Reaction of 5 and 6 year olds to Dental Injection after Viewing the Needle: pilot study
G.M. Maragakis / R.J. Musselman / C.C. Ho

The aim was to evaluate the practice of hiding the needle prior to dental anesthesia administration to children. Fourteen 5 and 6 year olds received dental treatment in two sessions. The needle was shown in one session and hidden in the other. Eleven children were cooperative and 3 uncooperative irrespective of approach. The children’s behavior correlated with fears expressed by the mothers. Our initial findings do not support the practice of hiding the needle.