Application Study of Virtual Simulation System for Preclinical Cavity Preparation Training

The virtual simulation system (VSS) is a new type of preclinical trainer that has unique advantages compared with traditional manikin system (TMS). The objective of this study was to compare the impact of the order of VSS and TMS training and to evaluate the potential of VSS in preclinical cavity preparation training for undergraduates.

The participants (n = 97) were randomly assigned to two groups and subjected to VSS and TMS in different sequences for G. V. Black Class I, II and V cavity preparations; one group was first prepared with VSS followed by TMS (VM group), while the other group was prepared with TMS followed by VSS (MV group). The scores of the two groups were compared based on the different training orders and cavity types. Subsequently, two questionnaires were sent to all participants to further assess their views on the usage of VSS and their efficacy in preclinical training.

The training results of the VSS showed that the MV group had a higher average score than the VM group, but had no significant difference except for the Class II cavity preparation. Moreover, for the TMS training results, although the VM group generally scored higher than the MV group did, there was no significant difference between the two groups. In addition, the majority of participants agreed that the VSS was more difficult to operate than the TMS and that the VSS should be arranged before the TMS, and nearly 90% of participants were willing to use VSS for preclinical training in future experimental courses.

Introducing VSS in preclinical dental training is promising as it overcomes some of the drawbacks of TMS. It allows for repeated practice while avoiding accidental injuries, contamination, evaluation bias and material waste, and can also enhance the proficiency and operation accuracy of students. Moreover, VSS training was favoured to be arranged before the TMS training. A thorough VR simulation curriculum design is necessary to help dental students better adapt to virtual simulation systems.