Virtual Reality Distraction for Dental Anxiety (PILOT)

Launched by ST. JUSTINE'S HOSPITAL · Jun 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, called "Virtual Reality Distraction for Dental Anxiety," is exploring whether virtual reality (VR) can help reduce fear and anxiety in children and teenagers who have special health needs and are facing dental treatments. Many young patients experience significant dental anxiety, which can make it hard for them to cooperate during procedures. By using a VR game designed for this study, researchers hope to distract these children and make their dental visits more comfortable. The trial is taking place at a hospital dental clinic, and participants will be placed into two groups: one group will receive the standard care, while the other will use the VR game during their dental procedures.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 6 and 17 years old and have a dentist's recommendation for a dental procedure. They need to come with a parent or guardian who can understand English or French. Participants will experience the VR game during their dental visit, which aims to make the experience less stressful. The researchers will look at how effective the VR is at reducing anxiety and will also gather feedback from parents and healthcare providers about their experiences. This pilot study is just the first step in understanding how VR can help children with dental anxiety in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 6 to 17 years
• • Received the dentist's recommendation to participate
• • Required to undergo any dental procedure
• • Accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian who can understand, read, and write in either French or English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Suffer from epilepsy or any other conditions preventing them from using virtual reality (VR).