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Design, Implementation, and Effectiveness of Virtual Reality and Digital Simulation Tools for Pediatric Dental
Qiongling Shi1, Lihua Lyu2,3, Jun He4
1Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Stomatology, Stomatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Key Laboratory of Oral Biomedical Research of Zhejiang Province, Cancer Center of Zhejiang University, Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterials and Devices of Zhejiang Province, 395 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310006, China, 86 1500009038.
Digital simulation tools like virtual reality (VR) can enhance pediatric dental behavior management training by improving skills and confidence. However, more research is needed, especially on serious games, to fully understand their educational impact.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Medical Simulation
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Pediatric dental behavior management training requires safe practice opportunities, which are challenging to provide.
- Digital simulation tools offer a novel approach for structured and safe training in this field.
- Systematic synthesis of digital simulation tool effectiveness in pediatric dental education is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review digital simulation tools for pediatric dental behavior management education.
- To analyze the design, implementation, and educational outcomes of these tools.
- To assess the extent of research on virtual reality (VR) and serious game-based approaches.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CNKI) from January 2015 to December 2025, with an updated search in June 2026.
- Original research studies were included, extracting data on study characteristics, intervention design, implementation, and educational outcomes (skills, learner experience).
- Risk of bias was assessed, and findings were narratively synthesized due to heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Twenty-one studies were included, focusing on VR, haptic VR, augmented reality, 3D-printed models, and AI chatbots; no serious game studies were found.
- VR simulations improved empathy and self-efficacy in communication with child patients, requiring repeated use for reinforcement.
- Haptic VR aided procedural skills, augmented reality improved anesthesia training, and 3D models/role-playing enhanced realism and communication. AI chatbots improved caregiver knowledge.
Conclusions:
- Digital simulation tools, particularly VR, show potential for enhancing pediatric dental behavior management education, improving skills, confidence, and communication.
- Heterogeneity, reliance on self-reported data, and rapid technological evolution limit current evidence strength.
- Significant research gaps exist, especially regarding serious games, necessitating future studies with robust designs and standardized outcomes.