Questionnaire survey on hands-on simulation training using a dental humanoid robot (SIMROID^®)

A dental humanoid robot, SIMROID^®, is able to replicate the actions characteristic of human beings and enable training for communicating with patients and coping with unexpected situations. This study assessed user experiences via a survey questionnaire following hands-on training on the SIMROID^®.

A total of 112 participants, consisting of 50 high school students who visited AUSD (Asahi University School of Dentistry) to participate in open campus events, 42 fourth-year students at AUSD and 20 dental students from Mexico State Autonomy University, University of Siena and Peking University took the survey. The participants observed the movements and reactions of a SIMROID^® robot placed on a dental unit for approximately 20 min after which they completed a questionnaire survey. Both Japanese and English versions of the questionnaire were prepared for local and visiting foreign dental students. The questionnaire comprised 8 items, with a further two items for those undertaking dental training and an open comment field.

All participants who observed the SIMROID^® completed the questionnaire giving a 100% response rate. Generally, simulation training with SIMROID^® was highly appreciated by all participants. The comprehensive evaluation score for SIMROID^® was 4.56 ± 0.50 points for high school students, 4.05 ± 0.82 points for students at AUSD and 4.70 ± 0.47 points for foreign dental students, showing all participants had a very positive experience and impression of the SIMROID^®.

Therefore, simulation training using SIMROID^® seems beneficial learning tool.