Behavioural Acceptability of PARO in Paediatric Dentistry : a Descriptive Observational Study

Socially assistive robots are increasingly being studied as tools to support children during healthcare procedures. This observational study aimed to assess the behavioural acceptability of the PARO therapeutic zoomorphic robot, designed in the form of a baby seal, during dental treatment in children aged 4 to 15 years with cooperation difficulties following unsuccessful conventional behavioural management. Behavioural acceptability was assessed by measuring the proportion of the dental treatment session during which the child voluntarily maintained physical contact with PARO. High behavioural acceptability was defined as voluntary physical contact maintained for at least 75% of the treatment time. The study also assessed changes in the children's behaviour during the dental appointment, their spontaneous reactions to PARO, and the perceptions of the children, their carers and the dental practitioners."

Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 4 to 15 years referred following unsuccessful conventional dental management, defined as the inability to carry out the planned dental treatment because of anxiety or cooperation difficulties. Exclusion Criteria: * Known fear of animals.