The CALM Trial: Helping Children Conquer Dental Anxiety

The CALM Trial: Helping Children Conquer Dental Anxiety

Posted: Wednesday, 18 March 2026


Can we transform the dental chair from a place of fear into a space of calm for our youngest patients?

Approximately 1 in 5 children between the ages of 8 and 16 experience dental anxiety severe enough to impact their ability to visit the dentist. This week in the Research Room, we're joined by Professor Zoe Marshman and Vicky Exley to talk about the CALM Trial, a brilliant study exploring whether guided self-help cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) support can help children overcome dental anxiety and get the care they need.

Join us to explore why dental anxiety is so prevalent in children, its long-term impact on their oral health and well-being and how this research is paving the way for a more supportive dental experience. Plus, we find out why children are the ultimate research partners!

 

Find out more about CALM on the trial website  https://sheffield.ac.uk/dentalschool/research/calm

 
 
The process evaluation paper https://doi.org/10.1111/cdoe.13025

 

 

Music by Matthew Bailey

 

 

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