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 combination of listening to background music and deep breathing as a stress reduction strategy during dental preclinical study.

Objectives: According to our earlier study, background music can help foster dental preclinical manual dexterity training and learning and has the potential to increase student satisfaction and productivity. Deep diaphragmatic breathing helps produce a relaxed mental state and is considered a behavioral coping strategy to reduce anxiety. Experimental data on whether background music combined with deep belly breathing reduces the stress and anxiety of preclinical dental students during practice is lacking.

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.

Association of psychological distress and widespread pain with sympatoms of temporomandibular disorders and self-reported bruxism in students.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of psychosocial distress and widespread pain with self-reported symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and bruxism, in two cross-sectional surveys in 2012 and 2016, and whether there are temporal changes in the magnitude of associations.

Materials And Methods: The data were gathered from Finnish university students in 2012 and 2016. TMD symptoms were assessed with three validated questions and bruxism with one frequently used question.

Effectiveness of applied relaxation method vs splint in treatment of temporomandibular disorders in Finnish students.

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) include pain and dysfunction in masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joints (TMJs). Applied relaxation (AR) is a coping skill that may be applicable for treatment of TMD.

Objectives: The aim of this randomised, controlled study was to evaluate the effectiveness of AR as compared to stabilisation splint (SS), for treatment of TMD during 12-month follow-up.

Self-Reported Bruxism and Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders in Finnish University Students.

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of self-reported bruxism and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to investigate their association in academic and applied science university students in Finland.

Methods: The data were gathered from 4,403 Finnish students included in the Finnish Student Health Survey 2012. The comprehensive questionnaire included five questions concerning bruxism and TMD symptoms.