369 - Effect of Anxiolytic Premedication on Dental Behavior in Autistic Children

Saturday, May 23, 2026

1:45 PM - 2:00 PM PST

Has Audio

Presenting Author(s)

RZ

Rachel Zimmerer, DDS (she/her/hers)

Dental resident
Texas A & M University -—Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas, TX
Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Dallas, Texas, United States

Co-Author(s)

LW

Lolo Wong, DDS

Pediatric Dentistry Faculty
Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
Dallas, Texas, United States

Program Director(s)

CK

Carolyn A. Kerins, DDS, PhD

Program Director, Research Mentor
Texas A&M College of Dentistry
Dallas, Texas, United States

Abstract:
Effect of Anxiolytic Premedication on Dental Behavior in Autistic Children

Authors and Affiliation
Zimmerer R, Kerins CA, Wong L
Children’s Medical Center, Dallas, TX

Research support by Children’s Health SM

Purpose: This study evaluated whether oral anxiolytic premedication with lorazepam or diazepam was associated with changes in behavioral cooperation during dental exams in pediatric patients with ASD.

Methods: A retrospective within-subject longitudinal chart review was conducted of pediatric patients with ASD who received dental exams at a children’s outpatient dental clinic between June 2021 and July 2025. Patients were included if they had at least one dental visit without anxiolytic premedication and a subsequent visit with premedication using anxiolysis. Behavioral outcomes assessed via Frankl scale were compared between visits.

Results: Results pending data collection.

Conclusions: Pending completion of data analysis.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research support by Children’s Health SM.