Using virtual reality to reduce anxiety in children during dental procedures
Official title: The Effect of Virtual Reality on the Behavior of Pediatric Dental Patients During Dental Sealant Application.
Run by University of Southern California · NCT05585905 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study is testing if using virtual reality can help reduce anxiety and pain in kids aged 6-18 during dental procedures compared to regular methods.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 6 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Long Beach, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05585905 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy children aged 6-18 who require two or more dental sealants and are classified as ASA I or II.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with visual, auditory, or tactile deficits that interfere with their ability to use the virtual reality system may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the impact of virtual reality on anxiety, behavior, and pain in children aged 6-18 undergoing restorative dental procedures. Participants will be randomly assigned to experience either virtual reality or traditional behavior guidance techniques during dental sealant placement, serving as their own control in a split-mouth crossover design. The study aims to measure anxiety levels through heart rate changes and pain perception using self-reported scales. The virtual reality system used is the RelieVR by Applied VR, designed to provide an immersive distraction for children during dental treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety and pain for children undergoing dental procedures, improving their overall experience.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results using virtual reality for anxiety reduction in pediatric settings, indicating potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 6-18 * ASA I or II * Present to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Pediatric Dental Clinic and Children's Dental Health Clinic at Long Beach Memorial Hospital for an initial or periodic exam, and are determined to require two or more dental sealants (at least one sealant per half mouth) Exclusion Criteria: Children with visual, auditory, or tactile deficits that would interfere with the ability to complete the experimental tasks * Children who are unable to tolerate the RelievRx by AppliedVR will be screened after consenting to research participation by trying on the VR goggles and stating that they are comfortable and willing to proceed with wearing them during their dental appointment. * Examples of children who may be unable to tolerate the VR goggles may include: * Children who wear glasses and are unable to comfortably adjust the system over their glasses * Children who experience dizziness, motion sickness or other discomfort during use * Children who remove the VR goggles prior to dental sealant application * Children who require pharmacological means to complete dental treatment (nitrous oxide, sedative drugs or general anesthesia) * Children with a significant medical history of seizure disorders as flickering from devices can trigger epileptic episodes. * Children with developmental disabilities * Children with a psychiatric disorder, organic brain syndrome, mental retardation, or other known cognitive/neurological disorders * Children that are not English or Spanish speaking
Where it's running
-
Children's Dental Health Clinic
Long Beach, California, United States Recruiting -
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Pediatric Department
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexander Alcaraz, DMD
- Email: aalcaraz@ostrow.usc.edu
- Phone: (213) 740-0412
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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.