Virtual Reality Distraction for Dental Anxiety (RCT)

Launched by ST. JUSTINE'S HOSPITAL · Dec 12, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether using virtual reality (VR) can help reduce fear and anxiety in children who need dental work. The researchers want to see if playing an immersive VR game while at the dentist is more effective than watching a cartoon on a TV mounted on the wall. They are also interested in how satisfied parents and dental staff are with using VR during dental visits.

To participate, children must be between 6 and 17 years old and need to have a dental procedure recommended by their dentist. They will wear a VR headset that allows them to play a game without moving their heads, making it easier for them to stay still during treatment. The study will measure how stressed the kids and their parents feel, using a special scale and saliva samples to check stress levels. If a child has certain health conditions, like epilepsy or eye problems, they may not be eligible to join. This trial is currently recruiting participants, and it aims to make dental visits less stressful for children.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Aged 6 to 17 years;
• • 2. Received the dentist's recommendation to participate;
• • 3. Required to undergo any dental procedure;
• • 4. Accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian who can understand, read, and write in either French or English.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Suffer from epilepsy,
• • 2. Paralysis or paresis of the hand
• • 3. Has any diagnosed eye disease/problem,
• • 4. Any other conditions preventing them from using virtual reality (VR) (e.g., epidermolysis bullosa).