Exploring the impact of immersive reality for enhancing clinical training in dental education: a systematic review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The acquisition of advanced dental skills typically necessitates extensive practical training. Currently, immersive reality (IR) represents an innovative approach that combines the physical and virtual worlds, providing an optimal learning experience for students. Despite the potential significance of immersive reality (IR) technology in dental education, the impact remains under-studied. This systematic review aimed to provide a thorough review of the benefits of IR technology in dental education. METHODS: Searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases covering the years 2014 to 2025. The studies selected for inclusion focused on the effects and benefits of using immersive reality technology in dental training, comparing it to traditional dental training methods. Two independent researchers reviewed the selected studies, concentrating on aspects such as training duration, procedural time and errors, and the enhancement of knowledge and skills. RESULTS: 13 studies were included. The main findings indicated that IR technology in dental education reduced procedural time and shortened training durations, decreasing errors while contributing to knowledge and skills development. Overall, these findings collectively provide strong evidence of the benefits of IR technology in dental education. CONCLUSIONS: Integrating immersive reality into dental education offers a beneficial approach to support student engagement and skill development for future clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42024617799.

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