Tools to help people overcome fear of the dentist
Official title: Disseminable Evidence-Based Treatment for the Dental Office: Virtual Exposure Tools for Dental Fear - neVR Fear the Dentist
Funded at Virtually Better, INC. · NIH-10913377 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating friendly online tools to help adults who are scared of going to the dentist, so they can face their fears and take better care of their teeth right in the dental office.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virtually Better, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, United States) |
| Project start | June 3, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $412,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R42DE030040-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913377 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience moderate to severe fear of dental procedures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not experience dental fear or anxiety may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing and testing virtual exposure tools designed to help adults manage their fear of dental visits. By utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, the project aims to create a suite of self-administered eHealth tools that can be integrated into dental practices. The goal is to break the cycle of fear and avoidance that leads to poor oral health by providing accessible treatment options directly in the dental office. Patients will be able to use these tools to confront their fears in a controlled and supportive environment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce dental anxiety, leading to improved oral health and more positive dental experiences for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective for treating dental fear, but this approach aims to expand its accessibility in standard dental practices.
Where this research is happening
-
Virtually Better, INC.
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adams Larsen, Margo — Virtually Better, INC.
- Study coordinator: Adams Larsen, Margo
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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.