Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2026 Apr 29. doi: 10.1007/s40368-026-01212-z. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This multicentre pilot study examined whether intraoral scanners (IOS) enhance oral health competence in paediatric patients and their caregivers compared with conventional verbal oral health instructions (OHI).
METHODS: Sixty children aged 6-14 years and their caregivers from three European university centres were randomly assigned to a control group (verbal OHI) or an intervention group (verbal OHI + IOS visualisation). Children were stratified into age groups: (6-8, 9-11, 12-14 years). Calibrated dentists performed standardised examinations and delivered OHI. In the intervention arm, an IOS scan was obtained and the 3D model was used to explain individual clinical findings. Comprehension of clinical findings was assessed after the consultation using age-adapted questionnaires. Children in the intervention group additionally rated their IOS experience using a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100%). Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis tests.
RESULTS: Children in the intervention group achieved higher comprehension scores (4.40 ± 1.61 vs. 3.33 ± 1.81; p = 0.019). Caregivers also scored higher in the intervention group (5.03 ± 1.25 vs. 4.10 ± 1.37; p = 0.008). Benefits were greatest in children aged 6-11 years. VAS ratings indicated acceptance: scanning was perceived as “fun” (83.8%), “informative” (81.3%) and “enjoyable to watch” (88.6%). Tip size was rated appropriate (68.7%), whilst agreement with “boring” (25.9%) and “painful” (24.1%) was low. The dentist’s explanation was rated as clear (94.8%).
CONCLUSION: IOS improved communication and understanding of oral health findings in paediatric dentistry, particularly amongst younger children and their caregivers.
PMID:42053901 | DOI:10.1007/s40368-026-01212-z
