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

# metadata.dc.description.abstract[].value
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.

# metadata.dc.relation.ispartof[].value
Dentistry Journal (MDPI), 2026, vol. 14, num.2

# metadata.dc.rights[].value
cc-by (c)  Aitor Basterra López, A. et al., 2026

# metadata.dc.title[].value
Comparative Performance of Haptic Virtual Simulation vs. Conventional Training in Class V Cavity Preparation: A Paired In Vitro Study