Investigating the Application of New Technologies in Dental Education: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Technology provides many opportunities in distance education in the field of dentistry, while the need to use the most appropriate educational methods is well defined. The purpose of this study was to investigate the application of new technologies in dental education. This study was a review study by undertaking PRISMA guidelines that were performed by reviewing relevant texts by searching the databases of PubMed, Springer link, ProQuest, Wiley Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria included original and non-original articles related to the technology in dental education from 2016 to 2020. Finally, 23 studies were presented as the final sample of review, analysis, and results in the form of tables. Analysis of 23 studies showed that technologies such as digital simulation and Virtual Reality/Augmented Reality (VR/AR) combined with haptic technology could be very useful for teaching skills. Based on these studies, distance education 34.7% (n=8), dental technology 30.4% (n=7), VR & AR 17.3% (n=4), mobile learning8% (n=2), serious games 4% (n=1), and blended learning 4% (n=1) have been evaluated useful and effective in dental education. Technology offers many opportunities for teaching and learning solutions. Therefore, dental schools should use technology to support clinical and theoretical education. Digital assessment gadgets in restorative dentistry and dentures allow students to evaluate their performance in real time without direct surveillance.

Keywords

• Technology in dentistry
• Dentistry
• Dental education