Virtual reality training simulator for tooth preparation techniques

Abstract

Standard oral and maxillofacial three-dimensional model was developed with patients’ medical data while virtual reality (VR) simulator was developed in conjunction with head mount display (HMD) and Haptic device. The objective of this study was to evaluate the preclinical use of a VR training simulator in tooth preparation practice. Eighty-nine dental students were trained how to operate the simulator. The participants were then given sufficient time on the simulator to practice dental preparation. The students experience and opinion was then taken in through filling of questionnaires. On average content received 1.8 points, anatomy had 2.5 points, 2.6 points for the applicability, and 2.0 for the usability. As for the detailed items scores, queries about the possible development of the simulator and the interest of the learning process through the simulator were the highest at 3.1 and 3.0 points, respectively. Question about the benefit of the HMD and the haptic device during the practice had 1.5 and 1.6 points, respectively. The average total score was 2.2 points. VR tooth preparation simulator in the field of clinical dental education has powerful potential in regard to realistic models, environments, vision, posture, and economical efficiency.