Comparative evaluation of psychophysiological response of children with special health care needs to use of facemask-eyeshield and visor in a dental setting-A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the psychophysiological response (Heart rate) of special health care needs to use of facemask-eyeshield and visor worn in a dental setting. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The cases for the present study were selected from special schools of Delhi-NCR. The patients selected were in IQ range 50-84 and children rated as positive or definitely positive according to Frankl's behavior rating scale. A total of 378 patients of age group 4-14 years were selected. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Every child was made to sit and pulse oximeter was put on his/her finger to measure Baseline heart rate. Dental examination was done using a sterile mouth mirror (No. 5) and explorer. It was done in two phases for every child: Patient underwent dental examination by clinician wearing (A) facemask-eyeshield (Euronda) and (B) visor (Oro). RESULTS: The mean heart rate during dental examination wearing visor (81.55 +/- 17.54) was significantly lesser than during dental examination wearing facemask and eyeshield (84.49 +/- 17.96). CONCLUSIONS: Dental anxiety levels were lower when the dentist used visor during the dental examination than when the dentist used facemask and eyeshield.