Evaluation on applicationof virtual reality technology in dental implant process training

Objective: To explore the application effect and evaluation of virtual reality technology in oral implant therapy training. Methods: In November 2018, one adult patient (female, 36 years old) with missing right mandibular first molar was treated in the Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University. The three-dimensional virtual models of mandible and implant surgery tools were established, and the virtual reality software (Unity 3D 5.5.1) was imported. Combined with the virtual reality head mounted display, a virtual reality training system simulating the dental implant treatment process was independently developed. Ten refresher doctors and 20 graduate students in Department of Implantology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University from September 2018 to December 2019 were recruited as the experimental objects (no clinical experience was found). According to the level and seniority of doctors, they were randomly divided into virtual training group and conventional training control group, which made the two groups comparable, with 15 in each group. Subjective scores (including anatomical structure, surgical field of vision, cavity preparation, implant placement and process mastery) were given after the corresponding training in the two groups, and the virtual reality training system was used to test. The mesial and distal direction, buccolingual direction, depth and angle deviation of implants before and after the training were analyzed, and the differences between the two groups were compared. Results: The subjective scores of five dimensions in the virtual training group were significantly higher than those in the conventional training control group (P<0.05). In the virtual training group, the mesial and distal, buccolingual, depth and angle deviation of implants were (0.73±0.33), (0.78±0.41), (0.61±0.32) mm and 6.66°±3.87°. All of them were significantly lower than those in the control group [(0.85±0.32), (1.12±0.38), (0.89±0.24) mm and 9.68°±3.74°] (P<0.05). Conclusions: The self-developed virtual reality system of oral implant has good application effect, good operability and predictability. It can be effectively carried out in implant education and training, and it can strengthen skills of doctors, and is conducive to the practical operation.