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Patient Management

457 - Impact of Comprehensive Sensory Adapted Dental Environment on Neurotypical Children

Saturday, May 23, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:15 PM PST
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Abstract:

Purpose:
To determine the effectiveness of a comprehensive sensory adapted dental environment (C‑SADE) in reducing anxiety in neurotypical children during dental care, evaluate the impact of C‑SADE on behavioral cooperation, and assess long‑term benefits for dental health and anxiety management.

Methods:
Ten neurotypical children aged 4–11 years, of either gender, and classified as ASA I or ASA II, were enrolled in a crossover randomized controlled trial in San Antonio and surrounding areas. In random order, each child completed two dental visits: one in the C‑SADE—incorporating adaptations in visuals, lighting, sounds, smells, tactile elements, and dental procedures—and one in the regular dental environment (RDE), the current standard of care. Each visit included a clinical examination and cleaning. The second visit was scheduled at least 3 months later to allow crossover. Pre‑ and post‑visit surveys, standardized scales, and physiological monitoring were used to evaluate anxiety and behavior.

Results:
Post-operative anxiety scores were lower in the C-SADE visit compared with the RDE visit using the Mahmud Visual FACES Anxiety Scale. Parental feedback indicated a strong preference for C-SADE. 100% of parents reported they would prefer C-SADE for future dental visits.

Conclusions:
Neurotypical patients also benefit from C-SADE. Parents and patients prefer C-SADE over RDE. Due to the limited sample size, which reduces the statistical power and generalizability of the findings, further research with a larger, more representative cohort is required to validate these results.

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