Integration of Virtual Simulation Software in Preclinical Teaching in Temporomandibular Joint Surgery: Improving Learning Outcomes.

Objectives: The integration of virtual simulation software in medical education has revolutionized the way of students' learning. This study evaluated the impact of a virtual simulation software in pre-clinical teaching of temporomandibular joint surgery.

Methods: A total of 54 fourth-year stomatology undergraduates were randomly categorized into two groups after a pre-test: one subjected to traditional teaching and the other to virtual simulation teaching. After receiving unified theoretical teaching, the two groups conducted self-study in different ways respectively. Then they took the same theoretical tests. The scores of the tests were analyzed by non-parametric test- Mann-Whitney U test. And a questionnaire survey was implemented among the students in the virtual simulation group, focusing on the learning interest, understanding of anatomy, learning initiative, ease of operation, and overall learning efficiency.

Results: The findings revealed that the virtual simulation group had better theoretical scores. The questionnaire recovery rate reached 81.5%, and majority of students recognized its capacity to arouse their interest, enhance their understanding of anatomy, increase their learning initiative, make experiment operations easier and make the learning process lively and interesting. There was also a strong consensus on its ability to improve learning efficiency.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the use of virtual simulation software in pre-clinical teaching for temporomandibular joint surgery enhanced learning outcomes, and the novel teaching approach held remarkable advantages and potential in oral and maxillofacial surgery.