Benefits of using virtual reality in cariology teaching.

Background: Virtual Reality (VR) has been widely used as an useful educational tool in modern dentistry and is considered as an alternative training tool adjunct to conventional training methods.

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of VR haptic-enhanced simulators for training undergraduate dental students during practical cariology pre-clinical caries excavation sessions.

Methods: A total number of 76 students were recruited for this study.

Effect of magnifying loupes on tooth preparation of complete coverage crown: A quantitative assessment using a digital approach.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of magnifying loupes (×2.5) on the quality of tooth preparation for complete coverage crowns; performed by predoctoral students using an objective and quantitative digital method.

Materials And Methods: Forty-two predoctoral students were randomly assigned into 2 groups to perform tooth preparation for a complete coverage crown on a mandibular first molar in a manikin, with and without the use of magnifying loupes.

Assessing Enamel Wear of Monolithic Ceramics With Micro-CT and Intra-oral Scanner.

Objective: This in vitro study aimed to investigate enamel wear against 3 monolithic ceramics using 2 methods of measurement.

Methods: Three groups of standard flat monolithic ceramic specimens including zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass (Vita Suprinity, VITA Zahnfabrik), yttria-stabilised tetragonal zirconia (Lava Esthetic Zirconia), and lithium disilicate glass (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) were prepared, with human enamel used as the control group.

The Influence of Surface Roughening and Polishing on Microbial Biofilm Development on Different Ceramic Materials.

Purpose: To test the hypothesis that surface roughening and polishing of ceramics have no effect on their surface roughness and biofilm adhesion.

Materials And Methods: Feldspathic ceramic Vitablocks™ TriLuxe forte (VTF), lithium disilicate glass IPS e.max Press™ (IPS) and zirconia reinforced lithium silicate Vita Suprinity™ (VS) ceramic blocks (n = 27 per group) were prepared from sintered CAD blocks using a water-cooled saw.

'Evaluation of the introduction of a dental virtual simulator on the performance of undergraduate dental students in the pre-clinical operative dentistry course'.

Introduction: Virtual reality-based platforms are becoming increasingly popular in education. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of undergraduate dental students with the introduction of the Moog Simodont dental trainer (VR) within the pre-clinical curriculum in the direct restoration module of the operative dentistry course using manual and digital methods.

Methods: Thirty-two randomly selected year 2 undergraduate students were divided into two groups: group 1, exposed to the Moog Simodont dental trainer (VR) and group 2, no exposure to VR.