Understanding how prior exposure to dental experiences can reduce fear of dental visits
Identifying the mechanisms of latent inhibition to prevent dental fear
This study is looking at how getting used to dental sounds and sights before your appointment might help make you less scared of going to the dentist, and it will also see if things like your background affect how well this works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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-10676151 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how being exposed to dental stimuli before a dental appointment can help reduce fear associated with dental procedures. By studying the mechanisms behind this phenomenon, known as latent inhibition, the researchers aim to develop targeted strategies to prevent dental fear. The study will also explore how individual differences, such as ethnicity, may influence the effectiveness of these strategies. Patients may participate in experiments that assess their responses to dental-related stimuli and their subsequent fear levels.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience anxiety or fear related to dental visits.
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 lead to effective prevention programs for dental fear, improving patients' willingness to seek dental care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to understanding fear and anxiety in other contexts have been successful, suggesting potential for this study's approach.
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.