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Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Treatment
Sponsor: University of British Columbia
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether immersive virtual reality (VR) reduces pain and anxiety in children aged 6-12 years during routine dental procedures. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does VR distraction reduce self-reported pain and anxiety during dental treatment compared to standard behaviour guidance? * Does VR distraction improve children's post-procedural experience and willingness to return for future dental visits? Researchers will compare children using a VR headset during dental treatment to children receiving standard behaviour guidance techniques. Participants will: * Attend one routine dental appointment * Be randomly assigned to wear a VR headset or receive standard care during their procedure * Complete brief questionnaires about pain and anxiety before and after treatment * Receive a follow-up phone call 24-72 hours after the appointment
Official title: Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, and Post-Procedural Experience in Pediatric Dental Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
6 Years - 12 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2026-06-02
Completion Date
2027-06-30
Last Updated
2026-06-09
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Immersive Virtual Reality Headset
A commercially available immersive VR headset used as a non-pharmacological distraction tool during routine pediatric dental procedures. Children wear the headset throughout their treatment to engage with an interactive virtual environment designed to reduce pain and anxiety.
Standard Behaviour Guidance
Standard behaviour guidance techniques routinely used in pediatric dentistry, including tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and distraction through verbal communication and a TV screen. No virtual reality headset is used.
Locations (1)
UBC Graduate Pediatric Dental Clinic
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada