Socioeconomic assessment of investments in dental anthropomorphic robots for practical training of dentistry students

BACKGROUND: Robotics is a rapidly evolving area, especially in medical education, where robots improve the results of training and professional qualification of physicians. Dental anthropomorphic robot (DARs) are valuable tools that assist dentistry students in acquiring practical skills, expanding theoretical knowledge, and improving nonverbal communication skills. Given the current practical training issues, the use of such robots becomes increasingly relevant. However, high production and implementation costs require a detailed economic evaluation to assess the practicality of such devices. AIM: To perform a socioeconomic assessment of investments in DARs for practical training of dentistry students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A socioeconomic assessment of the use of DARs for practical training of dentistry students at a medical college was performed. The assessment focused on the cost-benefit analysis of implementing DARs for practical training. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the net present value (NPV), profitability index (PI), internal rate of return (IRR), and payoff period. The data were acquired from the Dentistry training program of the Russian University of Medicine. The data included training costs, robot purchase and maintenance costs, and organization of studies. RESULTS: The use of one robot per 10 students results in a positive NPV of 54,279,963 rubles, with a PI of 5.52, an IRR of 70.79%, and a payoff period of approximately one and two years, respectively. These findings confirm the economic efficiency of the project. When using one robot per one student, the values are negative, indicating the economic inefficiency of this scenario. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the use of DARs for practical training of dentistry students results in a high economic efficiency. High NPV, PI, and IRR values confirm the profitability of the project. Moreover, the robot improves practical skills by increasing the accuracy and speed of dental procedures.