VR headsets may calm anxious kids with intellectual disabilities during dental visits
NCT ID NCT07249359
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether wearing a virtual reality headset during dental treatment could reduce anxiety in children aged 11-15 with mild intellectual disability. Fifty-six children with moderate dental anxiety were randomly assigned to either VR distraction or watching a cartoon on a screen. The goal was to see if more children could complete their dental procedure calmly and successfully. The results could point to a drug-free way to make dental visits less stressful for this group.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Virtual reality distraction via Meta Quest 3 headset
What this could lead to
If it works, this could give dentists a simple, non-drug tool to help children with intellectual disabilities feel calmer during dental procedures.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed trial with only 56 participants. The results may not apply to all children or settings, and VR headsets might not be practical in every dental office.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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IRCCS Ass. Oasi Maria SS
Troina, EN, 94018, Italy