Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university
Abstract Background Dental education blends theoretical concepts with practical tasks, where preclinical simulations using manikins have long been integral. However, the limitations of manikin-based training, such as cost, material restrictions, and inter-rater reliability concerns, have led to the...
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BMC
2025-05-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07221-8 |
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| author | Ammarah Muhammad Nauman Sidra Mohiuddin Maryam Panhwar Yousra Altaf |
| author_facet | Ammarah Muhammad Nauman Sidra Mohiuddin Maryam Panhwar Yousra Altaf |
| author_sort | Ammarah Muhammad Nauman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Dental education blends theoretical concepts with practical tasks, where preclinical simulations using manikins have long been integral. However, the limitations of manikin-based training, such as cost, material restrictions, and inter-rater reliability concerns, have led to the integration of emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance learning. VR provides an immersive environment to practice clinical skills, offering potential flexibility, engagement, and tactile learning advantages. This study compares dental students’ perceptions of VR and manikin training at Ziauddin University, Karachi. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ziauddin University College of Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan, involving 229 dental students enrolled in various levels of the BDS program. A structured questionnaire assessed students’ experiences and perceptions of VR simulation and manikin training. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, with descriptive statistics and independent T-tests to evaluate differences in perception across student groups. Results Both VR and manikin training were effective in improving learning. Manikins were preferred for realistic clinical scenarios, while VR was favored for engagement and tactile learning. 68.6% of students found both methods equally useful for reinforcing knowledge, 77.7% felt more confident after manikin training, and 97.4% found VR effective for understanding tooth textures. Conclusion This study highlights the complementary strengths of VR and manikin-based training in dental education. Both methods should be integrated to provide a more effective and well-rounded learning experience. Further research is needed to explore VR’s cost-effectiveness and use in resource-limited settings. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-8a59f57cafca4a649649715680ed3f1a |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-8a59f57cafca4a649649715680ed3f1a2025-08-20T02:25:13ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-05-012511710.1186/s12909-025-07221-8Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin universityAmmarah Muhammad Nauman0Sidra Mohiuddin1Maryam Panhwar2Yousra Altaf3Department of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Ziauddin UniversityDepartment of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Ziauddin UniversityDepartment of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Ziauddin UniversityDepartment of Community and Preventive Dentistry, Ziauddin UniversityAbstract Background Dental education blends theoretical concepts with practical tasks, where preclinical simulations using manikins have long been integral. However, the limitations of manikin-based training, such as cost, material restrictions, and inter-rater reliability concerns, have led to the integration of emerging technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance learning. VR provides an immersive environment to practice clinical skills, offering potential flexibility, engagement, and tactile learning advantages. This study compares dental students’ perceptions of VR and manikin training at Ziauddin University, Karachi. Methodology This cross-sectional study was conducted at Ziauddin University College of Dentistry, Karachi, Pakistan, involving 229 dental students enrolled in various levels of the BDS program. A structured questionnaire assessed students’ experiences and perceptions of VR simulation and manikin training. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 22, with descriptive statistics and independent T-tests to evaluate differences in perception across student groups. Results Both VR and manikin training were effective in improving learning. Manikins were preferred for realistic clinical scenarios, while VR was favored for engagement and tactile learning. 68.6% of students found both methods equally useful for reinforcing knowledge, 77.7% felt more confident after manikin training, and 97.4% found VR effective for understanding tooth textures. Conclusion This study highlights the complementary strengths of VR and manikin-based training in dental education. Both methods should be integrated to provide a more effective and well-rounded learning experience. Further research is needed to explore VR’s cost-effectiveness and use in resource-limited settings.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07221-8Dental educationVirtual reality in dentistryManikin-based trainingDental Phantom headDental simulationPreclinical training tools |
| spellingShingle | Ammarah Muhammad Nauman Sidra Mohiuddin Maryam Panhwar Yousra Altaf Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university BMC Medical Education Dental education Virtual reality in dentistry Manikin-based training Dental Phantom head Dental simulation Preclinical training tools |
| title | Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university |
| title_full | Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university |
| title_short | Exploring the frontier of dental education: a cross-sectional study of VR simulation and manikin-based training at Ziauddin university |
| title_sort | exploring the frontier of dental education a cross sectional study of vr simulation and manikin based training at ziauddin university |
| topic | Dental education Virtual reality in dentistry Manikin-based training Dental Phantom head Dental simulation Preclinical training tools |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07221-8 |
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