Using virtual reality to help with dental fear
Disseminable Evidence-Based Treatment for the Dental Office: Virtual Exposure Tools for Dental Fear - neVR Fear the Dentist
This study tests if using virtual reality can help people with dental fear feel less anxious during their dental visits compared to regular anxiety management methods.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06494176 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares a virtual reality intervention for dental fear to standard dental anxiety management techniques. Participants will use a mobile app designed to address dental fear, followed by a one-hour virtual reality experience in the dental office. The study is randomized, with participants assigned to either the intervention or an active control group. The goal is to determine if the virtual reality approach leads to greater reductions in dental fear and improvements in oral health-related quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 13 and older who report a dental fear score of 4 or higher on a scale of 0-10.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental disorders, balance issues, or those requiring urgent dental care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce dental fear, making dental visits more manageable for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for anxiety management, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Be at least 13 years of age 2. Report dental fear of 4 or higher on a scale of 0-10 on the Gatchel dental fear item 3. Be able and willing to comply with study procedures 4. Provide a signed and dated informed consent form an/or assent form (if applicable) 5. Proficient in English because the intervention is in English 6. Have access to a smartphone or tablet 7. Attending dental appointments at one of our participating dental practices. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Hearing or visual impairment such as stereoscopy blindness or nystagmus 2. Known mental disorders such as psychosis, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), developmental or intellectual disability, cognitive impairment 3. Known balance disorders such as vertigo and cybersickness 4. Previous history of epileptic seizures 5. A history of cardiac problems 6. Are in pain, require urgent care, or whose necessary treatment will be delayed by participating in the study
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- New York University — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard Heyman, PhD — New York University
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Piscitello, PhD
- Email: jp4300@nyu.edu
- Phone: 917-267-8041
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.