Comparative Performance of Haptic Virtual Simulation vs. Conventional Training in Class V Cavity Preparation: A Paired In Vitro Study

<b>Background:</b> Haptic virtual simulation (HVS) has emerged as a promising tool in dental education, yet evidence comparing its performance to conventional preclinical training remains limited. Establishing its effectiveness is essential to support its integration into competency-based curricula. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare Class V cavity preparations performed using conventional training on extracted teeth with those performed using a haptic virtual simulator, evaluating preparation time and cavity volume. <b>Methods:</b> Sixty-one extracted human molars were digitized using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) to generate corresponding virtual replicas. A calibrated operator prepared 122 standardized Class V cavities (61 real and 61 virtual). The simulator automatically recorded preparation time and cavity volume. For natural teeth, cavity volume was calculated by digital superimposition of pre- and post-operative STL models using Blender. Paired means were compared using Student's t-test (α = 0.05). <b>Results:</b> Preparation time was significantly shorter when using HVS compared with the conventional method (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Virtual preparations resulted in slightly larger cavity volumes than real preparations, with a statistically significant yet clinically small difference (<i>p</i> = 0.047). <b>Conclusions:</b> Haptic virtual simulation enables more time-efficient Class V cavity preparation while producing cavity volumes comparable to those obtained through conventional training. These findings support the implementation of haptic simulators as a valid and effective complement for preclinical skill acquisition in operative dentistry.