Application of virtual reality haptic simulators in periodontics: insights from dental professionals

Virtual reality haptic simulator (VRHS)-training devices that integrate visual immersion with tactile feedback- are increasingly used in dental education, yet their application in periodontics remains limited. Sonic scaling requires high tactile precision and control, making it a suitable domain for evaluating VRHS efficacy. This study assessed faculty perceptions and performance using VRHS for preclinical periodontal training compared with conventional simulation.

A quasi-experimental, repeated-measures study was conducted with 30 calibrated faculty members (15 periodontists; 15 general dentists) from the European University of Valencia. Each participant performed standardized calculus removal tasks using both the Simodont® dental trainer and conventional mannequin-based models. Objective outcomes-treatment time, residual calculus, and tip angulation-were recorded, and perceptions were collected through a 14-item Likert questionnaire and open-ended questions adapted from Philip et al. (2023) and Bakr et al. (2016).

Treatment time was significantly shorter in conventional training (26.7% completed <2 min) compared with VRHS (13.3%; p = 0.033). VRHS achieved higher residual calculus scores (3.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.75 ± 0.21; p < 0.001) and improved tip angulation (2.68 ± 0.36 vs. 2.51 ± 0.44; p = 0.015). Within VRHS, periodontists outperformed general dentists in angulation (2.85 ± 0.18 vs. 2.52 ± 0.42; p = 0.010), though no other group differences were significant. Satisfaction scores were high (mean = 4.16 ± 0.45), and internal consistency was acceptable (Cronbach's α = 0.73). Faculty valued repetition, feedback, and confidence building but noted limited realism-particularly the absence of water, soft tissues, and subgingival calculus.

VRHS improved precision and consistency in preclinical scaling while requiring longer completion times. Faculty endorsed its educational value as a complementary tool to conventional training. Continued refinement in tactile realism and broader multicenter validation are needed to consolidate its integration into periodontal education.