Dental makeover eases anxiety for kids with sensory issues

NCT ID NCT06411808

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a specially adapted dental environment for children with sensory processing disorders. The setting used dim lighting, quiet sounds, and non-scary tools to reduce anxiety. Twenty children participated, and researchers measured their heart rate, blood pressure, and behavior during dental visits. The goal was to see if these simple changes could make dental care less stressful for kids with sensory sensitivities.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) - a modified dental setting with dim lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and non-threatening tools
What this could lead to
If effective, this approach could make dental visits less stressful and more accessible for children with sensory processing disorders.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to all children. The intervention is behavioral and may not work for every child.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UT Health San Antonio

    San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States

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