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.

VEGF and ELAVL1/HuR protein levels are increased in dry and wet AMD patients. A new tile in the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying RPE degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common retinal pathology characterized by degeneration of macula's retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors, visual impairment, or loss. Compared to wet AMD, dry AMD is more common, but lacks cures; therefore, identification of new potential therapeutic targets and treatments is urgent. Increased oxidative stress and declining antioxidant, detoxifying systems contribute to the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying AMD.

Autoimmune amelogenesis imperfecta in patients with APS-1 and coeliac disease.

Ameloblasts are specialized epithelial cells in the jaw that have an indispensable role in tooth enamel formation-amelogenesis. Amelogenesis depends on multiple ameloblast-derived proteins that function as a scaffold for hydroxyapatite crystals. The loss of function of ameloblast-derived proteins results in a group of rare congenital disorders called amelogenesis imperfecta.

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.