Virtual Reality for Pain and Anxiety in Pediatric Dental Treatment

What this study is about

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

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• 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

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• 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

Where this trial is running

• UBC Graduate Pediatric Dental Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Who to contact

Randa Soussou · 604-822-6819 · randa.soussou@dentistry.ubc.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT07636330.