Anxiety-Free Public Dentistry for Adults With Disabilities by Using Head-Mounted Virtual Reality Technology: Protocol...

Oral disease remains a global public health concern, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. Adults with disabilities or health conditions face additional barriers to dental care, including physical accessibility, communication challenges, and heightened anxiety. These factors contribute to care avoidance and poorer oral health outcomes. While virtual reality (VR) has shown promise in reducing procedural anxiety in pediatric and private dental settings, its application in adult public dentistry, particularly for people with disabilities, remains underexplored.

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility, usability, and acceptability of Smileyscope, a Therapeutic Goods Administration-approved head-mounted VR headset, in reducing dental anxiety and enhancing care experiences for adults with disabilities in public dental clinics.

A mixed methods convergent design will be implemented across community dental sites in Victoria, Australia. In total, 50 adult patients and up to 10 dental staff members will be recruited. Primary feasibility indicators include recruitment rate (≥60% consent), completion rate (≥80% System Usability Scale [SUS] completion), and usability threshold (mean SUS ≥68). The primary analysis will be descriptive, with 95% CIs reported. Quantitative data will be collected using the visual analog scale for willingness, the SUS, and the technology acceptance model questionnaire. Qualitative data from semistructured interviews will be thematically analyzed. The study is co-designed with a disability advocate and integrates lived experience throughout all phases, including recruitment, evaluation, and dissemination.

The project was funded in 2025, and ethics approval was granted by Peninsula Health Human Research Ethics Committee (project ID 117565). Data collection is scheduled for October 2025 to March 2026 at the participating community dental sites. Primary feasibility estimates and qualitative themes are expected to be submitted for publication in mid‑2026.

This protocol outlines a feasibility study that will inform scalable models for VR integration into public dental services. The findings will contribute to improved oral health equity and patient-centered care, advancing the evidence base for inclusive digital health innovation in dentistry.

PRR1-10.2196/85916.