Once considered science fiction, haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR) training now plays a supportive role in dental simulation practice and has the potential to become a primary method for developing manual skills in dentistry. Given its growing prominence, Finnish researchers have recently evaluated the benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced VR training within dental curricula. They reported that, although the technology successfully helps dental students to transfer hand skill to clinical practice, educators have cited concerns such as a lack of realism and the risk-free nature of virtual environments.
From Oswald Fergus’s introduction of phantom heads in 1894 to modern VR haptics, the evolution of dental education tools reflects the ongoing drive for innovation. While the historical reliance on phantom heads laid the foundation, advancements in VR haptics are redefining what is possible in dental education today. The introduction of the first VR haptic dental trainer in 2009 marked a significant milestone in dental education, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on preclinical and clinical training and thus enhancing the educational experience.
Advancing dental training with digital technology
Seeking to consolidate the knowledge that dental educators need to implement VR haptics in curricula, researchers from the University of Eastern Finland recently conducted a literature overview of research on the role and effectiveness of this training modality in dental education. In reporting their findings, they included insights from their ongoing global educator survey on the use of VR haptics in dental education with the aim of presenting the current challenges in this regard.
The literature showed both an increase in the use of VR haptic training tools in dentistry and an improvement in the tools, which are becoming more realistic and sophisticated. VR haptic dental training champions personalised learning and is often perceived by students as the transition between preclinical instruction and clinical practice. The technology provides immediate, objective and consistent feedback and can highlight specific skill areas that need further development, and these capabilities lead to increased student engagement and motivation.
“Educators now have more options in structuring preclinical and clinical practical education, thanks to VR haptic technology,” lead author Dr Szabolcs Felszeghy, a senior researcher at the university, said in a press release.
However, the technology has certain drawbacks, such as the need for a substantial initial investment. In an interview with Dental Tribune International, Dr Felszeghy stated that it costs over €1 million to install 15 VR haptic training units. Additionally, it requires time and effort to integrate the technology into existing curricula and to train dental professionals on how to use it. There is also a need to find suitable facilities for establishing training laboratories and securing the necessary resources. Because of these time, money and space factors, the adoption of the technology by dental schools has been slow. Furthermore, the researchers highlighted a lack of consensus on the most effective way to integrate VR haptics into dental curricula.
The challenges reported in the educator survey indicated points of improvement of VR haptic devices, and respondents also offered suggestions in this regard. These included incorporating more training scenarios, such as extraction, tooth transplantation and fillings; upgrading software capabilities to offer more personalisation options and features such as voice feedback; and employing artificial intelligence to enhance training and assessment, such as personalised training tailored to students’ strengths and weaknesses. Further recommendations were the enhancement of device portability, incorporation of high- and low-speed instrumentation options and enabling of simultaneous multi-user collaboration.
Although the benefits of VR haptics in dental education are evident, unlocking its full potential will require further research to validate its transformative impact and pave the way for standardised practices in dental education.
“VR haptics-supported dental education offers significant potential in addressing challenges in preclinical and clinical training. It may help mitigate certain limitations of current educational methods. However, continued research and validation are essential before VR haptics can be considered a primary method for developing hand skills in dental education. As the technology advances, it may play an increasingly important role in both learning and assessment within the dental profession,” concluded co-author Prof. Murat Mutluay of the University of Eastern Finland.
The study, titled “Benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced virtual reality training within dental curricula”, was published online on 17 December 2024 in the Journal of Dental Education.
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Foto: Haptics is a multidisciplinary field focused on the science and technology of touch and has found valuable application in dental education. (Image: jamesteohart/Shutterstock)
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