Reduction of Dental Anxiety in Children Using Virtual Reality: A Randomised Controlled Trial

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ABSTRACT

Aim

The aim of this research is examining the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) in the reduction of dental anxiety in children with novel methods.

Methods

The three arm parallel-group randomised clinical study was conducted in children aged 6-10 years. Pulpotomy procedure was performed on randomised 90 selected children (n=30 in each group; AG: group applied active distraction using VR glasses, PG: group applied passive distraction, i.e., watching cartoons on a screen mounted onto a dental unit, CG: control group). Before and after the procedure, children were administered Facial Pain Scale (FIS), Children’s Fear Rating Scale (CFSS-DS) and Frankl Behaviour Rating Scale (FBRS). The pulse rate was measured to check the anxiety levels of all treated children at five different time points. Statistical significance was determined as p<0.05.

Results

The decrease of pulse rates of children in AG in post-treatment compared to the pulse rates before the procedure was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of FBRS, FIS and CFSS-DS scores before and after the procedure (p>0.05).

Conclusion

VR has been found to positively contribute to the performance of children in adapting to dental treatment. The VR application aims to create positive attitude in children by providing them a safe atmosphere and becoming a useful tool in the dental profession.

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