Systematic Reviews
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2025.
World J Clin Pediatr. Sep 9, 2025; 14(3): 106778
Published online Sep 9, 2025. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v14.i3.106778
Table 4 Summary of studies on modified dental tools and techniques for managing dental disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder using the PICO framework
Ref.
Population
Intervention
Comparison
Outcome
Study design
Key findings
Study quality rating
Dangulavanich et al[31], 2017Children with ASD (n = 95)Evaluated cooperation during dental treatment based on sensory processing factors and behavioral characteristicsNoneAge, education, behavior before treatment significantly influenced cooperationCross-sectional studyOlder children (11–18 years) and those in special education showed better cooperationModerate quality
Narzisi et al[32], 2020Children with ASD (n = 59)ICT-based intervention (MyDentist) to familiarize children with dental settingsConventional dental visitsImproved oral hygiene and cooperation during treatmentFeasibility studyICT interventions can enhance dental care acceptance without pharmacological interventionsModerate quality
Octavia et al[33], 2025Children with ASD (n = 37)Structured-visual behavioral model for compliance and cooperationStandard dental approachImproved cooperation and compliance during dental examsQuasi-experimental study75% achieved the highest cooperation scores on the Frankl Behavior Scale (FBS)Moderate quality
Mah and Tsang[34], 2016Children with ASD (n = 14)Visual schedule system for dental visitsTell-show-do methodFaster task completion and lower behavioral distressRCTVisual schedules improved dental visit success ratesHigh quality
Isong et al[35], 2014Children with ASD (n = 80)Electronic screen media to reduce dental anxietyNo media interventionDecreased anxiety and improved behavior during dental visitsRCTVideo peer modeling and video goggles reduced fear and increased cooperationHigh quality
Cenzon et al[36], 2022Dental hygiene studentsSVT for ASD patient managementNo SVT trainingImproved confidence and knowledge in treating ASD patientsPilot studyVirtual training enhances ASD dental care preparednessModerate quality
Thomas et al[37], 2018Parents of children with ASD (n = 17)Parental experiences with dental care access and needsNoneIdentified need for flexible dental environments and better communicationQualitative studyFamily-centered care and dentist-parent communication are crucialModerate quality
Wibisono et al[38], 2016Children with ASD & caretakersUse of dental visit pictures as communication toolsNonePositive perception of visual aids for dental preparationQualitative studyPictures enhanced understanding of dental visits among ASD childrenModerate quality
Cagetti et al[39], 2015Children with ASD (n = 83)Visual supports-based dental care protocolStandard dental careIncreased acceptance of dental proceduresObservational studyNon-verbal children benefitted from visual trainingModerate quality
Naidoo and Singh[40], 2020Children with ASDDental communication board for improved communicationNo communication boardEnhanced interaction between children and dentistsMixed-methods studyVisual communication tools facilitated dental visitsModerate quality
Nilchian et al[41], 2017Children with ASD (n = 6-12 years)Visual pedagogy for dental check-upsStandard approachIncreased compliance with dental check-upsRCTVisual pedagogy improved cooperation in dental visitsHigh quality