Case Study: Hybrid VR Dental Training Simulator for Dental Education

Challenge

High quality dental training education requires consistency, well-trained faculty, and objective skill assessment. Limited resources such as budget constraints, lack of research application, and qualified instructors can hinder the ability to train large numbers of students effectively. Innovative solutions are needed to enhance training efficiency and accessibility.

Solution

BE.MED.SKILLED has developed the advanced dental simulator DENT.PRO, which combines augmented reality technology with precise electromagnetic tracking. This hybrid platform utilizes high-accuracy eletromagnetic sensors to virtually monitor student procedures and provide objective performance evaluation.

DENT.PRO is an augmented reality-based dental simulator that has transformed pre-clinical dental education by bridging the gap between theory and practice in operative and orthopedic dentistry. Originally developed for this purpose, it have evolved into a comprehensive simulation platform now positioned under the brand BE.DENT.SKILLED - a dedicated branch of BE.MED.SKILLED.

In an updated version of the DENT.PRO, the simulation tool features expanded analytics and new modules for endodontic access. An unlimited number of X-ray images can be taken before or during the procedure without radiation exposure risks. All images are saved in a library and can be used for debriefing.

“Our clients consistently tell us: DENT.PRO delivers a level of precision no other simulator can match, making it the perfect tool for truly objective skill assessment. This is not just another simulator - it's a game changer that sets a new benchmark in dental education.”

Alexandra Alekseeva, Medical Director at BE.MED.SKILLED

How It Works

DENT.PRO is a modular platform integrating AR visualization and electromagnetic tracking to teach a wide range of dental skills, including:

Patient history taking
Anesthesia selection and preparation with high precision
Performing various procuedures with accuracy assessment
Measuring procedure time and tissue trauma levels
Analyzing work efficiency and ergonomics

Precision Matters

Due to the nature of the fine motor skills needed for the dental profession, precision of movement is a key element of the training. Subtle changes in the position and orientation of a dental tool can have a major impact on a patient’s comfort level and patient outcome. Mastering the techniques are critical and creating a realistic training and simulation environment will best prepare students for the work they will do with real patients.

"We tested dozens of technologies, but only Polhemus gave us consistent, plug-and-play performance and the ability to capture even the tiniest instrument movements with sub-millimeter accuracy."

Zaurbek Morgoev, Medical Advisor, Practicing Orthopedist at BE.MED.SKILLED

Editor Module

DENT.PRO is a dental simulator that doesn't just teach but allows you to become a real architect of the learning process. With this unique feature of creating lessions according to your own scenario in the DENT.PRO dental simulator, you get the opportunity to adapt the learning process to your inidividual needs and goals.

Why Polhemus Motion Tracking Technology?

Accuracy

The system employes Polhemus 6DOF tracking technology, with Micro Sensors™ embedded directly into real dental tools. This setup offers realistic tactile feedback and creates a training environment that closely mimics clinical practice.

No Interruptions

There is never a time when the student’s movements are blocked or not tracked due to line-of-sight issues, so no training time is wasted.

Technology Advantages:

High Precision: Sub-millimeter accuracy in tracking allows for objective skill assessment.
Line-of-Sight Independence: The system functions without visual line-of-sight restrictions, ensuring uninterrupted training sessions.

"With Polhemus, every motion is captured flawlessly - no line-of-sight issues, no interruptions, just pure, uninterrupted precision. It allows us to integrate real dental instruments into the training process, creating an experience so realistic, students feel as if they are already working chairside with real patients."

Ninel Morozova, International Business Development & Product Manager at BE.MED.SKILLED

Use of Real Instruments: Incorporating actual dental tools enhances realism and prepares students for real-world clinical environments.
Metal Compatibility: Tip-offset adjustments mitigate potential interference from metallic tools or materials affecting tracking accuracy.

Embeddable Technology/Realistic Environment

VIPER™ sensors are integrated into actual dental tools used in the clinical setting.

Being able to use actual dental tools provides the same look and feel students will use in real clinical settings. This provides students with an environment that is most similar to a real-world environment, which is a best practice in any training and simulation experience.

What About Metal and Electromagnetics?

Sometimes, it makes sense when Polhemus sensors are integrated with tools to utilize a mechanical sensor offset. The offset positions the sensor a slight distance away from the tool itself. The built-in Polhemus tracker tip-offset command in the software allows for easy translation of the sensor's position to that of the tool.

A tip-offset may be used for multiple reasons. For example, it can be used to avoid the potential interference of metals that may impact the tracking accuracy if the sensor is mounted too close to the metal tool. It may also be needed when the tracked point of interest on a tool, such as the tip of a needle, cannot be physically mounted with a sensor.

Most often, a slight offset of the tracking sensor is all that is necessary for successful integration. The tip-offset command makes this easy to accomplish.

Clients

DENT.PRO simulators are successfully installed in leading dental universities across India, Mexico, Chile, Kyrgystan, as well as at the reference centers such as Diego Portales University (Chile) and Government Dental College and Hospital (India).

This comprehensive simulator combines cutting edge augmented reality with highly accurate motion tracking technology, making it one of the most effective solutions for modern dental education.

Founded in 1994 as a publishing house, BE.MED.SKILLED has expanded to have a software division, and have produced over 10,000 books and journals for the medical market. They’ve developed a robust e-library that caters to physicians and medical schools. BE.MED.SKILLED is a distributor of over 10,000 products from more than 30 vendors around the globe. DENT.PRO is their signature product, created from years of experience and in-house expertise. BE.MED.SKILLED serves state universities, medical and government institutions, scientific and research institutes and professional societies.

For more information on the DENT.PRO Simulator, go to: https://www.bemedskilled.com/dent

For more information on BE.MED.SKILLED, go to: https://www.bemedskilled.com