Objectives. To assess the perceptions of children treated at a university dental teaching clinic regarding the “Tooth Fairy” and aspects related to oral health and dental treatment, as well as the influence of this character on children’s cooperation during dental care.

Methods. This descriptive study was conducted as part of an extension project and included 22 children aged 3 to 10 years and their respective caregivers, who were treated at the teaching clinics of the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, Brazil, during the first semester of 2025. Data were collected through questionnaire-based interviews conducted in the waiting room in May and June 2025. The children were assessed before and after the participation of a dental student dressed as the “Tooth Fairy” in a playful manner during dental care.

Results. The mean age of the children was 7.05 ± 1.93 years, and most were accompanied by their mothers (77.3%). The main reason for seeking dental care was dental caries associated with toothache (45.4%). Only one child had never heard of the “Tooth Fairy,” whereas six had heard of the character but were unfamiliar with its representation. All children had a positive perception of the character, associating it with a “good” figure, mainly because she was a fairy and because she “gives money.” Following the playful participation of the “Tooth Fairy” during dental care, the children reported reduced fear and greater feelings of happiness during dental visits.

Conclusion. The playful use of the “Tooth Fairy” proved to be a promising strategy for desensitization and behavior management in pediatric dental care, fostering more positive perceptions of dental visits and potentially contributing to children’s cooperation. Further studies with larger samples and analytical designs are needed to assess its effectiveness.