Evaluating an Integrated Habituation Programme for Enhancing Dental Examination Acceptance in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Effectiveness Trial
The goal of this effectiveness trial is to investigate if an integrated dental habituation programme can enhance acceptance of a clinical dental examination in children (aged 5-8 years) with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can a dental habituation programme performed by trained dental hygienists increase the acceptance of a clinical dental examination in children with ASD? * Is a dental habituation programme for children with ASD more effective compared to home preparation using visual aids performed by parents/guardians in increasing the acceptance of a clinical dental examination in children with ASD? The study participants will be randomly assigned to either the habituation group (intervention) or the home preparation group (augmented control) to investigate the effectiveness in increasing acceptance and cooperation of a clinical dental examination.
• Children living in the counties Rogaland or Vestland, Norway
• English or Norwegian speaking
• Have not been able to complete a clinical dental examination at the local dental clinic
• Has an autism spectrum diagnosis (reported by parents/guardians)