Application of HoloLens‐based augmented reality and three‐dimensional printed anatomical tooth reference models in dental education

Abstract

Tooth anatomy is fundamental knowledge used in everyday dental practice to reconstruct the occlusal surface during cavity fillings. The main objective of this project was to evaluate the suitability of two types of anatomical tooth reference models used to support reconstruction of the occlusal anatomy of the teeth: (1) a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printed model and (2) a model displayed in augmented reality (AR) using Microsoft HoloLens. The secondary objective was to evaluate three aspects impacting the outcome: clinical experience, comfort of work, and other variables. The tertiary objective was to evaluate the usefulness of AR in dental education. Anatomical models of crowns of three different molars were made using cone beam computed tomography image segmentation, printed with a stereolithographic 3D‐printer, and then displayed in the HoloLens. Each participant reconstructed the occlusal anatomy of three teeth. One without any reference materials and two with an anatomical reference model, either 3D‐printed or holographic. The reconstruction work was followed by the completion of an evaluation questionnaire. The maximum Hausdorff distances (Hmax) between the superimposed images of the specimens after the procedures and the anatomical models were then calculated. The results showed that the most accurate but slowest reconstruction was achieved with the use of 3D‐printed reference models and that the results were not affected by other aspects considered. For this method, the Hmax was observed to be 630 μm (p = 0.004). It was concluded that while AR models can be helpful in dental anatomy education, they are not suitable replacements for physical models.

Blended Learning with Video Demonstrations Enhances Dental Students’ Achievements in Tooth Carving

“… 22–25 For instance, some efforts to develop the students’ skills in replicating dental morphology implemented augmented reality, by providing virtual teeth models that is displayed in the real world by Microsoft Hololens, suggest that augmented reality can be helpful in dental anatomy education, but now they are still not suitable replacements for physical 3D models. 26 …”

“…[22][23][24][25] For instance, some efforts to develop the students' skills in replicating dental morphology implemented augmented reality, by providing virtual teeth models that is displayed in the real world by Microsoft Hololens, suggest that augmented reality can be helpful in dental anatomy education, but now they are still not suitable replacements for physical 3D models. 26 In the future we seek to upgrade our efforts to include developing the dental student's self-assessment skills of their dental carvings; it was reported that a statistically significant correlation exists between self-assessment ability and waxing performance in dental students. 27 Accordingly, we are establishing a website where students can upload photos of their carvings and use a special software designed by us to assess and compare their carvings to the correct anatomical sculptures desired from them (unpublished work).…”

Comparative study of 360° virtual reality and traditional two-dimensional video in nonface-to-face dental radiology classes: focusing on learning satisfaction and self-efficacy

“…Furthermore, among advanced VR technologies, the use of mixed-reality technology using Microsoft’s HoloLens provides an augmented and virtual experience in dental education and is highly effective [ 43 , 44 ]; hence, it is a good alternative in DR learning. Nevertheless, educational and training institutions face significant financial challenges with regard to acquiring both equipment and content [ 45 , 46 ], making the provision of these resources to students challenging.…”

“…Therefore, 360° videos and pHMDs offer several advantages when used for the purpose of education in a nonface-to-face online environment. Furthermore, among advanced VR technologies, the use of mixed-reality technology using Microsoft's Holo-Lens provides an augmented and virtual experience in dental education and is highly effective [43,44]; hence, it is a good alternative in DR learning. Nevertheless, This photo shows that a 360° recorded video is played by dividing the same video into the left and right eyes on a smartphone attached to pHMD.…”

Implementation of Augmented Reality in Dental Surgery Using HoloLens 2: An In Vitro Study and Accuracy Assessment

“…While studies with HoloLens can be found in numerous medical fields, there is a noticeable lack of extensive research within the dental field, especially with the latest version of HoloLens. Existing studies employing HoloLens for the study of dental applications can be grouped into two categories: focused on training [18,19] or monitoring [20,21] and interaction based [22]. The first one focuses on displaying virtual content, while the latter involves the interaction between virtual content and real objects, which is the category with which guided implant placement studies are associated.…”