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Reduction of Dental Anxiety in Children Using Virtual Reality: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Y Kasimoglu1, E Alpaycetin1, G Ince2
1Department of Pedodontics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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.
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.
