Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials

Geetanjali Jadhav; Preetam Shah; Rahul Hegde; Anand Shigli; Pawan Herkar; Apurva Borde

doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Eu J Dent Res. 2026; 3(2): 7-16

doi: 10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials

Geetanjali Jadhav, Preetam Shah, Rahul Hegde, Anand Shigli, Pawan Herkar, Apurva Borde.

Abstract
Background: Dental anxiety in children compromises care. Guided Imagery (GI) and language-based interventions are proposed as non-pharmacological approaches.
Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of psychological interventions, including Guided Imagery (GI), language-based strategies (Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)), and audiovisual distraction (AVD), in reducing pediatric dental anxiety.
Methods: This systematic review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Databases were searched from inception to October 2025. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were analysed using random-effects models to calculate standardised mean differences (SMD, Hedges’ g).
Results: One RCT on GI (n=80) showed a large anxiety reduction (SMDg = -1.23; 95% CI: -1.75 to -0.72). A meta-analysis of four AVD RCTs (n=300) showed a significant, moderate reduction (SMDg = -0.65; 95% CI: -0.95 to -0.35). Supportive evidence for language-based strategies was found but not pooled. The certainty of evidence was low.
Conclusions: GI and language-based strategies are promising, low-cost methods for reducing pediatric dental anxiety. However, the current evidence is limited and of low certainty.
Clinical Significance: Based on the available evidence, GI and AVD may serve as effective adjuncts to routine behaviour management in pediatric dentistry.

Key words: Dental anxiety, pediatric dentistry, guided imagery, neuro-linguistic programming, systematic review, non-pharmacological intervention.

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How to Cite this Article

Pubmed Style

Jadhav G, Shah P, Hegde R, Shigli A, Herkar P, Borde A. Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. Eu J Dent Res. 2026; 3(2): 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Web Style

Jadhav G, Shah P, Hegde R, Shigli A, Herkar P, Borde A. Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. https://www.wisdomgale.com/ejdr/?mno=290619 [Access: June 07, 2026]. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Jadhav G, Shah P, Hegde R, Shigli A, Herkar P, Borde A. Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. Eu J Dent Res. 2026; 3(2): 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Jadhav G, Shah P, Hegde R, Shigli A, Herkar P, Borde A. Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. Eu J Dent Res. (2026), [cited June 07, 2026]; 3(2): 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Harvard Style

Jadhav, G., Shah, . P., Hegde, . R., Shigli, . A., Herkar, . P. & Borde, . A. (2026) Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. Eu J Dent Res, 3 (2), 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Turabian Style

Jadhav, Geetanjali, Preetam Shah, Rahul Hegde, Anand Shigli, Pawan Herkar, and Apurva Borde. 2026. Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. European Journal of Dental Research, 3 (2), 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

Chicago Style

Jadhav, Geetanjali, Preetam Shah, Rahul Hegde, Anand Shigli, Pawan Herkar, and Apurva Borde. "Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials." European Journal of Dental Research 3 (2026), 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Jadhav, Geetanjali, Preetam Shah, Rahul Hegde, Anand Shigli, Pawan Herkar, and Apurva Borde. "Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials." European Journal of Dental Research 3.2 (2026), 7-16. Print. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Jadhav, G., Shah, . P., Hegde, . R., Shigli, . A., Herkar, . P. & Borde, . A. (2026) Guided Imagery and Language-Based Strategies for Pediatric Dental Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis with Comparator Trials. European Journal of Dental Research, 3 (2), 7-16. doi:10.5455/EJDR.20251016055712