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Who takes the lead in oral surgery simulation? Students' perceptions and practical skills towards virtual reality and
Juliane Kröplin1, Constanze Veronika Friedrich1, Lisa Harms1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Facial Plastic Surgery, University Medical Centre Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
Objective:
Virtual reality (VR) simulators are considered a promising tool for significantly enhancing surgical skills. This study aims to compare the use of a VR simulator with a conventional phantom model in oral surgery training. The findings should contribute to the further development of oral surgery simulation training and help maximize the innovative benefits of VR-based training.
Methods:
This prospective, cross-sectional, single center study analyzed students' competence in performing an osteotomy on a displaced tooth 38. Participants were dental students in their 5th semester at a University Medical Center in Germany. The study compared a VR simulator with a phantom model. After completing the exercise, students filled out a questionnaire consisting of both standardized and open-ended questions to allow for a comprehensive subjective evaluation of the training experience.
Results:
A total of 22 students took part in the study (12 female, 10 male). None had previously performed the exercise on a patient. From the students' perspective, both training methods were easy to learn (VR:2.0; Ph: 2.1; p=0.642). Individual feedback highlighted that the VR simulator's main advantages were sustainability (n=12) and objectivity (n=5). However, standardized responses indicated that the phantom model was rated as more realistic, particularly regarding anatomical representation (p<0.001), haptic feedback (p<0.001) tooth removal (p<0.001) and osteotomy steps (p<0.001). Both exercises were equally engaging for students (VR:1.8; Ph:1.5; p=0.162).
Conclusion:
Simulation-based training is an engaging way for students to learn surgical tooth removal. Currently, conventional simulation is subjectively perceived as superior to VR simulation, particularly in terms of realism. However, VR simulation allows for a more objective assessment of performance and is considered superior to the phantom model in terms of sustainability. Further technological advancements and improvements in realism could help maximize the innovative benefits of VR-based training.
