Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Treatment
This study is exploring if virtual reality (VR) can make dental visits easier for children aged 6 to 12. Many children feel anxious or experience pain at the dentist, and this research aims to find new ways to help. Researchers will divide children into two groups: some will wear a special VR headset during their dental treatment, while others will receive the usual comforting techniques dentists already use. The main goal is to see if VR reduces pain and anxiety and makes children more willing to come back for future appointments. By understanding how VR affects children's experiences, this study hopes to improve dental care for younger patients.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Going to the dentist can sometimes be a bit scary, especially for children. Some kids might feel worried or even experience pain during their treatment. This study is hoping to find a new way to make dental visits much more comfortable and less stressful for children. They are looking into whether wearing a special virtual reality (VR) headset can help. VR creates a pretend world that children can explore, which might distract them from the dental work.
The main idea behind this research is to see if being immersed in a VR world helps children aged 6 to 12 feel less pain and anxiety compared to the regular ways dentists soothe and guide children during procedures. The study also wants to understand if using VR means children have a better experience overall and are happier to return for their next check-up or treatment. If VR proves to be helpful, it could become a common tool in dental practices to make visits more pleasant for young patients.
Researchers will carefully compare children who use the VR headset with those who receive standard care. This will help them understand if VR truly makes a difference in how children feel during their dental treatments. It's an important step towards finding innovative ways to improve dental care for children and help them develop positive feelings about visiting the dentist.
Key takeaways
- This study explores using virtual reality (VR) to reduce pain and anxiety for children at the dentist.
- It aims to make dental visits more positive for children aged 6-12.
- Children will either use a VR headset or receive standard comfort care during their dental treatment.
- The study wants to see if VR improves children's experience and willingness to return to the dentist.
- Participation involves one dental appointment and a quick follow-up phone call.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, children need to be between 6 and 12 years old. They also need to be coming in for a regular dental procedure where the dentist will be doing more than just a quick check-up – something like filling a tooth, for example. A parent or legal guardian must be with them and able to give their permission for the child to take part.
However, some children might not be able to join. This includes children who have problems with their eyesight or hearing that would stop them from using the VR headset properly. Also, if a child often gets motion sickness (like in a car), they can't take part. Children with learning difficulties that would make it hard to answer simple questions for the study, or those who have already been part of this specific study before, also won't be able to join. Finally, if a child needs emergency dental work right away, this study isn't suitable for them.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Is your child aged between 6 and 12 years old?
- Is your child coming for a routine dental procedure (not just a check-up)?
- Does your child have good eyesight and hearing (without problems that would stop them using a VR headset)?
- Does your child usually get motion sickness (like feeling carsick)? (If yes, they likely can't join)
- Has your child been part of this specific study before? (If yes, they can't join)
What does participation involve?
If your child takes part, they will come for one routine dental appointment. Before beginning, they will be randomly chosen to either wear a special Virtual Reality (VR) headset during their treatment or to receive the standard comforting and guiding techniques your dentist already uses. Both before and after their treatment, your child will answer some quick questions about how they feel regarding pain and worry. A day or two after the appointment (within 24 to 72 hours), you'll also receive a phone call to follow up and see how your child is doing. The total time for participation is just this one appointment and a brief follow-up call.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- UBC Graduate Pediatric Dental ClinicVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada
Common questions
What is 'virtual reality'?
Virtual reality (VR) involves wearing a special headset that shows you a computer-generated world, making you feel like you're really there.
Will my child definitely get the VR headset?
No, children are randomly assigned to either use the VR headset or receive standard comfort care. It's like flipping a coin for fairness.
What does 'standard behaviour guidance' mean?
This refers to the usual methods dentists use to help children feel calm and cooperate, like talking them through the procedure or using comforting words.
How long will the VR headset be on?
The VR headset would be used during the actual dental treatment, for the part of the visit that usually causes the most worry or discomfort.
What happens if my child doesn't like the VR headset?
If your child feels uncomfortable or doesn't like the VR, they can stop using it at any point. Their well-being is the top priority.
How to find out more
Randa Soussou
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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