Future research should include long-term RCTs with adequate sample sizes, standardized outcome measures, and cost-effectiveness analyses¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 4 claims (4 for) · 1 study (1 quant-synthesis), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review recommends a research agenda for strengthening the evidence base on AR/VR training in dentistry and OMFS. As the authors state, "Future research on this topic should include long-term RCTs with adequate sample sizes, training protocols, standardized outcome measures, and cost-effectiveness analyses". They further specify that studies should focus not only on skill acquisition but also on user satisfaction. This addresses the methodological heterogeneity and lack of long-term retention and cost data identified as key limitations.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Studies must use standardized outcome measures to enable cross-trial comparison

Constraints¶

• Current evidence is limited by heterogeneous study designs, small sample sizes, and a lack of data on long-term skill retention and cost-effectiveness

Target Learners¶

• Undergraduate dental students
• OMFS residents and surgeons in training

Target Learning Goals¶

• Surgical technical skill acquisition
• User satisfaction evaluation

Claims¶

• AR/VR training shows equal or superior outcomes versus conventional training in dental and OMFS education [+W]
• Haptic simulator trials more frequently show superior accuracy outcomes when force-feedback and structured guidance are included [+W]
• Head-mounted display interventions improve anatomy recognition, spatial orientation, and learner confidence versus conventional instruction [+W]
• Hybrid sequences combining VR with conventional practice yielded the most favorable outcomes in one trial [+W]

Related Strategies¶

• Prioritize rigorous RCTs with retention tests and transfer measures before expanding distance simulation programs
• Future psychiatry education technology studies should use active comparators, standardized assessment tools, and long-term follow-up
• Future active-learning research should use randomised controlled designs with larger samples and standardised outcome measures
• Use cluster randomized clinical trials and blinded simulation-based behavior assessment to strengthen NTS training evidence
• Prioritize multicenter, randomized designs with standardized reporting and longitudinal follow-up in future surgical education research
• Future simulation research should use rigorous designs, standardized tools, and transparent reporting
• Prioritize rigorous VR training studies with larger samples, validated outcome measures, immersive designs, and LLM integration in mental health education research
• Prioritise longitudinal research and cost analysis when evaluating digital clinical skills modalities
• Strengthen vascular simulation research with modern validity frameworks, longer skill-retention follow-up, cost-effectiveness analysis, and more nontechnical-skills and cadaver models
• Prioritize randomized controlled trials, established validity frameworks, and protocol publication in future VRS simulation research
• Future active-classroom research should use adequately powered, well-randomized trials measuring a wide range of student outcomes

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• 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