Evaluating Preclinical Orthodontic Training Using Haptic-Enhanced Vr Simulation System

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of preclinical orthodontic bracket bonding training using haptic-enhanced virtual reality system. From September 2022 to February 2023, twenty-six orthodontic postgraduates (6 males, 20 females) took part the preclinical training using the virtual training system. Students were asked to perform online training within one week and six weekly offline section. The questionnaires regarding the benefits or drawbacks of the system were answered by all students. Student’s t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare differences between the pre- and post-training and among each online or offline virtual training session. The level of significance was P < 0.05. All post-training scores of bracket bonding demonstrated significant improvement, showing an approximately 50% increase compared to pre-training scores (P < 0.05). The final online test scores of ‘etching’, ‘rinsing’, ‘positioning bracket position’, and total items in the online practicing were 3-17% higher than those in the formative test (P < 0.05), with the scores of seven items and the total scores were significantly different among six offline results (P < 0.05). Most students were satisfied with this system due to its realistic clinical simulation (88.46%) and unrestricted spatiotemporal practice access (76.92%) and deemed its three-dimensional bracket positioning adjustment and real-time feedback instrumental in enhancing their skills. The virtual orthodontic training system could help students improve their clinical skills of orthodontic bracket bonding.