An English dental practice in Devon has recently completed a study on the impact that virtual reality has for patients when receiving treatment.
Virtual Reality Study
- The Universities of Plymouth, Exeter and Birmingham were involved in this research, in combination with Torrington Dental Practice in Devon
- The aim was to see if virtual reality encounters could improve the experience patients had during routine dental procedures
- Patients were allocated one of three conditions: standard care, virtual walk around a fictional virtual city and a virtual walk around Wembury Beach in Devon.
- Patients used a headset and a handheld controller to experience the virtual reality condition
- Results showed one week later, patients who walked around Wembury Beach were more positive about their experience, had less pain and lower anxiety than those in standard care and the virtual city
- This research demonstrated that distracting patients wasn’t enough to improve their experience and that a warm and welcoming environment, like Wembury Beach, is necessary
- Researchers recommend more studies are done to obtain rigorous evidence that it improves patient experiences
Find out more about this virtual reality study here.
* The above information is for your interest only and we do not utilise virtual reality at our dental clinic.
Avon Valley Dental Centre in Northam
We are very focused on making your dental visit a comfortable experience and this is reflected by our many happy patients. To make an appointment, please contact us or book online.