Virtual Reality Audiovisual Distraction During Pediatric Dental Treatment (VR-DENT-PED)

This study was conducted in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years who attended the Dental Clinic of Universidad Europea de Madrid and required dental treatment. Patients were assigned to one of two clinical conditions: standard dental care without audiovisual distraction or standard dental care with audiovisual distraction using virtual reality glasses. The virtual reality glasses reproduced narrative audiovisual content intended to distract the child from the dental procedure and reduce anxiety-related responses.

The dental procedures included prophylaxis, topical fluoride application, pit and fissure sealants, and restorative dental treatment. All dental procedures were performed by dental students under direct supervision of calibrated clinical instructors with experience in pediatric dentistry. Operators and investigators received specific training in the use of the anxiety and behavioral assessment scales and in the recording of physiological variables.

The primary outcome was dental anxiety assessed using the Modified Facial Image Scale. Secondary outcomes included heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, and behavioral response using the FLACC scale. Measurements were recorded at predefined time points during the dental visit. The final analytical sample consisted of 79 participants; however, actual enrollment was 81 because two participants in the virtual reality group discontinued the intervention by removing the glasses during treatment.