Impact of a Snoezelen Element on Anxiety During Dental Care
Official title: Impact of a Snoezelen Element on Anxiety in Patients With Special Needs During Oral Care at the Hôtel-Dieu University Hospital in Nantes: A Real-Life Study at Nantes University Hospital
Run by Nantes University Hospital · NCT06776653 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This real-life study tests whether using the Tovertafel Pixie sensory projector in a Nantes dental department reduces anxiety for adults receiving dental care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nantes University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Nantes, Nantes) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | March 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06776653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults over 18 years receiving care in the specialized dentistry unit who can understand French and consent, and can express themselves in the questionnaire.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to perceive or engage with the sensory stimuli, or who do not experience anxiety during care, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study at Nantes University Hospital will compare patients exposed to the Tovertafel Pixie sensory projector with those not exposed to see if anxiety levels differ during dental treatment. The Snoezelen-based approach uses multisensory stimuli to create a calming environment. Data are collected via a patient-practitioner questionnaire completed at the end of the treatment session, with no follow-up visits required. The study is conducted in routine clinical care settings, focusing on adults in the specialized dentistry unit who can communicate in French and provide consent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could help reduce anxiety during dental visits with a simple, portable sensory tool.
How similar studies have gone: Snoezelen and sensory-based approaches have shown anxiety-reduction benefits in some healthcare settings, but evidence in routine dental care is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patient, over 18 years old; * consulting in the specialized care unit; * who understands French; * receiving care in the specialized dentistry unit and capable of expressing themselves independently regarding the various items in the questionnaire, whether orally, in writing, through a speech synthesis system, or using pictograms; * able to provide consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: * receiving care in the specialized care unit who are unable to express themselves independently regarding the various items in the questionnaire, whether orally, in writing, through a speech synthesis system, or using pictograms; * refuse to participate in the study; * under guardianship, curatorship, or legal protection.
Where it's running
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CHU Nantes-Department of Dentistry
Nantes, Nantes, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Isabelle Hyon, M.D — Nantes University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Isabelle Hyon, M.D
- Email: bp-secretariat-csd@chu-nantes.fr
- Phone: 02 44 76 80 78
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.