Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Children and Adolescents With Dental or Injection Phobia: 1-year...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Psychology
• Dental Public Health
• Digital Therapeutics

Background:

• Dental phobia (DP) and injection phobia (IP) significantly impair pediatric dental care access.
• Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (ICBT) shows promise, but long-term efficacy remains unexamined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the sustained effects of ICBT on DP and IP in children and adolescents over one year.
• To evaluate ICBT's impact on diagnostic status and treatment adherence.

Main Methods:

• A 12-week parent-guided, exposure-based ICBT program was administered to 49 participants with DP/IP.
• Assessments included clinical interviews and self-report measures at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-year follow-up.
• The study involved local dental clinic visits and weekly psychologist correspondence.

Main Results:

• At 1-year follow-up, significant reductions in DP (53%) and IP (46%) diagnoses were observed.
• Participants showed large effect size improvements in dental procedure willingness (d=1.1), dental fear (d=1.0), and self-efficacy (d=1.1).
• Older participants and males demonstrated greater treatment gains.

Conclusions:

• ICBT for pediatric DP and IP demonstrates sustained efficacy one year post-treatment.
• The therapy enhances self-reported willingness for dental care, supporting its use in pediatric dentistry.
• ICBT's accessibility and proven long-term benefits make it a recommended intervention for severe dental fear.