Virtual Reality in Pediatric Dentistry

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA · Oct 14, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how virtual reality (VR) can help reduce anxiety and improve behavior in children who need dental work, specifically those getting dental sealants. Many kids feel scared or anxious about going to the dentist, which can make it difficult for them to cooperate during their treatment. In this study, children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are otherwise healthy and need at least two dental sealants will have the chance to experience VR during their dental visit. They will alternate between using VR and traditional methods of calming down, allowing researchers to compare the effects.

To participate, children must be generally healthy and able to wear VR goggles comfortably. Certain conditions, like having difficulty seeing or hearing, or experiencing motion sickness, may prevent some children from joining the trial. If eligible, kids can expect to wear VR goggles during their dental appointment, which may help distract them and make the experience more pleasant. This study aims to find out if using VR can make dental visits easier for kids and improve their overall experience at the dentist.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 6-18
• • ASA I or II
• • Present to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Clinic and Children's Dental Health Clinic at Long Beach Memorial Hospital for an initial or periodic exam, and are determined to require two or more dental sealants (at least one sealant per half mouth)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Children with visual, auditory, or tactile deficits that would interfere with the ability to complete the experimental tasks
• • Children who are unable to tolerate the RelievRx by AppliedVR will be screened after consenting to research participation by trying on the VR goggles and stating that they are comfortable and willing to proceed with wearing them during their dental appointment.
• * Examples of children who may be unable to tolerate the VR goggles may include:
• • Children who wear glasses and are unable to comfortably adjust the system over their glasses
• • Children who experience dizziness, motion sickness or other discomfort during use
• • Children who remove the VR goggles prior to dental sealant application
• • Children who require pharmacological means to complete dental treatment (nitrous oxide, sedative drugs or general anesthesia)
• • Children with a significant medical history of seizure disorders as flickering from devices can trigger epileptic episodes.
• • Children with developmental disabilities
• • Children with a psychiatric disorder, organic brain syndrome, mental retardation, or other known cognitive/neurological disorders
• • Children that are not English or Spanish speaking