Experience with virtual reality-based technology in teaching restorative dental procedures

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Medical Simulation Technology
• Virtual Reality in Medicine

Background:

• The University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine (UPSDM) has extensive experience with advanced simulation technology.
• Virtual reality-based technology (VRBT) is utilized for preclinical restorative procedures instruction.
• UPSDM was an early adopter of VRBT, specifically the DentSim unit, since 1998.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of VRBT as a teaching methodology for dental students.
• To assess the impact of VRBT on learning time, efficiency, and faculty resources.
• To present studies supporting the acquisition of fifteen VRBT units in 2003.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal research using control and experimental groups.
• Investigative projects involving dental students.
• Utilizing VRBT units for remediation and supplementing preclinical laboratories.
• Data collection through surveys, group interviews, and private interviews.

Main Results:

• Students using VRBT demonstrated faster learning and achieved similar performance levels.
• Higher practice procedure completion rates per hour were observed with VRBT.
• Students requested more evaluations per procedure or hour when using VRBT.
• Student attitudes towards VRBT were mixed, but overall experience was positive.

Conclusions:

• VRBT offers significant potential for advancing dental education.
• The positive experience led to full curriculum integration and revision.
• Further investigation and utilization of VRBT in dental education are warranted.