Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Treatment

Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Pain, Anxiety, and Post-Procedural Experience in Pediatric Dental Treatment: A Randomized Controlled Trial

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 6 to 12 years
• Scheduled for a routine invasive dental procedure
• Accompanied by a parent or legal guardian
• Parent/guardian able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with visual or hearing impairments that would prevent use of the VR headset
• Children with a history of motion sickness
• Children with severe cognitive or developmental delays that would prevent completion of study measures
• Children who have previously participated in this study
• Children requiring emergency dental treatment