Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The prevalence of dental anxiety among individuals seeking dental care poses a significant challenge for both patients and dental professionals. This research project aims to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) in managing dental anxiety and improving the overall dental experience for patients. The study will explore the potential of VR technology as a non-pharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety levels and enhance patient comfort during dental procedures. The research will be guided by a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A comprehensive review of the existing literature on dental anxiety, virtual reality technology, and their potential applications in healthcare will provide a theoretical framework for the study. The literature review will also explore the psychological and physiological aspects of dental anxiety, as well as the mechanisms through which VR can influence anxiety levels and pain perception. The methodology chapter will outline the research design, participant recruitment strategies, data collection procedures, and data analysis methods. Participants will be recruited from dental clinics and will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group receiving VR intervention or the control group receiving standard care. Data will be collected through pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, interviews, and physiological measurements to assess changes in anxiety levels and patient experiences. The findings chapter will present the results of the study, including quantitative data on anxiety levels, pain perception, and patient satisfaction, as well as qualitative insights from participant interviews. The discussion section will interpret the findings in relation to the existing literature, highlighting the potential benefits of VR in dental anxiety management and its implications for clinical practice. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of virtual reality technology as a promising intervention for managing dental anxiety. The study findings may inform the development of innovative strategies to improve patient care and enhance the dental experience for individuals with anxiety disorders. Further research in this area could lead to the integration of VR technology into routine dental practice, ultimately benefiting both patients and dental professionals.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Investigation of the Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Dental Anxiety Management" seeks to explore the potential role of virtual reality (VR) technology in alleviating dental anxiety among patients. Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects a significant portion of the population, leading to avoidance of dental care and subsequent negative impacts on oral health. Virtual reality, a cutting-edge technology that immerses users in a simulated environment, has shown promise in various healthcare settings for reducing anxiety and improving patient experience. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on the use of virtual reality in managing anxiety in healthcare contexts and specifically within dental settings. This review will provide a foundation for understanding the theoretical framework and previous findings related to the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions for anxiety reduction. The methodology chapter will detail the research design, participant recruitment, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques to be employed in the study. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative measures of anxiety levels and qualitative assessments of patient experiences will be used to gather comprehensive data on the impact of virtual reality on dental anxiety management. The findings chapter will present the results of the study, including statistical analyses of anxiety levels before and after virtual reality exposure, thematic analysis of patient feedback, and any observed trends or patterns in the data. This section will provide insights into the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in reducing dental anxiety and improving the overall patient experience. The discussion chapter will interpret the findings in the context of existing literature, discussing implications for dental practice, potential limitations of the study, and areas for future research. It will also address the practical considerations of implementing virtual reality technology in dental settings and potential barriers to adoption. In conclusion, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into the use of virtual reality as a tool for managing dental anxiety, ultimately improving patient outcomes and promoting better oral health. By exploring the effectiveness of virtual reality interventions in dental anxiety management, this project has the potential to inform clinical practice and enhance the overall patient experience in dental care settings.