Advancing dental education through haptic simulation

Abstract

Haptic simulation is transforming dental education as a strategy to train practical skills and psychomotor
abilities. This technology combines virtual reality and 3D imaging with the recreation of tactile sensations
of oral tissues, allowing students to practice procedures such as caries removal, prosthetic crown
preparation, pulpal access, periodontal debridement, implant placement, among others, in a controlled, safe,
ethical, and sustainable environment, without the risks associated with practicing on real patients.
Deliberate practice in haptic simulators offers the opportunity to repeat procedures, providing immediate
feedback and focusing on the continuous improvement of specific skills. Additionally, simulation allows
the objective evaluation of student performance through parameters such as movement accuracy, applied
pressure, and procedure duration.
The importance of integrating haptic simulation into curricular programs is emphasized to contribute to the
development of clinical competencies, facilitating a smoother transition to treating real patients