Haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR-haptic) simulation in dental education has evolved
considerably during the past decade, representing a promising resource of simulation-based
training opportunities to support conventional practice. We aim to summarize current
literature on the applications of VR-haptics in learning, practicing, and teaching
dental education.A literature search was performed using PubMed, focusing on research
articles published between January 2010 and January 2024. Out of the 667 articles
that matched the search terms (dentistry, education, haptic, teaching, training, virtual
reality), 105 were screened, and 42 were eligible for full-text reading and utilization.
Findings from an ongoing educator survey on the use of VR-haptics in dental education
have also been provided.VR-haptic simulation has been shown to have a supportive role
in dental simulation practice. Despite training within a digital world, hand skill
transfer to the real world has been demonstrated, which affords educators more flexibility
in how to train their students before and during traditional preclinical and clinical
practical education. The individualized VR-haptic training and feedback help students
in mastering essential working techniques, while also increasing engagement and motivation.VR-haptics-supported
dental education can help students effectively address challenges during their preclinical
and clinical training, as well as in their subsequent careers, and it may help mitigate
some weaknesses of the current educational system. Validation is a key factor for
the acceptance of VR-haptic simulators; thus, further research and verification are
needed before VR-haptics could be considered a primary hand skill development method
of learning in dental education. VR-haptic simulation may in the future be used as
an assessment tool for the students' and clinicians' credentialing process.
