This study examined the effects of a virtual reality program on dental anxiety, state anxiety and relaxation among patients waiting to receive dental treatment. The virtual reality program was developed to induce relaxation, by showing patients peaceful scenery. Sixty-six dental patients who visited a dental clinic were recruited and randomly assigned either to the experimental group (n = 33, mean age = 38.27 years, age range = 12-70 years), or to the control group (n = 33, average age = 35.24 years, age range = 23-75 years). While in the waiting room, the experimental group received Virtual Reality-induced Relaxation treatment for approximately 3 minutes prior to their dental treatment, whereas the control group sat and waited as usual. Both groups completed a questionnaire before and after the treatment (or waiting) period. The battery of questionnaires consisted of the Korean Dental Anxiety Inventory, the Anxiety Inventory, and a self-report scale asking patients about their degree of relaxation. The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter was also used to measure patients' heart rates. Statistical analyses revealed that compared to the control group, the experimental group reported significantly greater reductions following the treatment/waitlist period in dental anxiety [F(1, 64) = 30.49, p < 0.001], state anxiety [F(1, 64) = 19.12, p < 0.001], and heart rate [F(1, 64) = 19.12, p < 0.001], as well as significantly greater increases in subjective reports of relaxation [F(1, 64) = 38.07, p < 0.001]. These results suggest that prior to dental treatments, relaxation induced by virtual reality program eases anxiety and provides relaxation to the patients. Lastly, we discuss the implications of this study and suggestions for future research.
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