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Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for the Treatment of Dental Phobia: A Controlled Feasibility Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 September 2017

Kumar Raghav Gujjar Open the ORCID record for Kumar Raghav Gujjar [Opens in a new window] ,
Arjen van Wijk ,
Ratika Sharma  and
Ad de Jongh
Kumar Raghav Gujjar*
Affiliation:
Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Arjen van Wijk
Affiliation:
Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Ratika Sharma
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Public Health Building, Brisbane, Australia
Ad de Jongh
Affiliation:
Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands School of Health Sciences, Salford University, Manchester, United Kingdom Institute of Health and Society, University of Worcester, United Kingdom
*
Correspondence to Kumar Raghav, Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, No. 9 Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, PJU-5, Petalingjaya-47810, Selangor, Malaysia. E-mail: kumarraghav@segi.edu.my; drrags80@gmail.com
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Abstract

Background: Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has been used to treat a variety of fears and phobias. Aim: To determine the feasibility (i.e. safety and efficacy) of using VRET to treat dental phobia. Method: Safety was evaluated by determining any adverse events or symptom exacerbation. Efficacy of VRET was evaluated by comparing the reduction in dental anxiety scores (measured 16 times within a 14-week study period, and at 6-month follow-up), and its behavioural effects with that of an informational pamphlet (IP) on ten randomized patients with dental phobia using a controlled multiple baseline design. Participants’ heart rate response during VRET, and their experience post-VRET, were indexed. Results: No personal adverse events or symptom exacerbation occurred. Visual analysis and post-hoc intention-to-treat analysis showed a significantly greater decrease in dental anxiety scores [higher PND (percentage of non-overlap data) scores of 100% and lower POD (percentage of overlap data) of 0%, Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, F (1,8) = 8.61, p = 0.019, and Dental Fear Scale, F (1,8) = 10.53, p = 0.012], and behavioural avoidance in the VRET compared with the IP group [d = 4.2 and –1.4, respectively). There was no increase in average heart rate during VRET. Of the nine treatment completers, six (four from the VRET group and two from the IP group) no longer had dental phobia at 6-month follow-up. Four of the five VRET participants, but none of the IP participants, scheduled a dental treatment appointment following the intervention. Conclusion: VRET is a feasible alternative for patients with dental phobia.

Keywords

dental phobiadental anxietyDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disordersspecific phobiavirtual reality exposure therapy
Type
Brief Clinical Report
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 46 , Issue 3 , May 2018 , pp. 367 - 373
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2017 

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