Effect of Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence on Anxiety and Behavior Among Individuals with Mental Disabilities in a Dental Setting

Abstract

Over one million individuals suffer from mental disabilities in Saudi Arabia. These individuals are unable to express their dental treatment needs. This study focuses on assessing the impact of interventions based on virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) on the anxiety levels and behavioral responses of individuals with mental disabilities when undergoing dental treatments. Our findings indicate that VR and AI interventions have great potential in reducing anxiety and behavioral responses of individuals with mental disabilities. The reduction in anxiety levels was determined using a galvanic skin response sensor, whereas the improvement in behavior was evaluated using the Venham and Frankl behavior rating scales. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the means, standard deviations, and ranges of the scores on various scales. The mean scores of pretreatment and posttreatment were analyzed. Our results from the above-mentioned tests revealed lowered anxiety and positive behavior when VR and AI interventions were used in dental care settings. In conclusion, our research indicates that distraction using VR and AI interventions is an effective method for lowering anxiety and improving behavior among individuals with mental disabilities during dental treatments. Moreover, a positive correlation between anxiety and behavior was observed.