Abstract:

With the enhancement of the technology in the field of medical simulations, the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is increasing on daily basis in the field of medical education. Previous studies in the literature showed that the learning and clinical training of students can be enhanced by using VR and AR in the field of dentistry education. According to the previous studies in the literature, VR and AR technologies are reported to be useful in dentistry education that can improve students' learning and clinical training. Additionally, for dentistry students, VR and AR simulations provide a more interactive and engaging learning experience that improves comprehension and preservation of knowledge. Using VR/AR-based technologies in dental education is found to be more effective than the traditional education methods. VR educational resources improved the training of dentistry students in at-home dental practices. With the use of such technologies, it is possible to train the students, increasing the performance of dental professionals and improving the confidence while dealing with patients, which in turn enhances the patients’ satisfaction. Accordingly, in this research, our aim is to conduct a systematic mapping study to understand the current trend in the VR and AR applications in the field of dentistry education, and the effectiveness of the simulators is investigated considering the last 10 years’ (2012-2022). The study is conducted by reviewing 123 articles that are retrieved from the Web of Science database. The results of this study is aimed to show the current trends of VR/AR applications, which can guide instructional system designers to better use the technology-enhanced learning environments in the field of dentistry education.

Keywords:

Virtual reality, augmented reality, dentistry education.