Understanding the Impact of Haptic Integration Within a Dental Implantology Virtual Simulation: A Multi-Cohort Randomized Crossover Study

• In Event: Evolving Perpectives in Simulation Education

Abstract

Despite the widespread use of virtual simulations (VSs) in dental education, the role of haptic feedback remains unclear, with mixed evidence regarding its necessity and effectiveness in the literature. This study helps address this gap by comparing performance, self-confidence, and usability among undergraduate dentistry students with and without haptic feedback in a dental implantology-related VS. Utilizing a quasi-experimental multi-cohort randomized crossover design, 59 students were assessed. Preliminary findings show that haptic feedback significantly enhances self-confidence and usability but does not impact performance. Notably, year 4 students outperformed junior cohorts, providing validity evidence for the system's ability to discern experience levels. These results underscore the value of haptic feedback in dental VSs, offering essential insights for optimizing dental education technology.

Authors

• Sayed Azher, McGill University

• Samer Abi-Nader, McGill University

• Keerat Kaur Grewal, McGill University

• Lizianne Hermogenes Lopes Zini, McGill University

• Jason Matthew Harley, McGill University