Benefits and challenges of the integration of haptics-enhanced virtual reality training within dental curricula.

Background: Haptics-enhanced virtual reality (VR-haptic) simulation in dental education has evolved considerably during the past decade, representing a promising resource of simulation-based training opportunities to support conventional practice. We aim to summarize current literature on the applications of VR-haptics in learning, practicing, and teaching dental education.

Methods: A literature search was performed using PubMed, focusing on research articles published between January 2010 and January 2024.

The Effect of Different Decontamination Methods on the Micro-Tensile Bond Strength of CAD/CAM Resin-Based Blocks to Resin Cement.

Introduction: This study evaluates the impact of decontamination methods on Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) between resin cement and resin blocks.

Methods: Twenty CAD/CAM resin blocks from two manufacturers were wet-polished, sandblasted, and ultrasonically cleaned. After blood and saliva contamination, blocks were divided into subgroups: control, water rinsing, acid etching, alkaline cleaning paste, or 10-MDP containing cleaner.

To etch or not to etch, Part III: On the hydrophobic-rich content and fatigue strength of universal adhesives after long-term ageing.

Objectives: To examine whether dentin-etching extension and/or the hydrophobic-rich content of hybrid layers would affect fatigue strengths of a mild universal adhesive after long-term aging.

Methods: Twin-bonded resin-dentin interfaces were produced by etching sound midcoronal dentin beams with 32 % ortho-phosphoric acid for 15 s (OPA15s), 3 s (OPA3s) or 10 % meta-phosphoric acid for 15 s (MPA15s). Samples were bonded with a mild universal adhesive with or without additional coating using a solvent-free bisGMA-based bonding resin.

VR-haptic and phantom head dental training: Does the order matter? A comparative study from a preclinical fixed prosthodontics course.

Aim: Learning tooth preparation techniques and the finesse required is an important part of preclinical dental education. Being able to practice surgical skills without loss of Frasaco teeth while being provided with performance analysis data is a boon to students and educators. The present authors investigated the combination of haptics-enhanced virtual reality (Simodont) and conventional phantom head practice in a preclinical dental course, evaluating the students' performances and perceptions.

To etch or not to etch, Part II: On the hydrophobic-rich content and fatigue strength of universal adhesives.

Objective: To determine whether smear layer management, via conservative etching protocols, and the hydrophobic-rich content of hybrid layers would affect the fatigue strength of resin-dentin interfaces.

Methods: Bar-shaped dentin beams obtained from sound third molars were wet-polished for 30 s. Dentin was etched with 32 % ortho-phosphoric acid for 3 or 15 s, 10 % meta-phosphoric acid for 15 s or by a prime-and-rinse application using a mild universal adhesive (Scotchbond Universal, 3M ESPE).