April 19, 2018 | Ethan Giorgetti

‘It Feels Real’ – Dental Students Train with High-Tech Simulators

UConn is among only a handful of dental schools in the country to have an innovative training technology using 3D virtual reality simulation. Watch the video to see how the Advanced Dental Simulation Lab allows students to practice their skills and ultimately, improve patient care.

UConn dental students are using virtual reality simulation technology to practice their skills including drilling for cavities. (Photo courtesy MOOG, Inc.)

Airline pilots have long used flight simulators to hone their skills. Similar virtual reality simulation is being used at UConn’s dental school to train the next generation of dentists.  UConn is among only a handful of schools in the country to have this innovative training technology.

Wearing glasses similar to those worn watching 3D movies, students get a real feel and sound experience by manipulating a simulated hand piece and mirror while working on a virtual mouth. The system can display a wide range of teeth and dental problems and is able to record the student’s movements so that faculty can review and critique them.

Watch the video to see how the Advanced Dental Simulation Lab allows students to practice their skills and ultimately, improve patient care.