Drawing as a Measurement of Dental Anxiety

Background: Drawings can be used as a method of communication that represents an individual's self-concept, anxiety, attitude, or conflict. Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate children's drawing as a measure of dental anxiety in a dental setting. Design: Seventy- eight children, aged 6-12 years, were enrolled in this study. Pulp therapy and/or restorative treatment was performed during the first therapeutic session for all participants. Sound, Eye, and Motor (SEM) and Frankl scales were used as an objective assessment of dental anxiety during treatment. After the treatment session, the children were instructed to draw a picture of a person at a dental clinic. Children's drawings were scored by a paediatric dentist and a psychologist using Child Drawing: Hospital (CD: H) scale and emotional indicators of Human Figure Drawings (HFD). The findings were compared with Frankl and SEM scores.