Pen vs needle: can a high-tech device calm kids at the dentist?
NCT ID NCT07557160
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a computer-controlled pen-like device (Dentapen) causes less anxiety in children aged 6-8 during dental numbing compared to a traditional syringe. About 42 children will be randomly assigned to one method, and their anxiety and heart rate will be measured. The goal is to find a more comfortable way to give numbing medicine to kids.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 42 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Sep 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
6 to 8 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged between 6 and 8 years. * Cooperative children. * Children having normal intellectual development. * Children willing to provide assent and parent willing to provide informed consent. * Healthy children with no systemic problems according to parental history. * First dental visit. * Children with bilaterally maxillary primary molars indicated for extraction. Exclusion Criteria: * Children with medical, physical, or mental conditions. * Children requiring emergency dental treatment (cellulitis, abscess). * Children whose parents refuse to sign the informed consent.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Child dental anxiety are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.