Aim: To assess and contrast the efficacy of thaumaturgic techniques with that of conventional techniques.

Materials and Methods: Three hundred and sixty children aged 2-13 years, identified as manifesting strong-willed behaviour were selected for the study. The children were randomly allocated to one of the thaumaturgic distraction techniques groups. Anxiety was assessed before and after the operative procedure using the facial anxiety scale.

Results: There has been a significant decrease in anxiety on usage of thaumaturgic techniques. The thumb and light trick and book trick significantly reduced anxiety in children aged 2-7 years, the book trick and item prediction trick significantly reduced anxiety in the children aged 7-11 and only the item prediction trick in children aged 11-13 years.

Conclusion: Thaumaturgic methods have been useful in controlling children's conduct throughout a range of age groups. The method of treatment, however, is crucial to its success.