Integrating augmented reality in prosthodontics: the role of nursing in enhancing patient communication and collaborative treatment planning

Abstract

AR technology is now fast paced in modifying clinical dentistry, especially in prosthodontics, where it supports better visualization, patient education, and interdisciplinary treatment planning. Unfortunately, AR integration tends to be approached from either a purely technical or dental specialist perspective, thus neglecting the crucial role of nurses in patient communication and co-care. Therefore, the paper analyzes how nursing contributes to AR-supported prosthodontic care, aimed at enhancing patient understanding, emotional preparedness, and decision-making. It synthesizes state-of-the-art use of AR in dental surgery, diagnostics, and education, into a nursing communicative framework. The article focuses on nurses as communicative mediators between advanced technologies and patients, especially during patient preparation for extensive prosthodontic treatments. Through an interdisciplinary approach, this article identifies barriers to adoption and analyses case study applications, outlining strategies to improve cooperative workflows. This review aims to provide a future vision on applying immersive technology to patient-oriented prosthodontics, wherein nurses are assisted to become effective communicators and facilitators of digital care.