Could a VR headset replace the Dentist's drill of dread?
NCT ID NCT07781254
First seen Aug 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 25, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether immersive virtual reality (VR) can reduce pain, dental fear, and improve cooperation in children aged 8-12 during restorative dental treatment. Half the children will watch an age-appropriate animated video through a VR headset during local anesthesia and treatment, while the other half receives standard care. Researchers will compare pain, anxiety, behavior, and satisfaction between the two groups to see if VR offers a meaningful distraction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Immersive virtual reality (VR) using an age-appropriate animated video during dental treatment
- What this could lead to
- If it works, VR could become a simple, drug-free way to help children feel less pain and fear during dental visits, improving cooperation and satisfaction.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and results may not apply to all children or dental procedures. VR might not reduce pain or fear for everyone, and some children may find the headset uncomfortable.
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
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70 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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May 2025
- Finished
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Aug 2025
- Lead sponsor
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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
-
8 to 12 years
- Sex
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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 8-12 years. Children requiring dental treatment under local anesthesia. Children who are able to understand and follow the study instructions. Children whose parents/legal guardians provide written informed consent. Children who provide age-appropriate assent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: Children with systemic, neurological, psychiatric, cognitive, or developmental conditions that may affect anxiety or pain assessment. Children with visual or auditory impairments that prevent appropriate use of the VR system or communication with the investigator. Children with a history of seizures or other conditions for which VR use is contraindicated. Children who refuse to participate or whose parents/legal guardians withdraw consent. Children who are unable to complete the dental treatment or study assessments.
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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
Locations
-
Gaziantep University Faculty of Dentistry
Gaziantep, 27310, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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