The University of Sheffield's School of Clinical Dentistry was awarded a grant for 1.6 million pounds ($2.2 million U.S.) to study whether cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce dental anxiety in children.
The U.K. National Institute for Health Research funded the study, which will involve 600 children from 30 dental practices in England and Wales. Investigators will examine whether specially developed resources for children, parents, and dental professionals will help children complete their dental treatments at their dental offices instead of being sent to hospitals to receive care under sedation or general anesthesia.
The goal is to recruit 60 dentists to participate. The study will start in September 2021.