Virtual Reality for Dental Anxiety in Children With Mild Intellectual Disability

Effect of Virtual Reality on Dental Anxiety in Children With Mild Intellectual Disability: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacological approach to reduce dental anxiety in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. This randomized controlled trial compared a VR-based distraction intervention with conventional monitor-based distraction in children aged 11-15 years with mild intellectual disability and moderate dental anxiety undergoing conservative dental treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 11-15; diagnosis of mild intellectual disability (DSM-5)
• Moderate anxiety (Corah DAS 9-12)
• ≥1 decayed tooth requiring conservative treatment under local anesthesia
• Informed consent from parents/legal guardians

Exclusion Criteria:

• no or slight anxiety
• high or severe anxiety
• visual disorders
• neuromuscular comorbidities interfering with cooperation