Virtual Reality Training for Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Dental Students

Overview

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality simulator-based training in teaching the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique to third-year dental students. Participants were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality simulator training group or a conventional training group. The outcomes evaluated include theoretical knowledge, anatomical understanding, procedural performance, self-confidence, and anxiety levels associated with IANB administration. The study aims to determine whether virtual reality simulation provides advantages over conventional educational methods in local anesthesia training.

Inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) is one of the most frequently performed local anesthesia techniques in dentistry and requires adequate theoretical knowledge, anatomical understanding, and psychomotor skills. Traditional educational methods may not provide sufficient opportunities for repeated practice without patient involvement. Virtual reality (VR) simulators with haptic feedback have emerged as innovative educational tools that allow students to perform procedures in a safe and controlled environment. However, evidence regarding their effectiveness in IANB training remains limited. This randomized controlled study evaluates the effectiveness of a VR simulator (SIMtoCARE) in teaching the IANB technique to third-year dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, Necmettin Erbakan University. Participants were randomly assigned to either a VR-based training group or a conventional training group. A total of three questionnaires were administered to the students. Based on the results of these questionnaires, several parameters, including theoretical knowledge, anatomical awareness, self-confidence, and anxiety levels, were evaluated. The findings of this study may contribute to the development of evidence-based educational strategies and support the integration of VR simulation into the dental education curriculum.