Benefits of using immersive virtual reality in haptic dental simulation for endodontic access cavity training: A comparative crossover study.

Abstract

Introduction: The use of haptic virtual reality simulators in preclinical dental education is evolving rapidly. However, the application of immersive haptic simulations for specific dental procedures, such as access cavity preparation, has not been extensively explored.

Aims: This study aimed to (i) evaluate the impact of using the VirTeaSy Dental® simulator in conjunction with a virtual reality (VR) headset on student performance during access cavity preparation, with a focus on haptic parameters; (ii) assess students' perceptions of the experience; and (iii) examine the side effects associated with VR headset use.

Methodology: The study included 90 third-year dental students from the Dental Faculty of Nantes University, enrolled in January 2023. Participants were divided into two parallel groups. In Phase 1, Group 1 (n = 45) completed two endodontic access cavity exercises on the VirTeaSy Dental® without the VR headset, whilst Group 2 performed the same exercises using the VR headset. In Phase 2, the groups switched conditions and followed the same protocol. Performance was assessed using haptic parameters, and comparisons between groups for each phase were made using parametric and non-parametric tests (p < .05). Students also completed questionnaires to assess their experience and report any side effects from using the VR headset.

Results: Across both groups and phases, participants performed better in access cavity preparation without the VR headset. They showed greater accuracy, made fewer errors, and completed the exercises more quickly. Notably, more students failed to complete the exercises within the 10-minute time limit when using the VR headset (27 vs. 12 in Group 1, 23 vs. 13 in Group 2). Most participants expressed a preference for using VirTeaSy Dental® without the VR headset. Approximately, 20% of students reported side effects, including dizziness, nausea, migraines, and neck muscle fatigue.

Conclusion: The results suggest that full immersion in haptic simulation, when paired with a VR headset, negatively impacts student performance in complex tasks such as access cavity preparation. These findings underscore the current limitations of immersive virtual reality in dental education and highlight the need for technical refinements before its widespread adoption in preclinical training.