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Date Available

4-29-2025

Year of Publication

2025

Document Type

DNP Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice

College

Nursing

Department/School/Program

Nursing

Faculty

Dr. Holly Stith

Committee Member

Dr. Aprille Nelson

Faculty

Dr. Julie Perry

Faculty

Dr. Andrew Makowski

Abstract

Background: Mental health issues, particularly anxiety, represent a significant public health concern in the United States, with dental anxiety affecting anywhere between 50% and 80% of adults (White et al., 2017). Pre-procedural anxiety in outpatient dental clinics complicates patient care and can lead to avoidance of necessary dental treatments, impacting both oral and overall health. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as immersive virtual reality (VR) guided meditation, offer promising solutions to address anxiety in healthcare settings.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VR guided meditation on pre-procedural anxiety among adults undergoing painful dental procedures at an outpatient clinic. By assessing anxiety levels before and after the intervention, insights into the potential benefits of incorporating VR-guided meditation as a non-pharmacological intervention for anxiety will be provided.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed, with participants engaging in a 10-minute VR-guided meditation session before their dental procedure. Anxiety levels were assessed pre- and post-intervention using a modified version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Descriptive statistics and paired samples t-tests were conducted to compare anxiety levels before and after the intervention.

Results: The study included seven participants with a mean age of 37.33 years (SD = 12.73). All participants reported a history of anxiety, and two had previously been prescribed anxiety medication but had discontinued use for over six months. Pre-intervention anxiety scores (M = 19.29, SD = 6.82) were significantly higher than post-intervention scores (M = 9.43, SD = 4.89), with a statistically significant reduction in anxiety levels (p < .001). These findings suggest that VR-guided meditation is an effective tool for reducing pre-procedural anxiety in dental patients.

Conclusion: The results support the use of VR-guided meditation as a viable, non-pharmacological intervention for managing procedural anxiety in dental settings. This technology has the potential to improve patient experiences, reduce anxiety-related treatment avoidance, and enhance overall oral health outcomes. While promising, further research with larger sample sizes, diverse populations, and long-term follow-up is needed to confirm sustained effects and broader clinical applicability.

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