The Science Tooth Fairy: A Randomized Trial of a Storytelling-Based Educational Intervention to Promote Primary Tooth Donation in a Pediatric Setting

Summary

Study Overview Primary ("baby") teeth are unique biological samples because they can permanently store information about a child's early life health and development. While donating baby teeth to scientific research is painless and simple, researchers often face challenges collecting them. Past studies show that donation rates are particularly low among racial minority groups and lower-income families, even though these populations may experience higher rates of early-life adversity and could benefit greatly from this research. Currently, very little is known about what influences a parent's willingness to donate their child's teeth.

This study evaluates whether an educational tool can bridge this gap. Researchers will use a children's book and video called "The Science Tooth Fairy" to see if explaining the importance of tooth donation can positively change parents' attitudes and willingness to participate in scientific research.

Study Objectives and Hypotheses The main goal of this research is to investigate parental attitudes toward donating their children's baby teeth and to see if educational materials can encourage participation.

The study is testing two main hypotheses:

* Primary Hypothesis: Parents who interact with "The Science Tooth Fairy" materials (either the book, video, or both) will show a greater positive shift in their attitudes toward tooth donation compared to parents who read a standard oral health book that does not mention research.
* Secondary Hypothesis: "The Science Tooth Fairy" story's content and delivery format (book, video, or both) influence parental engagement with and understanding of the intervention materials.

Study Design and Procedures This is a randomized controlled trial aiming to recruit approximately 120 parents or legal guardians of children aged 4 to 10. Recruitment will take place in diverse clinical spaces (such as pediatric and dental clinics) and public events to ensure a representative sample. The entire study takes about 30 to 45 minutes to complete in a single session.

Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups:

1. Group 1: Read a printed copy of "The Science Tooth Fairy" book.
2. Group 2: Watch a video version of "The Science Tooth Fairy".
3. Group 3: Watch the video and have the option to read the printed book.
4. Group 4 (Control Group): Read a standard children's book about oral health ("Cavities vs. Toothpaste"), which contains no mention of research or donation.

The step-by-step participation process includes:

* Informed Consent: Reviewing and signing the study consent form.
* Pre-Assessment Survey: A 14-item questionnaire evaluating current trust in medical research and attitudes toward biological donations.
* The Intervention: Completing the reading or viewing activity assigned during randomization.
* Post-Assessment Survey: An identical 14-item questionnaire to measure changes in attitude, along with a background demographics survey.

By comparing survey responses before and after the activity, researchers hope to learn how to design future recruitment strategies.

Conditions

• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Science Tooth Fairy Narrative

The STF narrative follows two children, Isabella and Charlie, as they learn about tooth donation, rituals practiced by different cultures, and why and how these teeth are used in the scientific process. Centered on curiosity and respect for child autonomy and traditions, the story concludes with a tear-away page that allows children to correspond with the character and receive a personalized response. Narrative persuasion theory suggests that readers who identify with story characters are more likely to adopt the characters' beliefs and intentions . By following Isabella and Charlie's journey of curiosity, parents and children may indirectly experience the primary tooth donation process, which may enhance self-efficacy and increase the likelihood of participation.

BEHAVIORAL

Cavities vs. Toothpaste, book by Didi Dragon

Cavities vs. Toothpaste by Didi Dragon is a children's book that humorously explains dental hygiene, following the "bad" bacteria in your mouth as they feast on sugar, create "sugapoo" (lactic acid), and form cavities, only to be defeated by toothpaste and proper brushing.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine

  collaborator OTHER

• Massachusetts General Hospital

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-09-01

Primary Completion

2024-05-31

Completion

2024-05-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations