Virtual reality haptic simulator
carious lesion, caries, tooth
CAVITY, CARIES
In year 2 (previous to this study), students were trained on using the VRHS for the purpose of learning dental charting. In addition, students performed a manual dexterity exercise on a virtual block, following a stained “cross” shape. The aim of this exercise was to familiarize students with the grasp of the dental handpiece and the feedback sensation from the VRHS. The restorative course in year 3 is a combined theory and practical course, with the practical component taught in the simulation laboratory, using mannequin‐based phantom head and acrylic typodont teeth (Frasaco, ANKA-4 Z, Tettnang, Germany). Prior to commencing this study, year 3 participants received various sessions on caries investigation and diagnosis, rubber dam application (moisture control), instrumentation, principles of cavity preparation, and fissure sealant. As part of this study, participants also completed an occlusal cavity preparation (Class I) on mounted natural extracted human tooth. Natural teeth were carefully selected to be identical, and groups were homogeneous. The aim of practicing on natural teeth first was to allow students to experience the different sensory feedback and relate to the pressure required to cut in enamel and dentin, then transfer these skills to typodont (Frasaco) teeth and relate to the VRHS experience. All students received a step-by-step demonstration/guide on how to gain access to a carious lesion, remove caries bulk with a high-speed handpiece and remove remaining caries where necessary with a low-speed handpiece.The VRHS hardware used (SIMtoCARE Dente®, SD001, Vreeland, The Netherlands) offers haptic force feedback while the user is performing virtual drilling. The interaction between the stylus (virtual handpiece) and the object (virtual lower first molar tooth; #36) produces visual changes (caries removal) in the 3D image of the #36, that is being displayed on the screen (Fig. Virtual reality haptic simulator and handpieceCaries removal exercise on virtual lower right first permanent molar tooth in the virtual reality haptic simulator