Robert Schibbye

My research focuses on understanding, preventing, and treating Blood-Injection-Injury (BII) phobias in children and adolescents. By mapping prevalence, developmental pathways, prevention, and treatment methods, my work aims to reduce the suffering and functional impairment caused by these conditions.

Our studies demonstrate that dental phobia is a distinct clinical entity with unique risk profiles. We have identified a strong link between dental phobia and injection phobia, suggesting that these conditions share specific underlying vulnerabilities. Furthermore, our clinical trials have shown that exposure-based ICBT is an effective treatment with sustained long-term benefits and has the potential for safe implementation within general dental care.

My ongoing work aims to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice. The primary focus is on developing scalable methods for the prevention and treatment of dental phobia, alongside continued epidemiological research to better understand the mechanisms behind BII phobias.

As Subject Area Lead and Course Director, I lead the Professional Development track, a comprehensive educational module integrated throughout the Dentistry Programme. The curriculum combines learning psychology with clinical application, focusing on person-centered communication and evidence-based methods for facilitating behavioral change. The objective is to graduate secure practitioners who apply a biopsychosocial perspective to their patients.