Virtual reality training in dental education reveals a striking generational divide in how technology is perceived and adopted for skill development. While 83% of dental students found haptic simulators easy to use for cavity removal practice, only 47% of faculty shared this enthusiasm, highlighting fundamental differences in how younger and older professionals approach technological learning tools.
The study examined 60 participants using SIMtoCARE Dente simulators to practice removing dental caries through virtual reality with tactile feedback. Students consistently rated the technology more favorably across all 12 evaluation criteria, with 84% viewing it as effective for learning compared to just 33% of faculty. Faculty proved more critical of the simulator's realism, particularly questioning the accuracy of tactile sensations and material properties that the virtual system attempted to replicate.
This perception gap reflects broader patterns in medical education technology adoption, where digital natives often embrace immersive learning while experienced practitioners remain skeptical of virtual substitutes for hands-on training. The findings suggest that successful integration of haptic simulation requires addressing faculty concerns about realism while leveraging student enthusiasm for interactive learning. For dental education, this technology could democratize access to repetitive skill practice, particularly valuable given the limited availability of extracted teeth for traditional training. However, the study's pilot scale and single-session format limit conclusions about long-term learning effectiveness. The challenge lies in balancing technological innovation with the nuanced tactile expertise that experienced dental professionals rightfully protect.