anxiety. A total of 102 children with DF aged 4-8 were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received a comprehensive picture book-based intervention: reading age-appropriate dental education picture books before treatment, dentist-guided visual reconstruction of picture book scenes and assignment of "Tooth Guardian" mission during treatment, and picture book-themed sticker rewards after treatment to reinforce positive behavior. The control group received conventional behavior management. Treatment outcomes were assessed using the Children's Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) and physiological indicators (heart rate, blood pressure). The experimental group showed significantly lower CFSS-DS scores than the control group (P<0.05), with greater improvements in physiological indicators including heart rate and blood pressure. Post-intervention, children in the experimental group demonstrated better treatment compliance and emotional stability. The visual construction through picture books effectively reduces children's unfamiliarity with dental procedures, while the mission empowerment strategy enhances engagement through role-playing. Their synergistic effect significantly alleviates DF symptoms. This comprehensive psychological intervention model, characterized by operational simplicity and cost-effectiveness, is suitable for clinical implementation.