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Internet-Based Intervention for Dental Anxiety

Phase 2
Waitlist Available
Led By Marisol Tellez Merchan, PhD
Research Sponsored by Temple University
Eligibility Criteria Checklist
Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial
Must have
Be between 18 and 75 years of age
Be older than 18 years old
Must not have
Current psychosis, mental retardation, or other condition that would significantly diminish the patient's ability to adequately focus attention adaptively on the current protocol
Timeline
Screening 3 weeks
Treatment Varies
Follow Up 1 year post-dental anxiety intervention
Awards & highlights

Summary

This trial is examining the efficacy of an internet-based intervention in the reduction of dental anxiety. The study has two primary objectives: to compare the efficacy of the intervention as administered by personnel with training and experience in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to the efficacy of the intervention as administered by dental staff who have undergone a brief but specific training in the administration of the intervention; and to compare the efficacy of the intervention, administered by either type of therapy aide (CBT personnel or dental staff), to an active control condition. The study also has two secondary objectives: to examine whether baseline levels of distress tolerance and pain sensitivity moderate the efficacy of the dental

Who is the study for?
This trial is for adults aged 18-75 who speak and understand English well, have high dental anxiety as measured by the MDAS, and experience at least mild impairment from this anxiety. It's not suitable for individuals with psychosis, intellectual disabilities that affect focus, current suicidal or homicidal thoughts, or medical conditions where increased anxiety could be harmful.
What is being tested?
The study tests an Internet-based intervention to reduce dental anxiety. It compares the effectiveness of the program when led by cognitive behavioral therapy experts versus trained dental staff. The trial also looks at whether distress tolerance and pain sensitivity influence outcomes.
What are the potential side effects?
Since this is a psychological intervention focused on reducing dental anxiety through internet-based methods rather than medication or invasive procedures, it may not have typical 'side effects'. However, participants might experience discomfort discussing their anxieties.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below
Select...
I am between 18 and 75 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:
Select...
I do not have a mental condition that affects my ability to follow treatment plans.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks
Treatment ~ Varies
Follow Up ~1 year post-dental anxiety intervention
This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 year post-dental anxiety intervention for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.
Primary study objectives
Change in Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS; Humphris et al., 1995).
Anxiety
Secondary study objectives
Change in Attendance at Dental Appointments
Change in Avoidance Rating from the ADIS-5
Change in Distress and Interference Rating from the ADIS-5
+6 more

Trial Design

3Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
Group I: Tr2 groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants assigned to Tr2 will complete the experimental dental anxiety management program, which will be facilitated by dental staff. This program consists of a series of videos which provide information about dental anxiety, educate about the details of three dental procedures which are anxiety-provoking for the participant, and teach them how to cope better with the dental experience. This program will take about 60 minutes to complete.
Group II: Tr1 groupExperimental Treatment1 Intervention
Participants assigned to Tr1 will complete the experimental dental anxiety management program, which will be facilitated by a person trained in psychological treatments. This program consists of a series of videos which provide information about dental anxiety, educate about the details of three dental procedures which are anxiety-provoking for the participant, and teach them how to cope better with the dental experience. This program will take about 60 minutes to complete.
Group III: Active controlActive Control1 Intervention
Participants assigned to the control group, will not complete the experimental dental anxiety management program at this time. They will complete study paperwork and watch a non-dental video for 45 minutes before their scheduled dental appointment. Immediately after the dental appointment, they will complete a brief interview with the research staff person.

Find a Location

Who is running the clinical trial?

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)NIH
302 Previous Clinical Trials
849,165 Total Patients Enrolled
Temple UniversityLead Sponsor
313 Previous Clinical Trials
87,847 Total Patients Enrolled
Marisol Tellez Merchan, PhDPrincipal InvestigatorAssociate Professor
~74 spots leftby Sep 2025
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