Softer lights, less fear: new study tests Sensory-Friendly dentist visits for kids

NCT ID NCT06912854

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

Summary

This study tests whether a specially adapted dental environment—with dimmed lights, calming colors, and a headlamp for the dentist—can reduce anxiety, pain, and distress in children aged 6 to 12 during a dental cleaning. Some children will also watch a video showing a positive dental visit beforehand. The goal is to find a simple, non-drug way to help kids with dental fear get the care they need.

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) and video-based modeling

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to make dental visits less stressful for children with dental fear.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage study testing a behavioral intervention, so results may not apply to all children or dental settings. The effect may be small or not last beyond the single visit.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Children's Hospital Los Angeles

    RECRUITING

    Los Angeles, California, 90027, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact