Using virtual reality to help children with dental anxiety
The Feasibility and Clinical Utility of the Use of Virtual Reality for the Management of Pediatric Dental Anxiety
This study is testing if using a virtual reality headset can help kids aged 6 to 12 feel less anxious and more comfortable during dental visits.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 6 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT06380283 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality (VR) headset as a distraction technique during dental procedures for children aged 6 to 12. It involves a randomized clinical trial design with two groups: one receiving standard behavior management and the other using the VR headset during treatment. Participants will complete questionnaires assessing their pain, anxiety, and satisfaction before and after the intervention, while dentists will provide their observations on the treatment process. The goal is to evaluate both the clinical utility of VR and the perceptions of patients and clinicians regarding its use in pediatric dentistry.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 6 to 12 who are scheduled for specific dental procedures and can communicate in French or English.
Not a fit: Patients with cognitive or auditory impairments, those requiring urgent dental care, or those needing conscious sedation will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce dental anxiety and pain in children, improving their overall experience during dental visits.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for pain and anxiety management in pediatric healthcare, suggesting this approach may be effective in dental settings as well.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged between 6 and 12 years and their accompanying parent/legal-guardian. * Children scheduled for one of the following procedures: restorative treatments (amalgam, composite or stainless-steel crowns), pulp therapy and extractions * Children that can understand and speak French or English. Exclusion Criteria: * Children diagnosed with a cognitive, auditory, or cognitive impairment preventing them from interacting with the VR game. * Children diagnosed with epilepsy or any other condition preventing them from playing the VR game. * Children requiring urgent dental care * Children requiring dental treatment with conscious sedation (i.e. nitrous oxide inhalation and/or oral sedation with benzodiazepines)
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Division of Dentistry, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Beatriz Ferraz dos Santos, DDS, MSc
- Email: beatriz.ferrazdossantos@muhc.mcgill.ca
- Phone: +1 (514) 412-4400
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.