Elif Bahar Tuna

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About

Dr. Elif Bahar Tuna is a pioneering researcher at the intersection of pediatric dentistry and human-robot interaction, best known for her groundbreaking work in using social robotics to alleviate dental anxiety in children. Her most cited study, "Robotic approach to the reduction of dental anxiety in children" (2020, 36 citations), introduced a humanoid robot as a techno-psychological distraction tool for children aged 4–10 during dental procedures. In a controlled trial with 200 children, she demonstrated that robotic interaction significantly reduced anxiety and improved cooperative behavior, offering a non-pharmacological alternative to traditional sedation methods. This work has positioned her as a leader in child-friendly healthcare technologies, with her citation impact reflecting growing interest in robotics for clinical psychology and pediatric care. Dr. Tuna’s research bridges engineering, psychology, and dentistry, and her innovative approach has been recognized internationally, inspiring further studies on robot-assisted therapy in medical settings. Her contributions continue to shape how clinicians address procedural fear in young patients, making dental visits less traumatic and more engaging.