Objectives The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of student learning of anatomy and 3D imaging concepts using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and immersive virtual reality (VR) technology. Methodology Ninety (n = 90) first year dental students with no previous experience in 3D imaging were recruited. All participants completed a 10‐item, multiple‐choice questionnaire (MCQ) and a pre‐survey prior to the educational intervention. Following a brief video orientation on CBCT and anatomy, each participant underwent a one‐on‐one educational intervention using immersive VR with calibrated instructors to identify head and neck anatomic structures using a VR/CBCT educational tool. Immediately following the intervention, all participants completed a postsurvey, a second MCQ, NASA task load index and presence questionnaires. Participants completed a third MCQ 2 weeks following the intervention. Analysis of objective measures of performance on MCQ's (p < 0.05) and subjective data from the questionnaires was completed. Results The students doubled their mean test scores 2.45 ± 1.274 to 5.99 ± 1.576 on MCQ's immediately following the educational intervention (p < 0.05). The significant increase in the MCQ test scores was maintained after 2 weeks, 5.73 ± 1.721 (p < 0.05). There were no gender differences in student test performance. Students rated the immersive VR/CBCT educational intervention experience highly for control, sensory, and realism factors with minimal distraction and frustration factors. Conclusion Results from this study show that immersive VR/CBCT educational intervention improved test performance and contributed to information recall in students. Further benefits reported by participants include the sense of presence and increased engagement using immersive VR.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.