Comparison of the effectiveness of virtual reality-based education and conventional teaching methods in dental education: a systematic review

Abstract

Background and objectives Virtual reality dental simulators as an educational tool may create specific training conditions for dental students, allowing them to practice dental skills in a safe and controlled condition. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of virtual reality-based education in dental education compared to traditional education approaches. Methods In this systematic review, four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct) were searched until 2023 following PRISMA guidelines. The Quality assessment and risk of bias were assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration Tool for RCTs and GRADE, respectively. Inclusion criteria were restricted to randomized or quasi-randomized trials about virtual reality efficacy in dental education. Two authors independently evaluated the data and reviewed the overall risk of bias for all selected studies. Study design, sample size, hardware, onset time of intervention, duration, and number of procedures performed were among the data extracted. Results From the 703 titles, 48 full texts were chosen for review, yielding 14 articles for final inclusion. The review of these articles indicated the effective role of virtual reality dental simulators in improving students' knowledge and practical skills. Conclusions Based on our findings, adding haptic technology to virtual reality can improve students' practical skills, hand skills, theoretical knowledge, self-confidence, and learning environment. Although a fair amount of research needs to be done, notably on cost-effectiveness, student satisfaction, and other potentially adverse effects, virtual reality is a growing phenomenon with immense potential.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Virtual Simulation Platform for Apexification Learning

“…Virtual reality and force feedback technologies are the main technologies included in the current dental virtual simulation system [31]. With the advancement of virtual simulation technologies, their application in dental education has been gradually increased in various fields, such as dental restoration, tooth and crown preparation, teeth implantation, caries removal, and so on [32]. Compared with the traditional teaching method, the VS technology in dental pedagogy possesses great advantages in eliminating the limitations of the environment, providing endless and timeless practicing opportunities, quick responses, simulated environment-based real experience, and improved educational quality [33,34].…”

Systematic Literature Review for Smart Learning In Programming Courses

“…Furthermore, we require additional plans and systems to support young individuals in managing their careers. The scope of our research is to serve the students of Al-Buraimi University College in the field of IT, with the main objective being to assist students in programming [9]. This research helps students learn shortcuts and specialized symbols in IT terminology.…”

“…It can provide guidance on selecting the core areas, strategies, and methods to be adopted in effectively integrating mobile learning into software courses. In addition, understanding the leading trends and effective methodologies detailed within the writing can guide teachers and curriculum developers in creating more effective educational approaches for teaching programming using mobile devices [9]. This may lead to improved learning outcomes and student engagement.…”

25 Years of Digital Health Education - Looking Back and Looking Forward (Preprint)

“…However, it was also noted that the majority of trials using VR used it as an intervention only once, and there was a lack of data showing how VR faired to traditional teachings across multiple sessions. VR simulators have shown significance compared to controls in providing greater selfconfidence for surgical residents in dentistry [92]. It was also identified that residents who used VR navigation software had higher accuracy in marking their first implantation sites during the surgical stage of dental implantation [92].…”