Integration of VR simulators into dental education may enhance learning outcomes and skill development of dental students: Study

Virtual reality (VR) simulations have been increasingly used to train dental students before clinical practice. According to the literature, both dental students and instructors can utilise blended learning designs in VR simulations to provide quality education. They can also save time and improve motor skills before students enter clinical stages. Therefore, this study was designed to review the importance of available VR simulators and their impact on student learning and outcomes. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed to review the literature systematically, and different databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched (up to December 2023) for relevant articles using keywords: “virtual reality,” “virtual reality simulators,” “virtual reality simulation,” and “dental education.” The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the study quality. Results: After a comprehensive literature search, 1477 research articles were identified, of which 16 were included in the present study. In terms of students’ learning outcomes, engagement, and optimal approach, a significant improvement was observed compared to conventional training methods, specifically in their knowledge, performance, confidence, and psychomotor skills. The findings suggest that VR simulators enhance the overall learning abilities of dental students and should be regarded as an integral component of the current curriculum. However, it is important to recognize that VR simulators cannot fully substitute traditional training methods; rather, they can effectively complement them.

Reference:

Algarni YA, Saini RS, Vaddamanu SK, et al. The impact of virtual reality simulation on dental education: A systematic review of learning outcomes and student engagement. J Dent Educ. 2024; 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.13619

Keywords:

Integration, VR simulators, dental education, learning outcomes, skill development, dental students, study, Algarni YA, Saini RS, Vaddamanu SK