Development and user experience of a three-dimensional object-based virtual reality-simulation tool for dental radiography training: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Background In dental radiography education, students typically observe instructor demonstrations and practice on mannequins or peers. However, owing to the large student-to-instructor ratio, providing individualized feedback is challenging. Repeated practice is also hindered by radiation exposure from dental radiography machines. Implementing three-dimensional (3D) object-based virtual reality (VR) simulations can address these concerns. We developed a 3D object-based VR-simulation tool for dental radiography learning (namely, 3DOVR-DR) and evaluated user experiences. Methods For the development of 3DOVR-DR, a virtual dental radiography room was constructed using 3D objects. The intraoral radiography process was divided into 12 steps, and the Unity 3D engine was used to create an interactive VR environment for step-by-step learning. This study was a randomized controlled trial. To evaluate user experience, 79 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 39), which used Google Cardboard for VR, or an experimental group (n = 40), which used 3DOVR-DR, to evaluate the user experience. A survey questionnaire of 22 items was administered to all participants. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and Mann–Whitney U test. Results The 3DOVR-DR tool provided an immersive experience for simulating and learning the dental radiography process within a VR setting. Users performed step-by-step tasks related to dental radiography in the virtual space, adjusting and repeating the entire process or specific steps as needed for their learning. Users received guidance and practiced dental radiography using 3DOVR-DR. User-experience ratings were significantly higher in the experimental group (4.35±0.47) compared to the control group (3.63±0.66; P < 0.001). Conclusions The 3DOVR-DR tool shows potential as a learning medium for intraoral radiography education. Further analysis is needed to examine the impact and mediating effects of the 3D object-based VR experience on dental radiographic practice. Future research should include pedagogical analysis to evaluate the educational effectiveness of this learning tool.

Keywords

• Clinical competence
• Dental education
• Dental radiography
• Students
• Virtual reality