Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon that affects a significant portion of the population and often leads to avoidance of dental care, resulting in poor oral health outcomes. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool in managing anxiety in various medical settings. This thesis investigates the efficacy of VR in the context of dental anxiety management. The study aims to assess the impact of VR technology on reducing anxiety levels in dental patients and improving their overall dental experience. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the research topic, including the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, limitations, scope, significance, structure of the thesis, and key definitions. Chapter two presents a comprehensive literature review covering ten key aspects related to dental anxiety, VR technology, anxiety management techniques, and previous studies on the use of VR in healthcare settings. Chapter three outlines the research methodology, including the research design, participant selection criteria, data collection methods, ethical considerations, and data analysis techniques. The study design involves a randomized controlled trial where participants will be exposed to a dental procedure with and without VR intervention to compare anxiety levels and subjective experiences. Chapter four presents a detailed discussion of the findings, including the analysis of anxiety levels before and after the VR intervention, participant feedback on the VR experience, and comparisons with the control group. The results will be analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of VR in reducing dental anxiety and enhancing the overall patient experience. Finally, chapter five summarizes the key findings of the study and discusses the implications for dental practice and future research. The conclusion highlights the potential of VR technology as a valuable tool in managing dental anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Recommendations for integrating VR into routine dental care practices and further research directions are also provided. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of literature on the application of VR in healthcare and specifically in the field of dental anxiety management. The study findings have the potential to inform clinical practice and enhance the quality of care for individuals experiencing dental anxiety.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality in Dental Anxiety Management" aims to explore the potential benefits of utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology in the field of dentistry, specifically in managing dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects a significant portion of the population and can lead to avoidance of necessary dental care, ultimately impacting oral health outcomes. This research project seeks to investigate how VR technology can be effectively integrated into dental practice to help alleviate anxiety and improve the overall dental experience for patients. The study will begin with a comprehensive review of the existing literature on dental anxiety, the use of VR in healthcare settings, and any previous research on the application of VR in dental care. This literature review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of knowledge in this area and will help identify gaps that warrant further investigation. The research methodology will involve designing and implementing a study that evaluates the efficacy of VR in managing dental anxiety. This may include conducting surveys or interviews with patients who have experienced dental anxiety, as well as implementing controlled trials to compare the effectiveness of traditional anxiety management techniques with the use of VR technology. The findings of this study will be discussed in detail in Chapter Four, where the results of the research will be analyzed and interpreted. This chapter will also explore the implications of the findings for dental practice and potential recommendations for integrating VR technology into routine dental care. In the conclusion and summary chapter, the key findings of the study will be summarized, and the overall implications of the research will be discussed. This section will also highlight any limitations of the study and suggest directions for future research in this area. Overall, this research project aims to contribute valuable insights into the potential benefits of using VR technology in dental anxiety management and to provide practical recommendations for dental practitioners looking to enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes in dental care.