Sarah Pearson

One in eight New Zealanders experiences dental anxiety, a phenomenon which persists despite great technological leaps in dentistry, resulting in virtually painless dental treatment. "Sensors and Senses in Dentistry" explored ways design using human-centred design and action research methodologies could improve dental care services and alleviate dental anxiety in patients. Subsequently, resisting the relentless cycle of fear, dental problems, avoidance, and symptom-driven care associated with dental anxiety.

Interviews with patients and dentists uncovered critical causes of anxiety in patients and potential solutions for helping them manage their fear and anxiety. Patients shared they experienced difficulty breathing due to their heightened anxiety, which worsened during invasive dental procedures when breathing became restricted. Patients complained of feelings of drowning and severe panic from breathlessness. Further, concerning practitioner and patient relationships, patients desired to feel listened to and openly express concerns to their dental practitioner without judgment. However, time often became a barrier for practitioners to properly understand their patient's needs and identify or measure their level of dental anxiety.

As a result, the outcome of this research was the weighted therapy cushion "A Cushion to Comfort", combining the therapeutic approach of deep pressure touch (DPT), novel biosensing technology for monitoring anxiety levels, and responsive tactile breathing guidance to calm users. Altogether, helping to alleviate anxiety and restore patients' breathing while providing practitioners with means of identifying their patient's anxiety pre-treatment toward delivering personalised care. The cushion utilised 3D-knitting technology to integrate electrocardiography (ECG) and textiles, resulting in a seamless and comforting look and feel.