Use of a handheld communication tool for children and youths during dental procedures: a two-site controlled intervention study

Authors

  • Elisabeth Ørskov Rotevatn Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
  • Emilie Stensaker Paz Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
  • Louise Sandal Løkeland Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Frode Guribye Department of Information Science and Media Studies, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Grete Olin Engan Sogndal Dental Clinic, Vestland County Municipality, Sogndal, Norway
  • Cecilie Gudveig Gjerde Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Center for Translational Oral Research, Department of Clinical Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Torgils Lægreid Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; Center for Translational Oral Research, Department of Clinical Dentistry, Medical Faculty, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • David N. Breidablik Vatne Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Unnur Bergmann Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
  • Lars Jørgen Rygh Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
  • Mette Engan Children and Youth Clinic, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2340/aos.v85.45760

Keywords:

pediatric dental care, procedural coping, dental fear and anxiety, nonverbal communication, digital health

Abstract

Background: Effective communication between dental professionals and patients is essential for quality care. We aimed to evaluate whether Grasp, a novel handheld squeezable device providing real-time visual and auditory feedback to signal discomfort, improved communication between patients and their dentists during dental procedures.

Materials and methods: Patients aged 6–25 years were recruited from two dental clinics in Norway. Participants were divided into two groups: One received standard care, the other used Grasp in addition to standard care. All patients – and additionally caregivers of those under 16 – completed pre- and post-treatment questionnaires, rating communication on a 1–10 scale. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the intervention’s effect, adjusting for baseline scores.

Results: A total of 121 patients (58% females; median age 16 years) participated, with 60 using Grasp. Patients using Grasp reported greater confidence that the dentist understood their feelings, recognized when they wanted to stop, and found it easier to speak up during treatment (β = 2.10–2.54, p < 0.05). The effect of Grasp was more pronounced for participants reporting lower baseline confidence in communication with their dentist.

Conclusions: Grasp appeared to improve communication regarding discomfort during dental procedures, particularly for those who initially reported lower levels of communication confidence.

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Published

2026-03-31

Issue

Vol. 85: (2026): Acta Odontologica Scandinavica

Section

Original article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Elisabeth Ørskov Rotevatn, Emilie Stensaker Paz, Louise Sandal Løkeland, Frode Guribye, Grete Olin Engan, Cecilie Gudveig Gjerde, Torgils Lægreid, David N. Breidablik Vatne, Unnur Bergmann, Lars Jørgen Rygh, Mette Engan

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