Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This thesis investigates the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients. Dental anxiety is a common issue among children that can lead to avoidance of dental visits, resulting in poor oral health outcomes. VR technology has emerged as a promising tool for managing anxiety in various medical settings, including dentistry. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of VR technology on reducing dental anxiety specifically in pediatric patients. Chapter One provides an introduction to the research topic, discussing the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and definition of key terms. Chapter Two presents a comprehensive literature review on ten key studies related to dental anxiety, pediatric patients, VR technology, and the use of VR in healthcare settings. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology, including the research design, sampling method, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures. This chapter also discusses ethical considerations and limitations of the study. Chapter Four presents a detailed discussion of the findings, analyzing the impact of VR technology on reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients based on the data collected. The results of the study indicate that VR technology has a significant positive effect on reducing dental anxiety in pediatric patients. The immersive and interactive nature of VR experiences helps distract children during dental procedures, leading to decreased anxiety levels and improved overall patient experience. The implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research are discussed in Chapter Four. Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings and implications of the study. Recommendations for implementing VR technology in dental settings to reduce anxiety among pediatric patients are provided, along with suggestions for further research in this area. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on the use of VR technology in healthcare and highlights its potential benefits for managing anxiety in pediatric dental patients. Keywords virtual reality, dental anxiety, pediatric patients, healthcare, distraction, anxiety management.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Investigation of the effectiveness of virtual reality technology in reducing dental anxiety among pediatric patients" aims to explore the potential benefits of utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology as a non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate dental anxiety in pediatric patients. Dental anxiety is a common issue among children and can lead to avoidance of dental care, resulting in poor oral health outcomes. Traditional methods of managing dental anxiety, such as sedatives or distraction techniques, may not always be effective or suitable for all children. Virtual reality technology offers an immersive and interactive experience that has been increasingly used in healthcare settings to reduce anxiety and pain perception. By creating a virtual environment that distracts and engages patients, VR technology has shown promise in improving patient experiences and outcomes. However, its specific effectiveness in the context of pediatric dental anxiety remains relatively unexplored. This research will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine existing studies on the use of VR technology in managing anxiety, particularly in pediatric dental care settings. The review will analyze the effectiveness of VR interventions, the types of VR applications used, and the outcomes reported in terms of anxiety reduction and patient satisfaction. The research methodology will include a quantitative study involving pediatric patients receiving dental treatment in a clinical setting. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a VR intervention group or a control group to assess the impact of VR technology on reducing anxiety levels during dental procedures. Data will be collected through pre- and post-intervention anxiety assessments, as well as patient feedback on their experience with the VR intervention. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of VR technology in managing dental anxiety among pediatric patients. By demonstrating the potential benefits of VR interventions, this research aims to contribute to the development of innovative and patient-centered approaches to improving the dental care experience for children. Ultimately, the project seeks to enhance our understanding of how technology can be leveraged to address psychological barriers to dental treatment, leading to better oral health outcomes and overall well-being for pediatric patients.