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Roxner R, Hallberg U, Berlin H, Klingberg G. Undergraduate dental students' perceptions of dental pain in children - A grounded theory study. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2024. [PMID: 38581212 DOI: 10.1111/eje.13008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an underuse of pain management strategies in dental care for children, possibly owing to perceived stress and discomfort when treating children, which has also been reported by dental students. The aim of this study was to explore how undergraduate dental students experience and understand pain related to dental treatment in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Interviews were held with 21 Swedish dental students, from 3 dental schools, all in their final 2 years of education. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed according to Grounded Theory. RESULTS A core category, seeking guidance to avoid pain, was identified and related to 6 conceptual categories. The students used different strategies to manage pain prevention in child dentistry and to become skilled dentists. They described high levels of stress, as well as having high expectations on themselves when treating children. The stress led to a surface learning approach, something the students were not fully aware of. CONCLUSION All children should have the right to be ensured optimal pain prevention in dental care. The basis for this is laid during undergraduate education. Thus, pain management in child dentistry is an area in need of special attention in this respect. The academic staff has an important role in supporting their students in their process to gain an identity as professional dentists. To ensure that students incorporate an understanding of the importance of pain prevention when treating children there is a need to create more integration between theory and clinical training in undergraduate education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikard Roxner
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Hallberg
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Henrik Berlin
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Gunilla Klingberg
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
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Taysi AE, Taysi NM, Sismanoglu S. Evaluation of the efficacy of a simulation model used in oral and maxillofacial surgery education. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:310. [PMID: 38504298 PMCID: PMC10953247 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05307-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The traditional teaching methods of dental education are gradually being replaced with futuristic education methods based on the usage of educational tools such as mannequin-based simulation models and virtual reality. However, the effectiveness of mannequin-based simulation models as a learning method in the field of oral surgery remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the efficacy of training on a tooth extraction model (TEM) in view of undergraduate dental students' experience and perception of their education. METHODS A quasi-experimental trial was implemented with two consecutive year classes, totaling 136 students at the Dentistry Faculty of Altinbas University, Turkiye. Two cohorts were created from dental students in the classes of 2023 and 2022 graduates. Cohort 1 (n = 71) received 14 h of theoretical education followed by 10 h of preclinical education on TEM. Cohort 2 (n = 65) received only 14 h of theoretical education. An anonymous questionnaire was prepared with four main sections including the preferences of learning style, participants' perceptions of the preclinical training methods, the students' competency and free text comments. Students' opinions were quantified with both 7-point Likert scales and thematic analysis. Anxiety levels were measured with the interval scale of anxiety response (ISAR). Descriptive statistics, inferential statistical and thematic analyses were conducted according to survey responses. Student characteristics were summarized and compared for two cohorts using a t-test. For all statistical analyses, the significance level was set atP ≤ 0.05. RESULT Cohort 1 was more comfortable with sequential motions performed with the forceps (P = 0.033) and felt more ready for their first clinical tooth extraction experience (P = 0.028). Cohort 2 showed a significantly higher preference for textbooks among supplementary materials (P = 0.04); however, they tended to exhibit lower self-confidence and higher anxiety levels, though without any statistical significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION It is clear that the students who have yet to start seeing patients benefit from increased practice with training models, which adequately reflect and represent real-life situations encountered in everyday practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysegul Erten Taysi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Altinbas University, Istanbul, 34147, Turkey.
| | - Nuri Mert Taysi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, 34098, Turkey
| | - Soner Sismanoglu
- Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Restorative Dentistry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, 34098, Turkey
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Iiyoshi K, Khazaaleh S, Dalaq AS, Daqaq MF, Korres G, Eid M. Origami-Based Haptic Syringe for Local Anesthesia Simulator. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON HAPTICS 2024; 17:39-44. [PMID: 38224514 DOI: 10.1109/toh.2024.3353924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Although medical simulators have benefited from the use of haptics and virtual reality (VR) for decades, the former has become the bottleneck in producing a low-cost, compact, and accurate training experience. This is particularly the case for the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) procedure in dentistry, which is one of the most difficult motor skills to acquire. As existing works are still oversimplified or overcomplicated for practical deployment, we introduce an origami-based haptic syringe interface for IANB local anesthesia training. By harnessing the versatile mechanical tunability of the Kresling origami pattern, our interface simulated the tactile experience of the plunger while injecting the anesthetic solution. We present the design, development, and characterization process, as well as a preliminary usability study. The force profile generated by the syringe interface is perceptually similar with that of the Carpule syringe. The usability study suggests that the haptic syringe significantly improves the IANB training simulation and its potential to be utilized in several other medical training/simulation applications.
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Thelen RM, Hormann JC, Uppgaard R, Evans MD, Flynn PM. A comparison of simulation and traditional local anesthesia teaching methods among dental hygiene students. J Dent Educ 2023. [PMID: 36928583 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic forced dental educators to quickly modify the teaching-learning platform without testing outcomes of alternative teaching methods prior to implementation. One critical course affected was the teaching of local anesthesia (LA) that moved from practicing injections using the traditional student-to-student method to the simulation model using manikins. PURPOSE This study compared two LA teaching methods (student-to-student versus simulation) in two consecutive cohorts before and during the pandemic to assess differences in students' skill level and self-confidence. METHODS This quasi-experimental study recruited a convenience sample of dental hygiene students at the University of Minnesota during 2020 and 2021. Consent was collected prior to student-to-student injection practice and survey distribution. Data collected were clinical and summative clinical assessments to determine LA skill level, and student surveys to assess self-confidence. Analyses included descriptive statistics, linear models within and between cohorts, and inductive analysis for qualitative survey responses. RESULTS Fifty of 57 students (88%) completed the survey, and 54 (95%) consented access to their clinical assessments. Skill level was significantly higher for the simulation cohort compared to the student-to-student cohort on the LA summative clinical assessment (59.0 vs. 55.6, p = 0.004). No differences were found in self-confidence between cohorts. A positive association was found between students' self-confidence and skill levels for both cohorts, but only student-to-student cohort results were statistically significant (student-to-student: r = 0.44, p = 0.02; simulation: r = 0.24, p = 0.26). CONCLUSION Results support incorporating simulation manikin teaching methods for LA with a student-to-student partner component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Thelen
- Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jill C Hormann
- Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rachel Uppgaard
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Michael D Evans
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Priscilla M Flynn
- Division of Dental Hygiene, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Lamira JM, Wilson CS, Leppek NC, Orr CM, De la Rosa LM, Greany TJ. A pilot study of local anesthesia training using a mixed‐reality haptic fidelity model. J Dent Educ 2022; 87:583-591. [PMID: 36479700 DOI: 10.1002/jdd.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES One of the most difficult local anesthetic blocks to master in dentistry is the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB). Historically, dental students have practiced local anesthesia on one another. At the University of Colorado, these practice sessions have been limited to one required laboratory session. The predictability and confidence of student IANB success have not been high in the past. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a novel IANB simulator, built on a three dimensional (3D)-printed mixed-reality haptic model, for second-year dental students to practice on prior to their laboratory session. METHODS Thirty-nine student participants volunteered to practice with the IANB simulator. Participants were divided into two groups, Group A and Group B. Self-reported confidence and injection-specific accuracy were measured during IANB simulator practice and the laboratory session. During lab, partner numbness was assessed as a measure of IANB success. Groups A (n = 20) and B (n = 19) practiced with the simulator before and after laboratory, respectively. Injection domains were not assessed during Group B's practice with the IANB simulator. RESULTS Self-reported confidence increased for both groups (p < 0.001). However, for anesthetic success, Group A exhibited significantly greater success (52.6%) than Group B (17.6%) (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION Self-reported confidence in performing an IANB improved and higher anesthetic success was achieved for Group A. Further investigation is necessary to determine the long-term impact of using the IANB simulator in dental education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jensine M. Lamira
- Department of Cellular and Developmental BiologySchool of Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Charlotte S. Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tulane University New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Noah C. Leppek
- Department of Cellular and Developmental BiologySchool of Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Caley M. Orr
- Department of Cellular and Developmental BiologySchool of Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
- Department of Anthropology University of Colorado Denver Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Laurice M. De la Rosa
- Department of Surgical Dentistry, Division of Periodontics School of Dental Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
| | - Thomas J. Greany
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine; Department of Cellular and Developmental Biology School of Medicine at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora Colorado USA
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McAlpin E, Levine M, Brenner C, Opazo C, Bathini S, Choi SJV, Louisville M, Grandhi U. Evaluating the effectiveness of a virtual reality simulation for preclinical local anaesthesia dental education. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR DENTAL EDUCATION IN EUROPE 2022. [PMID: 36107420 DOI: 10.1111/eje.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traditional manikin training has limitations that virtual reality can address. This study investigated the effectiveness of two part-task training simulation methods, a virtual reality (VR Sim) vs a plastic manikin (PM Sim), on learning outcomes for local anaesthesia skills for second-year pre-clinical dental students. METHODS In an experimental study, 58 second-year students were randomly assigned to one of two groups, VR Sim or PM Sim. Both groups completed the same pre-post survey. The VR Sim group practiced with a VR simulation, completed a built-in treatment test and a transfer test with a live person, and was evaluated by an expert teaching assistant (TA) with a rubric. The PM Sim group practiced with a plastic manikin and completed a treatment test on the same manikin evaluated by a TA, followed by the same transfer test with a live person and evaluated by a TA with a rubric. RESULTS Covering knowledge and skills in the delivery of local anaesthesia, mean final transfer test scores were statistically significantly higher for the PM Sim compared to VR Sim, F(1, 57) = 9.719, p = .003 with effect size, η2 p = 0.148. Scores on respective treatment tests were similar to final transfer test scores for each group suggesting differences were localised to the practice methods. Pre-survey results indicated participants had low prior experience with VR technology. CONCLUSION Whilst outcomes showed higher results for plastic manikin tutor training over the VR training method, they are complementary. As students practice more with the technology and the VR simulation they may improve further. Likewise, as the technology for haptics with VR improves beyond hand controllers so may the experience and learning of this skill for students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth McAlpin
- Research and Outcomes Assessment, Teaching & Learning with Technology, NYU IT, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marci Levine
- NYU College of Dentistry, New York, New York, USA
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Vasil’ev Y, Diachkova E, Darawsheh H, Kashtanov A, Molotok E, Volel B, Batov A, Kytko O, Saleev R, Saleeva G, Saleeva L, Smilyk I, Tiunova N. Cross-Sectional Study on the Comparative Assessment of Mandibular Anesthesia (Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blockage) Manual Skills Shaping among Dentists on Plastic and Biomaterial Models. Dent J (Basel) 2022; 10:dj10070124. [PMID: 35877398 PMCID: PMC9318609 DOI: 10.3390/dj10070124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Providing regional anesthesia skills shaping remains relevant nowadays. A number of studies show that dentists have difficulties with these working independently. The study aim is the comparative analysis of the results of mandibular anesthesia (IANB) manual-skills shaping among dentists on plastic models and cadavers. Methods: In total, 999 participants were training in the skills of mandibular anesthesia from 2017 to 2021. The participants were divided in a random way into two groups: 700 participants were trained on plastic models, and 299 were trained on the cadaver material. After a lecture on the clinical and anatomical guidelines for IANB, a demonstration of the technique was provided, with subsequent testing of the injection technique. Satisfaction with the aspects of the training was assessed using the Likert scale. Results: the analysis of average values showed that participants from the group in which the manual skills were practiced on cadavers were more satisfied with the main aspects of the training, according to the sum of the main criteria of the modified scale. Conclusions: The important advantages of cadaver educational technology are that the sensations of tissue resistance are identical to natural ones, the individuality of each object, and the possibility of the visual study of the anesthesia technique, by dissection of the needle course and the location of the anesthetic depot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriy Vasil’ev
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
- Correspondence: (Y.V.); (E.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Ekaterina Diachkova
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
- E.V. Borovsky Institute of Dentistry, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 11 Mozhaiskiy Val St., 121059 Moscow, Russia
- Correspondence: (Y.V.); (E.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Hadi Darawsheh
- Institute of Anatomy “Skolkovo”, Skolkovo, 42-1 Bolshoy Boulevard St., 121205 Moscow, Russia; (H.D.); (I.S.)
| | - Artem Kashtanov
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
- Correspondence: (Y.V.); (E.D.); (A.K.)
| | - Ekaterina Molotok
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
| | - Beatrice Volel
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
| | - Artem Batov
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
| | - Olesya Kytko
- N.V. Sklifosovsky Institute of Clinical Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8-2 Trubetskaya St., 119991 Moscow, Russia; (E.M.); (B.V.); (A.B.); (O.K.)
| | - Rinat Saleev
- Dentistry Faculty, Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova Street St., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (R.S.); (G.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Gulshat Saleeva
- Dentistry Faculty, Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova Street St., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (R.S.); (G.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Laysan Saleeva
- Dentistry Faculty, Kazan State Medical University, 49 Butlerova Street St., 420012 Kazan, Russia; (R.S.); (G.S.); (L.S.)
| | - Irina Smilyk
- Institute of Anatomy “Skolkovo”, Skolkovo, 42-1 Bolshoy Boulevard St., 121205 Moscow, Russia; (H.D.); (I.S.)
| | - Natalya Tiunova
- Dentistry Faculty, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Minin and Pozharsky Sq., 603950 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia;
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Vural Ç, Bozkurt P, Vardar Acar C, Üçok C. Analysis of Confidence Levels and Application Success Rates in Simulator-Based Dental Anesthesia Education Among Undergraduate Dental Students. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2021; 79:1236.e1-1236.e7. [PMID: 33716007 DOI: 10.1016/j.joms.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the confidence levels of undergraduate dental students who used dental anesthesia simulators and patient reports of undergraduate dental students' confidence levels in delivering anesthesia injections, in comparison with undergraduate dental students who did not use dental anesthesia simulators. We also investigated application success rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was carried out in the dental anesthesia simulator laboratory and in the faculty clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry of Ankara University. One-hundred volunteer undergraduate dental students who had completed the third year of the 5-year undergraduate education program and who had not performed local anesthesia on a patient participated in the study. Seventy and 30 undergraduate dental students did and did not receive training on dental anesthesia simulators, respectively, before performing procedures on patients. Using a questionnaire, undergraduate dental students conducted a self-assessment of preparedness and confidence, educators assessed the application success rates, and patients evaluated the undergraduate dental students' confidence levels. RESULTS Patients reported that the undergraduate dental students trained using the simulators were more confident. The self-reported confidence and success rates in providing anesthesia did not differ significantly as per the use of dental anesthesia simulators. CONCLUSIONS Although use of simulators did not enhance self-reported confidence, patients reported that undergraduate dental students who used the simulators were more confident and reassuring. Use of simulators did not increase the undergraduate dental students' self-reported confidence or preparedness. However, we recommend using such simulators to overcome the ethical and moral issues associated with other teaching methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çağıl Vural
- Specialist, Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Ankara Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi, Ağız Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi, Emniyet Mahallesi, İncitaş Sokak, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Poyzan Bozkurt
- Associate Professor, Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ankara Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi, Ağız Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi, Emniyet Mahallesi, İncitaş Sokak, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Türkiye.
| | - Ceren Vardar Acar
- Associate Professor, Middle East Technical University University, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Statistics, Orta Doğu Teknik Üniversitesi, İstatistik Bölümü, Üniversiteler Mahallesi, Dumlupınar Bulvarı No:1, Çankaya, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cahit Üçok
- Professor Doctor, Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ankara Üniversitesi Diş Hekimliği Fakültesi, Ağız Diş ve Çene Cerrahisi, Emniyet Mahallesi, İncitaş Sokak, Yenimahalle, Ankara, Türkiye
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Zafar S, Siddiqi A, Yasir M, Zachar JJ. Pedagogical development in local anaesthetic training in paediatric dentistry using virtual reality simulator. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2021; 22:667-674. [PMID: 33566287 PMCID: PMC7874567 DOI: 10.1007/s40368-021-00604-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE With the advancements in technology, dental pedagogy has also evolved, and new learning technologies have emerged. Virtual reality (VR) as an education tool in dentistry is underutilised. VR as an adjunct in local anaesthesia (LA) teaching in paediatric dentistry has not been investigated. The study aimed to investigate dental student's perception of dental LA VR simulation on a paediatric patient and to determine whether this can improve students learning experience. METHODS Seventy-one students participated in a self-administered questionnaire before and after the use of dental LA VR simulator. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the perceptions of experience gained through VR. The data were tabulated, graphed, and analysed using SPSS and GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS The study noted that 89.9% of participants perceived that it would improve their LA skills. After using dental LA VR, 83.1% of participants experienced more engaged in the learning activity, and 55.0% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that it improved their understanding of anatomical landmarks. Around 56.4% of participants agreed/strongly agreed that it added value compared with traditional LA teaching methods. CONCLUSION It can be concluded that the use of VR simulation can enhance students engagement and learning experience in paediatric dentistry settings and can be used as an additional means of LA training.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Zafar
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia.
| | - A Siddiqi
- School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Griffith University, Cnr Parkland Drive and Olsen Avenue, Southport, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - M Yasir
- Department of Information Science, University of Otago, New Zealand, 362 Leith Street, Dunedin, Otago, 9016, New Zealand
| | - J J Zachar
- School of Dentistry, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, QLD, 4006, Australia
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