Using virtual reality to help children with dental anxiety
Effects of The Virtual Reality "Dream" Game on Anxiety During Dental Procedures in Children (VR-TOOTH): A Pilot Randomized, Controlled Trial
NA · St. Justine's Hospital · NCT05898100
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help children with special health care needs feel less anxious during dental visits compared to standard care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Justine's Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05898100 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of using virtual reality (VR) as a distraction tool for children with special health care needs (SHCN) who experience dental anxiety during procedures. The study will involve a randomized controlled trial with two groups: one receiving standard dental care and the other using VR during their dental appointments. By assessing the experiences of both the children and their parents, the study seeks to gather insights on the effectiveness of VR in reducing anxiety and improving cooperation during dental visits.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are children aged 6 to 17 years with special health care needs who require dental procedures.
Not a fit: Patients with epilepsy or other conditions that prevent them from using virtual reality will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce dental anxiety in children, leading to better dental experiences and improved oral health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of virtual reality in dental settings is emerging, this specific approach targeting children with special health care needs is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 6 to 17 years * Received the dentist's recommendation to participate * Required to undergo any dental procedure * Accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian who can understand, read, and write in either French or English. Exclusion Criteria: * Suffer from epilepsy or any other conditions preventing them from using virtual reality (VR).
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- St.Justine's Hospital — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sylvie Le May, PhD — St. Justine's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sylvie Le May, PhD
- Email: sylvie.lemay@umontreal.ca
- Phone: 514-566-8892
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Dental Anxiety, Dental Phobia, Dental Trauma, Dental Diseases