Healing environment in pediatric dentistry: strategies adopted by “Sapienza” University of Rome

Abstract

Children’s dental anxiety has been of great worry for many years and it is still a barrier for dental care. According to recent
guidelines for oral health prevention in childhood, additional strategies for a preventive care should be applied for pediatric
patients. So it’s important to encourage pediatric dentists to develop a “child-friendly” environment for treating children.
Environmental elements that produce positive feelings can reduce anxiety. The analysis of environmental design and features
applied in Pediatric Dentistry Unit, Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, highlighted
special attention to the aspects supporting sensory conditions (colors, light, spatial organization); reassurance strategies (decorations,
dental team attire, drawings); anxiety control strategies (playing area, TV, comics, toys); behavioral management strategies
(positive reinforcement, modeling); in-formation (brochures, posters).