Virtuelle virkelighetssimulatorer som pedagogisk hjelpemiddel i odontologisk utdanning
Sammanfattning
Requirements regarding manual dexterity, precision, tactility and visual-spatial abilities are essential in dentistry. Digital learning agents such as virtual reality simulators (VRS) are highly relevant in this regard. The pedagogical effect of the new technological teaching aids is not yet fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate VRS units (Moog Simodont® Dental Trainer) as a dental educational tool. Thirty-one volunteers were divided into three equal groups from third and fifth year dental students, and a control group of individuals with no dental education. The participants conducted three different tests on the VRS unit, and subsequently filled out a questionnaire. The students with previous experience with the VRS had better drilling precision than the other groups, especially when drilling via mirror vision. These students were also most positive with regard to the pedagogical effect. VRS might be a good supplement to existing tuition, if the implementation of the simulators is improved to avoid an additional workload in an already densely packed curriculum. Introduction and use should start at the first year of dental school. This will augment the students' progression in manual dexterity prior to the conventional phantom head courses