Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning for Dental Offices

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Dental Anxiety
• Interventions: Behavioral: Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning; Behavioral: Pamphlet

• Registration Number: NCT00609648
• Lead Sponsor: University of Washington

Brief Summary

This is a randomized study in which two groups will be used to compare the effectiveness of a computerized psychological therapy compared to an information only control group (pamphlet) for reducing fear of dental injections.

Detailed Description

This is a randomized study in which two groups will be used to compare the effectiveness of a computerized psychological therapy compared to an information only control group (pamphlet) for reducing fear of dental injections. All patients (96 people with high fear of dental injections) will be tested to assess pre-existing dental fear levels prior to being assigned to study condition. Subsequently, patients in the active treatment group will complete computerized psychological therapy in 1 to 9 weekly 45-minute sessions. Subjects in the control condition will meet with a dental assistant once for approximately 15 minutes to go over a pamphlet. The pamphlet is based on written information developed by a commercial dental web site development company. Following the intervention or control procedures, patients will be reassessed for dental fear using computerized questionnaires. They will also be scheduled to receive a dental injection. Subjects' willingness to complete the dental injection and fear levels during the dental injection will be assessed.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2008-01
• Study First Submitted: 2008-01-24
• Study First Submitted QC: 2008-01-24
• Study First Posted: 2008-02-07
• Primary Completion: 2010-07
• Study Completion: 2010-07
• Status Verified: 2013-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2013-02-15
• Last Update Posted: 2013-02-20

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 84

Inclusion Criteria

• High dental injection fear
• Age 18 and over
• Healthy with no untreated systemic conditions
• Able to read and write English

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Exclusion Criteria

• Heart murmur
• Known allergies to lidocaine or benzocaine
• Under 18 year old
• Untreated systemic conditions
• Currently receiving medication for anxiety

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Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
CARL	Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning	CARL computer program
Pamphlet	Pamphlet	Reassuring pamphlet about dental injections

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Modified Interval Scale of Anxiety Response at dental injection appointment	One to two-weeks post-intervention/control

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Modified Dental Anxiety Scale	Immediately post-intervention/control
Needle Survey	Immediately post-intervention/control
Completion of the behavioral avoidance test	One to two-weeks post-intervention/control
Dental Fear Survey	Immediately post-intervention/control

Trial Locations

Locations (5)

Dr. Gary Templeman, DDS; 🇺🇸 Corvallis, Oregon, United States

Michael C Hazel, DMD, PC; 🇺🇸 West Linn, Oregon, United States

Northwest Dental Fears Research; 🇺🇸 Bremerton, Washington, United States

Valley View Health Center; 🇺🇸 Chehalis, Washington, United States

Dental Fears Research Clinic; 🇺🇸 Seattle, Washington, United States