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Development and user experience of a three-dimensional object-based virtual reality-simulation tool for dental
Ji-Eun Im1, Ja-Young Gu2, Jung-Hee Bae3
1Department of Dental Hygiene, Graduate School of Namseoul University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea.
BMC Medical Education
|March 4, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a new 3D virtual reality (VR) tool for dental radiography education, offering an immersive and repeatable learning experience. The VR tool significantly improved user experience compared to standard VR methods, showing promise for intraoral radiography training.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Virtual Reality Technology
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Traditional dental radiography education relies on instructor demonstrations and mannequin practice.
- High student-to-instructor ratios limit individualized feedback in conventional training.
- Radiation exposure from dental radiography machines restricts repeated practice opportunities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel 3D object-based virtual reality (VR) simulation tool for dental radiography learning.
- To assess the user experience of the developed VR tool compared to a standard VR approach.
Main Methods:
- A virtual dental radiography room was created using 3D objects and the Unity 3D engine.
- A randomized controlled trial involved 79 participants assigned to a control group (Google Cardboard) or an experimental group (3DOVR-DR).
- User experience was evaluated using a 22-item survey questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test.
Main Results:
- The 3DOVR-DR tool provided an immersive, step-by-step learning experience for dental radiography simulation.
- Users could adjust and repeat entire processes or specific steps within the VR environment.
- User-experience ratings were significantly higher for the 3DOVR-DR group (4.35±0.47) versus the control group (3.63±0.66; P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
- The 3D object-based VR simulation tool (3DOVR-DR) demonstrates potential as an effective learning medium for intraoral radiography.
- Further research is required to analyze the impact of VR on dental radiographic practice and its pedagogical effectiveness.
- The study highlights the need for continued investigation into VR's role in enhancing dental education.
