Framework for E‐Learning Assessment in Dental Education: A Global Model for the Future

Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/153544/1/jddj002203372013775tb05504x.pd

A smoothed particle hydrodynamics algorithm for haptic rendering of dental filling materials

Using haptic interfaces to assist the training of skills within the curriculum of undergraduate dentists provides a unique opportunity to advance rendering algorithms and engineering of haptic devices. In this paper we use the dental context to explore a rendering technique called smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) as a potential method to train students on appropriate techniques for insertion of filling material into a previously prepared (virtual) dental cavity. The paper also considers how problems of haptic rendering might be implemented on a Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) that operates in the haptics control loop. The filling simulation used 3000 particles to represent the cavity boundary (approx. 1400 particles), tool (approx. 42 particles) and filling material (approx. 1600 particles), running at an average of 447Hz. Novel smoothing function in SPH was developed and its flexibility is presented

The application of simulators in dental medicine students’ training

The simulation training of dental students has developed rapidly in recent years. The development of new technologies and virtual reality are an indispensable part of the education of dental students. The introduction of simulators in the education of dental students supports the harmonization and integration of knowledge from the pre-clinical and clinical education of the students. The opportunity to train on simulators in the field of dentistry helps future dentists to put their theoretical knowledge into practice and gain confidence to work with patients. Simulation operators are included in the students’ pre-clinical exercises. In recent years, computer-based simulation and virtual reality-based simulation have become an indispensable part of the pre-clinical training of dental students. Nowadays, there is a wide range of dental simulator models with different features and functions. Some of them are: DentSim, Haptic Technology, Moog Simodont Dental Trainer, HapTEL, the Geneva System, Robotic Patients for Virtual Dental Patient Simulation, Virtual Reality Dental Training System, PerioSim, the VirDenT system, the Forsslund System, DSETM Expert Dental Simulation Units—KaVo Dental. In addition to student training, these simulators can also be used to assess learner performance or quality control various teaching methods. The development of new technologies marks successes in the development and improvement of the simulators applied in the training of dental medicine students. The virtual patient application provides many opportunities to recreate clinical situations in virtual reality and will make learning even more rewarding and interesting for dental students

Comparative evaluation of dental haptic simulators and their applications in pediatric dentistry- a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Almost all fields of dentistry are very reliant on dentists’ well-developed dexterity and psychomotor skills. Simulation preclinical dental training is important for dental students to acquire preliminary manual dexterity before interacting with real patients. In the recent years, virtual reality specifically haptic simulations have drawn a lot of attention due to their multiple advantages including lack of the threat of spreading air-borne diseases. PURPOSE: The overall purpose of this study was to provide a review of the available dental haptic simulators in the market, and specific aim was to report the available evidence from the current scientific literature about the use and benefit of them during early preclinical pediatric dentistry training. METHODS: Information about Haptic VR simulators was obtained through manufacturers’ websites and current scientific literature. For the specific aim, the review is reported using the PRISMA-Scoping Review (ScR) guidelines and bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Cochrane library, Embase, and Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source. RESULTS: The systematic search identified 79 titles of which 14 full-text articles were selected for detailed review. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria 4 studies were included in this review. CONCLUSION: Evaluation evidence from reviewed studies indicates the usefulness of the haptic simulators in preclinical pediatric dental training. The haptic simulators complement the existing phantom head simulators by offering different beneficial features. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of the simulators in pediatric dental training and to support the current availability of evidence

Development of a Haptic Training Simulation for the Administration of Dental Anaesthesia based upon Accurate Anatomical Data

In the dental curriculum, the initial administration of local anaesthesia injection on live patients is critical and students may experience a high degree of anxiety. Low self-confidence often caused by insufficient knowledge of anatomy has been repeatedly reported as one of the major causes. In this paper, we focus on the development of a haptic training system based upon an accurate anatomical model, which aims to encourage self-paced learning of the practical skills that are required in such procedures and to increase students’ self-confidence. We first present the workflow we have considered to develop an accurate anatomical model of the human head and neck and introduce a Virtual Reality-based application commissioned by NHS Education for Scotland to support the learning of the anatomy in a safe and repeatable manner. Finally, we describe the functionalities of the haptic training system and discuss further developments with regard to existing research outcomes

Advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies in dental medicine education

Digital technologies have begun their journey in dentistry in recent years. Thanks to this development, clinical practices and laboratory techniques are moving to digital processes. The merging of these digital puzzles into one whole is the logical continuum of this trend - the creation of a 3D virtual patient. In the context of medical education, the virtual patient is defined as an interactive computer simulation of a real-life clinical scenario for the purpose of teaching, learning and evaluation. This review is limited to one area of e-learning in dentistry. It is a fact that few studies have been published as to compare the effectiveness of new virtual and augmented reality systems in dental education. Advanced simulation technology shows the potential to improve training methods and quality. With the widespread adoption and integration of these technologies into the curriculum, students can achieve a higher level of competence before embarking on a clinical practice. Scientific researches will continue to offer a variety of technologies and effective treatments. To take full advantage of modern science, new knowledge and technology must be incorporated into the core of dental education. The aim of this study is to present the advantages and disadvantages of digital technologies and virtual simulators in dental education

Haptic-Enhanced Learning in Preclinical Operative Dentistry

Background: Virtual reality haptic simulators represent a new paradigm in dental education that may potentially impact the rate and efficiency of basic skill acquisition, as well as pedagogically influence the various aspects of students’ preclinical experience. However, the evidence to support their efficiency and inform their implementation is still limited. Objectives: This thesis set out to empirically examine how haptic VR simulator (Simodont®) can enhance the preclinical dental education experience particularly in the context of operative dentistry. We specify 4 distinct research themes to explore, namely: simulator validity (face, content and predictive), human factors in 3D stereoscopic display, motor skill acquisition, and curriculum integration. Methods: Chapter 3 explores the face and content validity of Simodont® haptic dental simulator among a group of postgraduate dental students. Chapter 4 examines the predictive utility of Simodont® in predicting subsequent preclinical and clinical performance. The results indicate the potential utility of the simulator in predicting future clinical dental performance among undergraduate students. Chapter 5 investigates the role of stereopsis in dentistry from two different perspectives via two studies. Chapter 6 explores the effect of qualitatively different types of pedagogical feedback on the training, transfer and retention of basic manual dexterity dental skills. The results indicate that the acquisition and retention of basic dental motor skills in novice trainees is best optimised through a combination of instructor and visualdisplay VR-driven feedback. A pedagogical model for integration of haptic dental simulator into the dental curriculum has been proposed in Chapter 7. Conclusion: The findings from this thesis provide new insights into the utility of the haptic virtual reality simulator in undergraduate preclinical dental education. Haptic simulators have promising potential as a pedagogical tool in undergraduate dentistry that complements the existing simulation methods. Integration of haptic VR simulators into the dental curriculum has to be informed by sound pedagogical principles and mapped into specific learning objectives