Files

923525.pdf (1.1 MB)

Document type

Article

Version

Published version

Publication date

2026-02-13

Publication license

cc-by (c) Aitor Basterra López, A. et al., 2026
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/228149

Comparative Performance of Haptic Virtual Simulation vs. Conventional Training in Class V Cavity Preparation: A Paired In Vitro Study

Journal Title

Authors

Director/Tutor

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Related resource

https://doi.org/10.3390/dj14020109

Abstract

Background: Haptic virtual simulation (HVS) has emerged as a promising tool in dental education, yet evidence comparing its performance to conventional preclinical training remains limited. Establishing its effectiveness is essential to support its integration into competency-based curricula. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare Class V cavity preparations performed using conventional training on extracted teeth with those performed using a haptic virtual simulator, evaluating preparation time and cavity volume. Methods: Sixty-one extracted human molars were digitized using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to generate corresponding virtual replicas. A calibrated operator prepared 122 standardized Class V cavities (61 real and 61 virtual). The simulator automatically recorded preparation time and cavity volume. For natural teeth, cavity volume was calculated by digital superimposition of pre- and post-operative STL models using Blender. Paired means were compared using Student’s t-test (α = 0.05). Results: Preparation time was significantly shorter when using HVS compared with the conventional method (p < 0.001). Virtual preparations resulted in slightly larger cavity volumes than real preparations, with a statistically significant yet clinically small difference (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Haptic virtual simulation enables more time-efficient Class V cavity preparation while producing cavity volumes comparable to those obtained through conventional training. These findings support the implementation of haptic simulators as a valid and effective complement for preclinical skill acquisition in operative dentistry.

Subject

Càries dental, Estudi de casos, Realitat virtual en la medicina

Subject (English)

Dental caries, Case studies, Virtual reality in medicine

Citation

Collections

Articles publicats en revistes (Odontoestomatologia)

Citation

BASTERRA LÓPEZ, Aitor, et al. Comparative Performance of Haptic Virtual Simulation vs. Conventional Training in Class V Cavity Preparation: A Paired In Vitro Study. Dentistry Journal (MDPI). 2026. Vol. 14, num. 2. ISSN 2304-6767. [consulted: 6 of June of 2026]. Available at: https://hdl.handle.net/2445/228149

Export metadata

JSON - METS

Share record