Fear and anxiety are often major challenges when children undergo dental treatment. Addressing this issue, a research team from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM), led by Dr. drg. Indra Bramanti, M.Sc., Sp.KGA (K-PKOA), developed a virtual reality (VR)-based tool called Innovation of View and Auditory (INOVIA). This tool is designed to help reduce children’s anxiety during dental treatment in the clinic.
Through immersive visual and audio technology, INOVIA provides a pleasant experience for children. They are guided to see and hear calming environments, such as natural scenery or educational animations, diverting their attention from fear of dental instruments and procedures.
“INOVIA was designed as a humanistic approach to pediatric dental care. We want dental visits to be less stressful and more friendly, educational, and enjoyable for children,” said drg. Anti.
Indra explained that the idea for developing INOVIA originated from his observations of children who often cry or refuse treatment due to anxiety about the clinical environment. “Children have strong imaginations. By directing that imagination toward positive visual experiences, we can reduce fear and make treatment smoother,” he explained (3/10).
In addition to benefiting patients, INOVIA also assists dentists in performing procedures more effectively. Calmer children are easier to cooperate with, allowing treatment to proceed safely and efficiently.
This innovation received the PRIMESteP 2025 grant, a research funding program from Universitas Gadjah Mada that supports the development of innovative science- and technology-based products. This achievement strengthens FKG UGM’s commitment to producing research with direct societal impact.
Quoted from UGM’s official website, the Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, stated that UGM is committed to ensuring that research and innovation outcomes do not stop at publications or prototypes alone. He emphasized the importance of downstream innovation processes so that university-generated science and technology can deliver real benefits and social, economic, and environmental impact.
drg. Anti further expressed hope that INOVIA could serve as a model for developing similar assistive tools in pediatric healthcare. Innovations like this can have a major impact on patient comfort and service quality.
Through this work, FKG UGM once again demonstrates its role as a pioneer in dental research and innovation that focuses not only on clinical aspects but also on patient experience and well-being, especially for children.
Report: Andri Wicaksono
Author: Fajar Budi Harsakti | Photo: INOVIA Research Team
