Effect of a virtual reality simulator for preclinical instruction of operative dentistry on level of competence of undergraduate dental students.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the effect of a virtual reality (VR) simulator for instruction of restorative dentistry on the level of competence of undergraduate dental students. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 55 third-year dental students, who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) and control (n = 25) groups. Both groups received the same theoretical instruction for preparation of a Class I cavity in a mandibular first molar. The control group then practiced cavity preparation on acrylic teeth for 8 h. The intervention group practiced by using a VR simulator for 4 h and practicing on acrylic teeth for 4 h. Both groups participated in a pretest on acrylic teeth. The intervention group had one posttest after using the VR simulator and another posttest after practicing on acrylic teeth. The control group also had two posttests after the first and second phases of practice. The performance of the two groups was scored blindly by three examiners. Data were analyzed by independent and paired t-test, Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Mann-Whitney U test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS: The improvement in overall performance was significantly greater in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05). Progression in the first step (pretest-posttest 1) was significantly greater in 5 out of 9 criteria in the intervention group than the control group (P < 0.05). Progression in the second step (posttest 1-posttest 2) was significantly greater in the intervention group than the control group in 6 out of 9 criteria (P < 0.05). The reduction in catastrophic errors in the first posttest compared to pretest was significantly greater in the intervention group than the control group (P = 0.000 for the VR group and P = 0.006 for the control group). CONCLUSIONS: VR simulation can improve the quality of learning of preclinical restorative dentistry, and may be used as an educational supplement in dental curricula.