Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning for Dental Offices

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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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
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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.

Official Title
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Distance Psychology for Treating Dental Fear in Rural Communities

Conditions
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Dental Anxiety

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning
* Behavioral: Pamphlet


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: High dental injection fear Age 18 and over Healthy with no untreated systemic conditions Able to read and write English Exclusion Criteria: Heart murmur Known allergies to lidocaine or benzocaine Under 18 year old Untreated systemic conditions Currently receiving medication for anxiety

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: CARL<br>CARL computer program | Behavioral: Computer Assisted Relaxation Learning<br>* A self-paced computer program for reducing dental injection fear.<br>|
| Active Comparator: Pamphlet<br>Reassuring pamphlet about dental injections | Behavioral: Pamphlet<br>* A pamphlet reassuring patients about dental injections.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Modified Interval Scale of Anxiety Response at dental injection appointment |  | One to two-weeks post-intervention/control | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Completion of the behavioral avoidance test |  | One to two-weeks post-intervention/control | 
| Needle Survey |  | Immediately post-intervention/control | 
| Modified Dental Anxiety Scale |  | Immediately post-intervention/control | 
| Dental Fear Survey |  | Immediately post-intervention/control | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Dental Anxiety, Dental Phobia, Odontophobia