Evaluating Sensory-Adapted Dental Care in Children With Sensory Processing Disorders
- Conditions
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Interventions
- Behavioral: Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment
- Registration Number
- NCT06411808
- Brief Summary
This clinical trial examines the efficacy of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) in reducing anxiety and improving behavioral outcomes in children with sensory processing disorders during routine dental visits. By modifying the dental setting to accommodate sensory sensitivities-such as using dim lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and non-threatening dental tools-the study aims to create a more comfortable dental experience for these children. This research could potentially inform broader pediatric dentistry practices, making dental care more accessible and less distressing for children with sensory sensitivities.
- Detailed Description
The study is a crossover randomized controlled trial designed to assess the impact of a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) on children with sensory processing disorders, focusing on both physiological and behavioral responses. Participants will undergo two dental cleaning visits; one in a standard dental environment and one in a sensory-adapted setting. Each visit will be spaced three to four months apart to monitor short-term effects and behaviors. The primary outcomes measured will include changes in anxiety levels, as assessed by physiological markers (e.g., heart rate) and behavioral scales (e.g., modified dental anxiety scale). Secondary outcomes will evaluate the overall acceptance of the sensory-adapted environment by children and their caregivers. This study seeks to demonstrate that tailored environmental modifications can significantly improve the dental care experience, potentially leading to enhanced long-term dental health and reduced care avoidance among children with sensory processing disorders. The trial will also gather qualitative feedback from participants and their parents to better understand individual experiences and refine future adaptations in pediatric dental practices.
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING
- Sex
- All
- Target Recruitment
- 32
- Ability of subject (or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR)) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
- For children, informed assent and parental informed consent to participate in the study.
- Males and females; Age <5-17 years>
- Self-reported or documented diagnosis of sensory processing disorder (SPD), sensory modulation disorder (SMD), or sensory over-responsivity (SOR) based on medical records or occupational therapy evaluation. Diagnosis codes per ICD-10 may include, but are not limited to, F88 and F89 for SPD, as these are often used for atypical neurodevelopmental conditions where specific sensory challenges are present.
- A score above the threshold on the Sensory Profile-2, which indicates significant sensory processing issues.
- A history of at least one previous dental cleaning, to ensure familiarity with the dental care process.
- Willingness and ability to adhere to the study intervention regimen, including attending two dental sessions in different environmental settings (RDE and SADE).
- Ability to attend intervention sessions at the designated site, UT Health School of Dentistry.
- Access to transportation or necessary resources for participating in the study sessions at the UT Health School of Dentistry.
- Not currently undergoing orthodontic braces treatment or using anticholinergic medication, as per the exclusion criteria.
- Significant developmental disabilities or medical conditions that preclude the safe conduct of dental procedures or the ability to consent, even with a Legally Authorized Representative (LAR), such as uncontrolled epilepsy or severe behavioral disorders that could lead to self-harm or harm to staff within a dental setting.
- Complex dental needs that require specialized procedures or surgeries not provided within the study's dental care setting, such as advanced orthodontic work or oral surgery, which might interfere with the study's assessments or outcomes.
- Previous traumatic dental experiences resulting in extreme dental care avoidance, as this could confound the effects of the SADE versus RDE environments.
- Current or scheduled orthodontic braces treatment during the study period, as braces may affect the child's sensory experience and response to the dental environment.
- Use of anticholinergic medication, due to their potential to alter physiological measures of stress and anxiety, which are key outcomes for this study.
- Any condition that, in the opinion of the investigators, may pose a risk to the participant's safety or may affect the study outcomes.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Study Design
- CROSSOVER
- Arm && Interventions
Group Intervention Description SADE Group: Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment Participants in this arm will experience dental care in a Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment. Modifications such as dimmed lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and specialized dental tools are used to minimize sensory overload and enhance comfort during dental procedures.
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Effect of SADE on Heart Rate Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) This measure evaluates the impact of the Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) on physiological indicators of anxiety, specifically heart rate change.
Effect of SADE on Oxygen Saturation Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) This measure evaluates the impact of the Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) on physiological indicators of anxiety, specifically oxygen saturation change.
Effect of SADE on Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) This measure evaluates the impact of the Sensory-Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) on physiological indicators of anxiety, with change in systolic or diastolic blood pressure.
Frankl Behavior Rating Scale Change Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) A change in score on the Frankl behavioral rating scale. This is a scored as a single rating of behavior between 1 and 4 with a higher score indicating a more positive attitude.
Ohio State University Behavior Rating Scale Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) This scale rates the participants' behavior. A change in score on the behavioral rating scale. This is a scored as a single rating of behavior between 1 and 4 with a lower score indicating a more positive attitude.
Venham's Clinical Anxiety Scale Baseline to approximately 50 minutes (after dental appointment) A scale used to measure the change in clinical anxiety of participants will be a single item scored from 0-3, where a higher score indicates more anxiety and protest from the participant.
Wong Bakers Visual FACES Scale Modified Visit 1 Day 1 to Visit 2 (May occur Day 90-120) A modification of Wong-Baker scale designed to understand the child's anxiety on the same scale and faces pattern, pre-visit and post-visit.
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method
Trial Locations
- Locations (1)
UT Health San Antonio
🇺🇸San Antonio, Texas, United States