Wearing VR glasses in dental technology teaching – Taking learning to a new level

Something exceptional is happening at Turku University of Applied Sciences: for the first time in their studies, dental technology students get to experience the processing of 3D models in a completely new way – from a depth perspective.

Turku University of Applied Sciences utilizes virtual reality (VR) in a way that can revolutionize the education of dental technicians. From now on, dental technology students will be able to dive into completely new kinds of learning environments in their studies, where they will practice perceiving dentures while wearing VR glasses. 

− This is not just an experiment with new technology, but probably the world’s first scientific research is being carried out at Turku UAS, in which an entire group of dental technology students will be transferred to learn in virtual reality at the same time, says Johannes Halttu, a teacher of dental technology at Turku UAS.

Dental technology has moved strongly into the digital era, and 3D printing and computer-based design of dental prostheses, for example, are already commonplace in the industry. However, one major problem has remained unsolved: even if the object is three-dimensional, the computer screen is still two-dimensional.

− In this case, depth vision is missing, and thus it is difficult to perceive complex shapes. In other words, learning from a flat screen is literally superficial, Halttu says.

VR glasses meet exactly this challenge. They provide students with a tool to see, work with, and understand 3D models in a way that was previously impossible.

VR glasses revolutionize dental technology education

The Futuristic Interactive Technologies research group at Turku UAS is currently working to find out how well virtual reality supports students’ 3D perception and understanding of prosthetic structures compared to traditional learning environments.

− The aim of the study is to find out how students feel about this kind of learning process – what inspires and challenges them, and where VR really works, says Mikko Haavisto, a researcher from the Futuristic Interactive Technologies research group.

The study is carried out at Turku UAS in the Medallion project in cooperation between the Futuristic Interactive Technologies research group and the Oral Health research group.

− Even though the use of VR glasses and virtual reality is completely new to many of the students, they have been excited and have had a positive attitude towards the use of the new technology, says Johannes Halttu.

In Finland dental technology can only be studied at Turku UAS. A dental technician designs and manufactures dentures and orthodontic appliances.

Future tools in use today

First-year dental technology students participate in research through a course of study where they learn how to design and manufacture prosthetic work. They have interactive 3D models at their disposal, which are worked on either with VR glasses or on a computer screen. Later, it is evaluated how well each environment supports learning and helps students understand complex forms.

The impact of the study is not limited to the study of prosthetic structures. The potential of new reality technologies (XR) extends to all fields where three-dimensional perception is important: architecture, industrial design and medical imaging.

The aim is to develop more effective and inclusive learning environments that improve students’ readiness for future working life.

− The Futuristic Interactive Technologies research group has taken its place at the forefront of XR. We don’t just follow the development of technology – we create it, Mikko Haavisto says.

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