A comprehensive approach to reducing dental anxiety in children: collaboration between the dentist, parents, and psychologist
I. A. Nikolskaya,
I. D. Kondratenko,
E. N. Anisimova,
V. A. Katyukhina,
I. S. Kopetskiy,
D. O. Svistunov https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0196
Abstract
Dental anxiety in children remains one of the main barriers to preventive dental care and successful treatment. Although behavioral management techniques are widely used in pediatric dentistry, their application is often unsystematic and rarely incorporates the potential of the educational environment. This review summarizes current national and international studies addressing the factors involved in the development of dental anxiety in children and approaches to its prevention. Dental anxiety is shown to be influenced by individual psychological characteristics, family-related factors, and social context. Particular attention is given to the role of mental health professionals. While the involvement of medical psychologists in dental settings is limited by organizational constraints, school psychologists have significant potential for early identification of anxiety-related risks and the development of emotional self-regulation skills. The integration of school psychologists into interdisciplinary preventive models may improve the effectiveness of pediatric dental care.
About the Authors
I. A. Nikolskaya
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Irina A. Nikolskaya – Cand. Sci. (Med.), Professor of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
I. D. Kondratenko
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Irina D. Kondratenko – Pediatric Dentist, Assistant of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry, Institute of Dentistry
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
E. N. Anisimova
Russian Biotechnological University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Evgenia N. Anisimova – Cand. Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor, Professor of the Department of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery
11 Volokolamskoe Highway, Moscow 125080, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
V. A. Katyukhina
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Valeria A. Katyukhina – Assistant of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry at the Institute of Dentistry
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
I. S. Kopetskiy
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Igor S. Kopetskiy – Dr. Sci. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Therapeutic Dentistry at the Institute of Dentistry
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
D. O. Svistunov
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
Russian Federation
Danila O. Svistunov – Student of the Institute of Dentistry
1 Ostrovityanova Str., Moscow 117997, Russian Federation
Competing Interests:
The authors declare no conflict of interests.
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Review
For citations:
Nikolskaya I.A., Kondratenko I.D., Anisimova E.N., Katyukhina V.A., Kopetskiy I.S., Svistunov D.O. A comprehensive approach to reducing dental anxiety in children: collaboration between the dentist, parents, and psychologist. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(2):361-366. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0196
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