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February 28, 2026Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry0 citationsOpen Access

Efficacy of innovative Braille tooth tales in reducing dental anxiety among 7–12-year-old visually impaired children – A randomized controlled trial

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RHRaghavendra HavaleSSSanthebachalli Prakasha ShruthaKBKashyap Balkattu

Key Points

  • The central aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of a Braille storybook in reducing dental anxiety among visually impaired children aged 7–12 years.
  • Conducted a two-arm, prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial with 48 children.
  • Participants were assigned to an intervention group (Braille storybook) and a control group (desensitization techniques).
  • Anxiety levels assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale and Venham’s Clinical Anxiety Scale during two visits.
  • Data analyzed with SPSS, with comparisons made using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
  • Significant reduction in anxiety levels for the intervention group (MDAS: 15.6–7.08, VCAS: 2.85–0.95, P < 0.001).
  • Control group showed higher anxiety levels post-intervention compared to the intervention group.
  • Findings suggest that the Braille storybook effectively diminishes dental anxiety in visually impaired children.

Abstract

Background: Visually impaired children frequently have trouble with maintaining oral hygiene and have more dental diseases. It is due to increased dental anxiety caused by their inability to visually anticipate procedures and limited availability of Braille story resources. This randomized controlled trial investigates the effectiveness of a custom-developed Braille narrative book, “Tactile Tales for Tranquil Smiles,” in alleviating dental anxiety among children with visual impairments. Materials and Methods: This study comprised a two-arm, prospective, double-blind randomized controlled trial featuring 1:1 allocation. Forty-eight (48) children aged 7–12 years with visual impairments were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (receiving a custom Braille storybook) or the control group (undergoing desensitization techniques). Conducted across two visits – one for initial screening and one for treatment – both were managed by an experienced pediatric dentist. Anxiety levels were evaluated at each visit using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Venham’s Clinical Anxiety Scale (VCAS). Results: The data were analyzed with SPSS software. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed to compare anxiety levels. The group receiving the intervention had significantly lower anxiety levels (MDAS: 15.6–7.08 and VCAS: 2.85–0.95, P < 0.001) compared to the control group. Conclusion: This innovative Braille tooth tales storybook, an inclusive educational tool, demonstrates the potential of sensory-based interventions in improving pediatric dental experiences and promoting emotional well-being.

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Cite This Study

Havale et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69a287e20a974eb0d3c03c39https://doi.org/10.4103/jisppd.jisppd_473_25
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