Virtual Reality Distraction and Dental Anxiety Among Anxious Pediatric Patients

One of the behavior management techniques used with children in dental clinics to allow for delivering quality dental treatment is the use of Virtual Reality distraction (VRD). Virtual reality distraction immerses the patient in an environment generated by a computer and works by simulating as many senses as possible: vision, hearing, and touch. In dentistry, VRD has exhibited great results in reducing anxiety and fear among children and adolescents compared to those who received no intervention or more conventional BMTs. VRD may allow the dentist to provide more efficient dental treatments, ranging from simple anesthesia to more advanced forms of dental treatment

"The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends a series of non-pharmacological behavior management techniques for managing children during dental care including distraction. Distraction is defined by AAPD as the technique of diverting the patient's attention from what may be perceived as an unpleasant procedure. It is widely used as it provides an effective and relaxing experience during treatment."