Capturing differences in dental training using a virtual reality simulator.

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Virtual Reality Technology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) simulators are increasingly adopted in dental schools globally.
• Assessing the construct validity of these simulators is crucial for curriculum integration.
• The Simodont haptic VR dental simulator's sensitivity to training experience requires examination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the Simodont haptic VR dental simulator's ability to differentiate dental trainees based on experience levels.
• To establish the construct validity of VR simulators in dental education.

Main Methods:

• Two hundred eighty-nine participants with 1, 3, 4, or 5 years of dental training were assessed.
• Participants performed tasks on the Simodont simulator during their initial exposure.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare performance across different experience groups.

Main Results:

• Statistically significant differences in performance were observed between novice (1 year) and experienced (≥3 years) dental trainees.
• No significant performance differences were found among experienced trainees with varying years of training (3, 4, or 5 years).

Conclusions:

• The Simodont haptic VR simulator demonstrates sensitivity to differences between novice and experienced dental trainees.
• This study provides initial evidence supporting the construct validity and utility of VR simulators in dental education.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the value of haptic VR simulators in training future dentists.