A Cross-Sectional Study on the Impact of Children's Intelligence Quotient on Their Behavior and Anxiety in a Dental Setting

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the relationship between children's intelligence quotient (IQ) and their levels of dental fear and anxiety (DFA) during their first dental visit. It also evaluated the influence of parental general anxiety on children's anxiety during this visit. Materials and methods: Eighty-eight children, aged 6–12 years, who had never visited a dentist before were conveniently recruited. Recruited children were subjected to the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children III (WISC III) and the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule-Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS) to examine their IQ and dental fear and anxiety, respectively. Concerning parental general anxiety, General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) was utilized. Children’s behavior at their first dental visit was assessed utilizing Frankl's behavior rating scale. The Arabic-validated versions of WISC III, CFSS-DS, and GAD-7 were used. The correlations were examined using Spearman's rank-order correlation coefficient (P<0.05). Results: There was a negative correlation between children’s IQ score and their DFA levels. There was a positive association between children’s DFA and their parent’s general anxiety levels. There was a favorable positive correlation between the degree of cooperation and the children’s IQ scores during their first dental visit. Conclusion: This study reveals the common occurrence of fear and anxiety in children during dental visits between the ages of 6 and 12. The findings highlight the complex interplay between cognitive abilities, parental influence, and dental experiences in children. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both child and parental anxiety to promote positive dental visits.