Helping Adults Overcome Dental Fear with a Mobile App and Team-Based Care
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
This project is testing a new way to help adults manage their dental fear using a smartphone app and support from their dental team.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144552 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Dental fear affects many adults, often leading to avoidance and more serious dental problems. Current solutions like anti-anxiety medication often don't address the root cause of the fear itself. This project introduces a stepped-care approach, starting with a self-administered smartphone app that patients can use privately. If the app isn't enough, patients can then receive more intensive support from their dental practice. The goal is to integrate effective cognitive-behavioral treatments into regular dental offices across the U.S.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are American adults aged 21 and older who experience significant dental fear and anxiety.
Not a fit: Patients whose dental fear is not the primary barrier to care or who prefer traditional medication-based solutions may not find this approach beneficial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help millions of adults overcome their dental fear, leading to better oral health and an improved quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Cognitive-behavioral treatments for dental fear have been shown to be effective in many previous trials, but this project aims to make them widely available in dental practices.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Heyman, Richard Eliot — New York University
- Study coordinator: Heyman, Richard Eliot
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.