98 - Augmented Reality Glasses for Dental Anxiety in Children with Autism

Abstract:

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience anxiety and sensory overload during dental care, limiting cooperation and treatment. Distraction is a common behavioral strategy. Augmented reality (AR) overlays preferred digital content into the operatory while keeping providers and parents visible, offering a more immersive, individualized distraction than either wall-mounted televisions or fully occlusive audio-visual goggles.

Methods: In this repeated-measures pilot study, each participant experienced both control (wall-mounted television) and experimental (AR glasses) distraction during routine dental visits. The AR system projected preferred streaming content into the clinical environment with adjustable immersion via electrochromic dimming. Outcomes included behavior (Modified Frankl Behavior Scale), dental task productivity (Task Analysis Score, TAS), and parent satisfaction (visual analog scale).

Results: Twenty children with ASD (mean age 8.35 years, SD 2.37; range 4–11) were enrolled. Compared with wall-mounted televisions, AR glasses significantly improved parent satisfaction (P < .001) and produced a modest but statistically significant improvement in observed cooperation (Modified Frankl, P=.04). There was a nonsignificant trend toward higher task completion (TAS, P=.06). Most families accepted AR; two children declined the device.

Conclusions: AR glasses show promise as a non-pharmacologic anxiolytic adjunct for some children with autism in dental settings, particularly for enhancing cooperation and parent satisfaction. However, AR was not universally beneficial, and several children needing very substantial support had difficulty tolerating the device. Careful patient selection and integration of AR into individualized behavior guidance plans are essential.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: Research supported by Nova Southeastern University, Health Professions Division grant number 334733 and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number D88HP20126 and titled, “Postdoctoral Training in General, Pediatric and Public Health Dentistry and Dental Hygiene”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government.