AI Storybook to Help Children Feel Calm at the Dentist

Plain-English translation of NCT07778134 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether personalized digital storybooks created by artificial intelligence can help reduce dental anxiety and improve behavior in children undergoing dental treatment. Children in the study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: one that receives a personalized AI-generated storybook tailored to their interests and worries, one that reads a standard published storybook, or one that receives only traditional behavior guidance techniques. The study will measure how anxious each child feels and how well they cooperate during dental procedures.

Many children experience anxiety and fear at the dentist, which can make it harder for dentists to treat them and may cause children to avoid dental care in the future. This trial is exploring whether personalized stories—created just for each child based on their unique interests and concerns—might be more effective than standard approaches at calming children's fears and helping them feel brave during dental work.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 4 and 7 years old
you are generally healthy with no serious medical conditions
you have at least two baby back teeth that need simple fillings
your parent or legal guardian gives written permission for you to participate
you show some nervousness or cooperation challenges at the dentist (but not extreme fear or extremely positive behavior)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a serious medical condition or developmental delay
you have been diagnosed with autism, severe attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or other neurodevelopmental disorders
you are currently taking psychiatric medications or have been under psychiatric care in the past 6 months
you have tooth pain that requires emergency dental treatment
you have major dental or developmental birth differences, such as cleft palate or osteogenesis imperfecta

What participation looks like

If your child is selected, you will attend three dental visits scheduled two weeks apart. At the first visit, your child will have a dental exam and baseline measurements (including heart rate and anxiety assessments). Depending on which group your child is randomly assigned to, they will either read a personalized AI-generated storybook on a tablet, read a standard storybook, or receive only standard verbal guidance before their dental treatment. At each visit, the dentist will record your child's cooperation level and anxiety using simple picture scales and physical measurements. The entire study takes about 6 weeks to complete.

AI Storybook to Help Children Feel Calm at the Dentist

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)