The study was led by the University of Eastern Finland and published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine and looked at 156 institutions.
Combining virtual reality (VR) with force feedback, VR-haptic technology is becoming more common in dental education where it complements traditional preclinical hand skill training methods. The aim of the study was to understand dental educators' perceptions and needs regarding the acceptability and application of VR-haptics in dental education and gather suggestions for system improvements.
More than a third of 387 respondents (35 per cent) cited technical limitations in current systems, such as insufficient haptic precision and restricted procedural options, which undermine skill transfer to real patient care. Financial constraints were another major hurdle, with 28 per cent of institutions struggling to afford devices, leading to shortages and limited student access.
Resistance to change also persists, as 24 per cent of respondents noted low acceptance among educators and students, driven by disruptions to traditional teaching methods. Additionally, 13 per cent highlighted time-intensive curriculum adaptations and training requirements as critical obstacles.
To address these challenges, the authors have recommended further hardware and software development, seeking cost-reduction innovations, and providing targeted faculty training to demonstrate VR-haptics’ educational benefits. The researchers pointed out that future success hinges on multidisciplinary collaboration—particularly among restorative dentistry, prosthodontics, and endodontics—to develop realistic, discipline-specific training scenarios.
For more information visit Frontiers | Insights from the global education survey on the use of VR-haptics in dental education