A new way to help people overcome dental fear using a mobile app.

A Stepped-Care Approach to Treating Dental Fear: A Sequential, Multiple Assignment, Randomized Trial For Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment via Mobile App and Evidence-Based Collaborative Care

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-10875364

This study is testing a helpful mobile app that uses simple techniques to ease dental fear for adults, making it easier for you to feel calm while waiting for your appointment.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10875364 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates a stepped-care approach to treating dental fear, which affects millions of adults. It utilizes a mobile app designed for self-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that patients can use in dental office waiting rooms. The approach starts with less intensive interventions and progresses to more intensive options only if necessary, making it adaptable for various dental practices. The goal is to integrate effective CBT into routine dental care to reduce anxiety and improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing dental fear or anxiety.

Not a fit: Patients who do not experience dental fear or anxiety may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce dental anxiety, leading to better dental health and improved quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for treating dental fear, but this stepped-care model is a novel approach aimed at broader implementation.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.