VR Simulation for Dental Anesthesia

Objective:

The objective of the research is to explore the efficacy of immersive virtual reality technology in higher education, specifically within dental and dental hygiene curricula. The focus is on creating a robust virtual reality learning environment that allows for in-depth study of the intricate anatomy of the human oral cavity, including muscle groupings and other anatomical landmarks. Through this VRLE, students are quizzed on the anatomical structures of the head to reinforce learning. Additionally, the project aims to train students in the proper techniques and steps for administering local anesthesia injections, offering immediate remote feedback and assessment for skill development.

Hardware
Android and iOS devices

Software & Skills

Unity - C#
Blender
Git

Client
School of Dentistry

My Roles

Lead Software Architecture and Designer
Project Manager and Client Relations
Lead Grant Writer

Process:

In collaboration with clients and subject matter experts, we identified key educational objectives and then designed a virtual reality environment using Unity and Blender. This involved several iterations and feedback loops to ensure both clinical accuracy and user engagement. We secured grant funding to make this innovation possible and then moved on to the final launch and integration phase of the project.

Student being informed to take a screenshot of their injection.

Student trying out the application during class.

Example of anatomy view for the student to see where they are injecting the medicine.

Realism

In the VR environment, I integrated high-fidelity 3D models that accurately emulate the clinical experience of dental procedures, enhancing the project's pedagogical rigor and its applicability to real-world dental practices. This advancement serves as a cornerstone in elevating the virtual learning space to a level commensurate with the complexities of clinical dentistry.

Highlights & Milestones:

I spearheaded the software development and research facets of the project, directing a nuanced UI/UX design informed by comprehensive feedback from clients and users. Collaborating with subject matter experts was invaluable in ensuring the anatomical and procedural accuracy of the simulation. The successful integration and the students' positive reactions served as a rewarding culmination of these efforts.

Outcome:

The project provided a hands-on experience for dental students in local anesthesia through VR. It showed potential in reducing student anxiety before actual patient care and enabled instructors to provide immediate, feedback on the students' performance.

Future Improvements:

Future improvements aim to include additional assessment tools for nuanced, real-time feedback on student performance. The training environment will also be expanded to feature diverse patient scenarios, covering a broad spectrum of challenges that could be encountered in dental practice.