AR/VR training shows equal or superior outcomes versus conventional training in dental and OMFS education¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · quant-synthesis r1 · q2
Currency · newest study 2026 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q2 i? Most studies showed equal or superior outcomes of AR/VR versus conventional training, particularly in preparation accuracy, diagnostic precision, and learner confidence. → Maes M 2026

Evidence¶

Maes M 2026¶

Maes M, Van Gerven JD, Willaert R, Jacobs R. (2026). Augmented and virtual reality in dental and oral and maxillofacial surgery education: a systematic review with a taxonomy of training technologies. BMC Medical Education. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-08561-1

q2 · i? · quant-synthesis · r1

Systematic review of 25 RCTs comparing AR/VR training with conventional methods; the review reports that "Most studies have shown equal or superior outcomes of AR/VR versus conventional training". No pooled effect size was computed.

"Most studies have shown equal or superior outcomes of AR/VR versus conventional training, particularly in terms of preparation accuracy, diagnostic precision, and learner confidence. A minority reported comparable results without clear advantages."

Discussion¶

Related Claims¶

• Immersive reality training produced higher knowledge and skill scores than conventional training in dental studies — a narrower finding that bears on this claim
• Several included studies found haptic VR training equivalent rather than superior to conventional dental training — related
• Haptic virtual reality simulation reduces procedural time for pulpotomy training compared with conventional simulators — a narrower finding that bears on this claim
• VR tools enhance acquisition and retention of clinical and procedural skills but face barriers including cybersickness, limited tactile feedback and variable long-term skill transfer — a broader claim this one bears on
• Virtual reality was particularly effective for procedural skill development and knowledge retention in paediatric undergraduate training — related
• Immersive VR-haptic and ITS modalities are more often associated with objective psychomotor and cognitive gains, while generative AI platforms are more often associated with affective outcomes — related
• Qualitative analysis found radiation became perceptible in VR for all participants, while all reported operability differences favoring conventional training — related
• Virtual haptic drilling training achieved outcomes similar to conventional practice in less time in restorative dentistry — related