A single session treatment for dental phobia in young people
One session treatment for dental phobia in an underserved population
This study is testing a special one-time therapy to help kids and teens who are afraid of going to the dentist, especially in Hispanic communities, by providing a safe and supportive experience to face their fears.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10698001 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a one-session exposure therapy designed to help children and adolescents overcome dental phobia, particularly in a predominantly Hispanic population. The approach focuses on reducing anxiety and fear associated with dental visits through a structured therapeutic session. By involving dental health professionals, the study aims to create a supportive environment for participants, allowing them to confront their fears in a safe setting. The research will compare the effectiveness of this treatment against an active control to assess its impact on dental anxiety.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents, particularly those from Hispanic backgrounds, who experience dental phobia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have dental phobia or those who are not within the age range of 0-21 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve dental health and quality of life for young individuals suffering from dental phobia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with one-session exposure therapy for various phobias, although its application specifically for dental phobia in youth is less explored.
Where this research is happening
Edinburg, United States
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley — Edinburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seligman, Laura D — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Seligman, Laura D
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.