Integrating Interactive 3D Applications for Enhanced Learning in Crown Preparations: A Comparative Experimental Study

Interactive 3D applications are increasingly being integrated into dental education to address challenges in engaging students and improving the acquisition of procedural knowledge. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two interactive learning methods—Tangible User Interface Objects (TUIO) and hand gesture-based systems—compared to traditional paper-based learning in teaching fixed crown preparations to dental students. The study involved 30 participants, divided into three groups, each participating in structured learning sessions followed by assessments to measure knowledge acquisition. Analysis of the results demonstrated that both interactive methods significantly outperformed traditional learning, with the hand gesture group achieving the highest improvement, recording a $23.72 \%$ increase in learning rates, followed by the TUIO group at $\mathbf{2 0. 9 7 \%}$. In contrast, the traditional notes group showed a minimal improvement of only $1.37 \%$. Usability feedback, gathered through the System Usability Scale (SUS), further highlighted the advantages of interactive learning. Both interactive methods received high satisfaction scores, with the hand gesture-based system achieving a slightly superior SUS score of 87.5 compared to 83.75 for the TUIO method. Participants reported that the interactive tools provided a more engaging, intuitive, and efficient learning experience compared to static paper-based materials.