Pre-exposure to the first dental treatment.

The present study attempts to verify the relative efficacy of two forms of pre-exposure which are identical in content and parallel in mode of exposure (in vivo or videotape). These two forms of pre-exposure were given to 38 children, aged four to six years old, before their first dental visit. The results showed that all groups manifested relatively little negative behavior while seeing the dentist. The theoretical and methodological implications of this study are discussed.