Enhancing learning experiences in pre-clinical restorative dentistry: the impact of virtual reality haptic simulators

<h3>Background</h3><p dir="ltr">Utilization of Virtual Reality haptic simulation (VRHS) to aid in the training of various pre-clinical skills is of recent interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VRHS in restorative dentistry on the learning experienc...

وصف كامل

محفوظ في:
التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
المؤلف الرئيسي: Alaa Daud (13890173) (author)
مؤلفون آخرون: Manal Matoug-Elwerfelli (21158272) (author), Hanin Daas (14150736) (author), Daniel Zahra (14152590) (author), Kamran Ali (8861576) (author)
منشور في: 2023
الموضوعات:
الوسوم: إضافة وسم
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الوصف
الملخص:<h3>Background</h3><p dir="ltr">Utilization of Virtual Reality haptic simulation (VRHS) to aid in the training of various pre-clinical skills is of recent interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of VRHS in restorative dentistry on the learning experiences and perceptions of dental students.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p dir="ltr">An interventional study design was utilized to recruit third year students. All participants provided informed consents and were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1: Initially performed a Class I cavity preparation with the VRHS, followed by the same exercise using the phantom head/ acrylic typodont teeth in a conventional simulation environment (CSE). Group 2: Initially performed Class I preparations in a CSE, followed by the same exercise using VRHS. Both groups performed the exercises on a lower right first molar. To understand students’ perception, an online questionnaire was circulated. Data analysis involved Chi-square tests, independent t-tests and Mann–Whitney U-tests using the R statistical environment package.</p><h3>Results</h3><p dir="ltr">A total of 23 dental students participated in this study. Although student’s perceptions were similar in both groups, a strong agreement that VRHS training might be used to supplement standard pre-clinical training was noted. Advancements to the VRHS hardware and software are required to bridge the gap and provide a smooth transition to clinics.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p dir="ltr">Novice dental students generally perceived VRHS as a useful tool for enhancing their manual dexterity. Dental institutions should endorse virtual reality technology with caution, ensuring a planned integration into the curriculum to optimize benefit. Feedback is pivotal to effective learning in simulation-based education, and the triangulation of feedback could serve as a powerful aid to maximize the learning experience.</p><h2>Other Information</h2><p dir="ltr">Published in: BMC Medical Education<br>License: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0" target="_blank">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0</a><br>See article on publisher's website: <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04904-y" target="_blank">https://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04904-y</a></p>