Dental fear is estimated to affect nearly one-third of adults globally, and the condition leads to avoidance of dental visits and has negative implications for oral and systemic health. In a recent study, researchers from the New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry and Penn School of Dental Medicine introduced Dental FearLess, an innovative mobile health app and optional one-on-one psychological session that aims to help users get back into the dental chair. The study found that the app offered a stepped-care approach to the cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) of dental fear that could have a significant impact, and the researchers are currently recruiting US-based participants for a clinical trial. In this interview, Dr Kelly Daly, NYU research scientist and project director for Dental FearLess, explained why we need a new approach to treating the condition and how new technologies can help.