Evaluating Haptic Virtual Reality Simulator for Pulpotomy Training in Primary Teeth: A Pilot Study on Dental Student Pespectives.

IF 1.7 4区教育学 Q3 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

European Journal of Dental Education Pub Date : 2025-07-07 DOI:10.1111/eje.70013

Juan Ignacio Aura-Tormos, M Angeles Vello-Ribes, Neus Frechina-Borras, M Dolores Casaña-Ruiz, Montserrat Catalá-Pizarro

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate dental students' perspectives of using haptic virtual reality simulator (HVRS) in the training of pulpotomy procedures in primary teeth, and to compare its perceived educational effectiveness with conventional mannequin-based simulator.

Material and methods: Twenty-four fourth-year dental students from the University of Valencia were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 12 each). One group performed pulpotomy training first with a mannequin-based model and then with HVRS, while the other group followed the reverse sequence. Both training modalities involved standardised instruction and hands-on practice. Following both sessions, participants completed a 12-item Likert-scale survey assessing perspectives of realism, skill acquisition, confidence and overall satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests and Spearman correlation analyses were used to examine group differences and item associations. In addition to self-reported data, procedural timing was also recorded to provide complementary objective insight into student performance.

Results: Students in the HVRS group reported significantly higher agreement on items related to tactile realism, differentiation of tooth structures and improvement of fine motor skills. Strong correlations were observed between perceived realism and confidence (ρ = 0.88), as well as between satisfaction and the desire to apply HVRS in additional procedures (ρ = 1.00). The internal consistency of the questionnaire was high (Cronbach's α = 0.91).

Conclusions: HVRS was perceived as a realistic and motivating tool for pulpotomy training in paediatric dentistry. Students highlighted its value as a complementary method to conventional simulators, supporting psychomotor skill development and learner confidence. These findings suggest that HVRS may enhance educational outcomes when integrated into preclinical dental curricula.

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评估触觉虚拟现实模拟器在乳牙切牙训练中的应用：牙科学生视角的初步研究。

目的：评估牙科学生对使用触觉虚拟现实模拟器（HVRS）进行乳牙切牙术训练的看法，并比较其与传统基于人体模型的模拟器的感知教育效果。材料与方法：24名来自西班牙瓦伦西亚大学的四年级牙科学生随机分为两组，每组12人。一组先用人体模型，再用HVRS进行切髓训练，另一组则相反。两种培训方式都包括标准化教学和实践。在这两个环节之后，参与者完成了一项12项李克特量表调查，评估现实主义、技能习得、信心和总体满意度的观点。使用描述性统计、Mann-Whitney U检验和Spearman相关分析来检验组间差异和项目关联。除了自我报告的数据外，程序时间也被记录下来，以提供对学生表现的补充客观见解。结果：HVRS组学生在触觉真实感、牙齿结构分化和精细运动技能改善等项目上的一致性显著提高。观察到感知的真实性和信心之间存在很强的相关性（ρ = 0.88），满意度和在其他手术中应用HVRS的愿望之间存在很强的相关性（ρ = 1.00）。问卷内部一致性高（Cronbach’s α = 0.91）。结论：HVRS被认为是儿科牙科牙髓切开术培训的现实和激励工具。学生们强调了它作为传统模拟器的补充方法的价值，支持心理运动技能的发展和学习者的信心。这些发现表明，将HVRS整合到临床前牙科课程中可以提高教育效果。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Dental Education 医学-学科教育

CiteScore

4.10

自引率

16.70%

发文量

127

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The aim of the European Journal of Dental Education is to publish original topical and review articles of the highest quality in the field of Dental Education. The Journal seeks to disseminate widely the latest information on curriculum development teaching methodologies assessment techniques and quality assurance in the fields of dental undergraduate and postgraduate education and dental auxiliary personnel training. The scope includes the dental educational aspects of the basic medical sciences the behavioural sciences the interface with medical education information technology and distance learning and educational audit. Papers embodying the results of high-quality educational research of relevance to dentistry are particularly encouraged as are evidence-based reports of novel and established educational programmes and their outcomes.