Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Dental anxiety is a common phenomenon experienced by a significant portion of the population, leading to avoidance of dental care and subsequent negative impacts on oral health. Virtual reality (VR) technology has been increasingly explored as a potential tool to manage dental anxiety and improve the overall dental experience for patients. This thesis aims to assess the efficacy of VR technology in dental anxiety management through a comprehensive investigation of its impact on patient anxiety levels, pain perception, and overall satisfaction with dental procedures. The study begins with a thorough review of the existing literature on dental anxiety, its implications for oral health, and the potential benefits of incorporating VR technology into dental practice. The research methodology section outlines the design of a randomized controlled trial involving patients with varying levels of dental anxiety undergoing dental procedures with and without the use of VR technology. The methodology includes detailed descriptions of participant recruitment, intervention implementation, data collection procedures, and statistical analysis methods. The findings from the study are discussed in depth in Chapter Four, highlighting the impact of VR technology on reducing anxiety levels, alleviating pain perception, and enhancing patient satisfaction during dental procedures. The discussion also explores potential factors influencing the effectiveness of VR technology in dental anxiety management, such as patient characteristics, type of procedure, and individual preferences. In conclusion, the results of this study provide valuable insights into the efficacy of VR technology as a promising intervention for managing dental anxiety and improving the overall dental experience for patients. The implications of these findings for dental practice, patient care, and future research directions are discussed, emphasizing the importance of integrating innovative technologies like VR into routine dental care to enhance patient outcomes and promote oral health.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality Technology in Dental Anxiety Management" aims to investigate the potential benefits of utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology in managing dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects a significant number of individuals and can lead to avoidance of dental care, resulting in negative impacts on oral health. By exploring the effectiveness of VR technology as a tool to alleviate anxiety in dental settings, this research seeks to contribute valuable insights to the field of dentistry. The use of VR technology in healthcare settings, including dentistry, has gained attention in recent years due to its ability to create immersive and engaging experiences that can help distract and relax patients during procedures. By immersing individuals in a virtual environment, VR has the potential to reduce anxiety levels and improve overall patient experience in dental settings. This project aims to evaluate the efficacy of VR technology specifically in the context of managing dental anxiety. The research will involve a thorough literature review to explore existing studies and evidence related to the use of VR technology in healthcare and dental care. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the current landscape and gaps in knowledge regarding the application of VR in managing anxiety, particularly in the dental setting. Additionally, the project will include a detailed methodology outlining the approach to be used in assessing the efficacy of VR technology, including study design, participant recruitment, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. Through a systematic investigation, this research seeks to determine the impact of VR technology on reducing dental anxiety and improving patient outcomes. By analyzing the data collected from participants who undergo dental procedures with and without VR intervention, the project aims to provide evidence-based insights into the potential benefits of integrating VR technology into dental practice. The findings of this study have the potential to inform future practice guidelines and contribute to the enhancement of patient care in dental settings. In summary, the project "Assessment of the Efficacy of Virtual Reality Technology in Dental Anxiety Management" aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR technology as a tool for managing dental anxiety. By exploring the impact of VR interventions on anxiety levels and patient experience in dental settings, this research seeks to advance our understanding of the potential benefits of integrating innovative technologies into dental care.