Benefits Of Using Virtual Reality In Cariology Teaching

Abstract

This study was designed to test the hypothesis of that students who receive virtual reality training prior to practicing on natural teeth exhibit high self-confidence levels compared to their peers who receive post-practice VR training. The Null-hypothesis is that Virtual reality training cannot totally replace the ‘traditional’ cariology teaching methods. A total number of 76 students voluntarily participated on this study during their normal cariology course practical sessions. The students were assigned into 2 groups (38 each). In the test group, students performed the caries excavation on haptic machines (Cariology software, Simodont Dental Trainer, Moog Dental Simulation, NY, USA) prior to practicing on extracted natural carious teeth. Conversely, in the control group, students were exposed to virtual reality training after practicing on extracted natural teeth. An evaluation questionnaire, prepared by professional applied psychologist, was disseminated among the students to measure their satisfactory and confidence levels. The students were informed to anonymously complete this questionnaire and they were allowed to express their feelings about overall learning experience through an open-end question at the end of the questionnaire. Students were informed that their feedback will be used for course development/research purposes. The results of chi-square test showed no significant difference in responses among the two groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the responses of both groups showed that virtual reality is considered as a useful educational tool, most of the students (92.5%) superiorly ranked experience gained from practicing on natural carious teeth compared to VR. Furthermore, they clearly stated that virtual reality allowed them to practice more and improve their self-confidence level as well as eye-hand coordination. In light of the results of this study, the null-hypothesis of this study was accepted. In conclusion Virtual reality is a very useful adjunct tool to conventional caries excavation practice on extracted natural teeth. Although this method has numerous advantages, it cannot provide the same tactile sensation compared to conventional caries excavation on natural teeth. [https://doi.org/10.1159/000488302]