Revolutionising dental education: the rise of VR-Haptic Thinkers
This June, a groundbreaking movement in dental education will take shape.
The Digital, VR, and Haptic Thinkers network (vrh-t.com) has emerged as the world’s largest multidisciplinary collaborative platform dedicated to virtual reality (VR) applications in dental education.
On 5-6 June, this innovative group will convene at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) to exchange state-of-the-art knowledge and explore the transformative potential of AI-enhanced digital tools, VR-haptic simulations, and 3D printing technologies for dental education and postgraduate training.
Its mission? To revolutionise dental and surgical training while ensuring a long-term impact on healthcare education and oral care for a better future.
This is not just about technology - it’s about reimagining how we teach and learn.
Simona-Georgiana Schick
A global mission with humble beginnings
The VR-Haptic Thinkers initiative began modestly in ‘middle of (K)nowhere’, Kuopio, Finland, in the autumn of 20231. Supported by passionate members and global sponsors, the network quickly gained momentum following its second meet-up at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City2. Today, it boasts 58 specialised hubs worldwide, more than 200 active members, and access to more than 20,000 students across participating institutions. The group’s reach extends far beyond academia, with more than 1,500 followers engaging with their mission online3.
Despite its rapid growth, the network maintains a close-knit community spirit. “Our team feels like a family,” one member said. “Even though many of us haven’t met in person yet, we support each other in unique ways.” This camaraderie was evident during their Valentine’s Day campaign on Instagram, a celebration of their shared commitment to innovation in dental education4.
The cutting-edge role of VR-Haptics in dental training
Virtual reality combined with haptic feedback – known as VR-haptics – is transforming how dental students learn critical skills. By simulating tactile sensations and creating immersive environments, VR-haptics bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on practice5-8.
Key benefits of VR-haptics include:
- Enhanced skill acquisition: Students gain precision in procedures like drilling and cavity preparation while improving their manual dexterity.
- Individualised feedback: Real-time performance analysis allows students to refine their techniques at their own pace.
- Cost-effectiveness: By reducing reliance on physical resources and direct educator supervision, VR-haptics offers a scalable training solution.
At QMUL, on 5 June (https://vrh-t.com/DAYONE_QMUL/) a keynote will be delivered by Peter Lingström, Professor and Chairman at the Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology at Sahlgrenska Academy, the No 1. Dental School in the world. He will talk about his team’s research which has shown that integrating patient-specific VR environments can significantly shorten the learning curve for novice practitioners. Additionally, experienced professionals use these tools to maintain their skills and adapt to new techniques delivered
The keynote speaker of the RSM Day on 6 June (vrh-t.com/DAYTWO_RSM/), Professor Sompop Bencharit, Vice President of Thinkers, Associate Dean, Workman School of Dental Medicine, High Point University, will emphasise that VR-haptics should complement – not replace – traditional training methods like phantom head simulations and clinical practice with patients.
He, like all Thinkers, believes that the novel workflow integrating real patient cases into VR-haptic simulations will allow students to practice realistic procedures, receive immediate feedback, and 3D print their work for clinical comparison. It will be in gamechanger in education and patients safe. He will add that careful planning is essential to integrate VR-haptics into curricula effectively.
A platform for collaboration and innovation
The meetup at QMULwill exemplify the network’s commitment to fostering collaboration among renowned educators, researchers, and industry leaders. The event will feature lectures by top experts on topics ranging from basic training to postgraduate applications and innovations in patient-specific exercises.
One highlight will be the opening talk by Dr Szabolcs Felszeghy from the University of Eastern Finland. He will share insights from his team’s research on how combining VR-haptics with conventional training improves learning outcomes and boosts student confidence. “Students trained in VR environments demonstrate better manual dexterity and efficiency,” he noted.
Another insightful talk will be given by Dr Sıla Nur Usta from the University of Health Sciences, Turkey. She will discuss the game-changing role of virtual haptic simulators in endodontic education, highlighting their ability to enhance procedural precision while easing student anxiety9.
The event also will feature a series of engaging discussions covering how artificial intelligence (AI) and mHealth can transform community dentistry by providing accurate yet assessable oral health screening to underserved populations10-11, a key focus in public health.
Dr. Chun Wang (Reinhard) Chau, from the University of Hong Kong, will explain how incorporating these AI tools into dental education equips students with the skills and abilities to serve underserved communities more effectively outside traditional clinic environments12, blending cutting-edge technology with practical application. “AI empowers us to enhance oral health equity for underserved populations while preparing students for impactful community practice,” said Dr Chau noted.
The meetup also will provide a platform for discussing curriculum development and resource allocation for integrating VR-haptics into dental education. Participants will able to explore how these technologies could address challenges like limited access to clinical training opportunities while maintaining high educational standards.
Global Support and Sponsorship
The success of the VR-Haptic Thinkers network would not be possible without its global sponsors. Leading companies such as Dentsply Sirona, Planmeca, Simodont by Nissin, Simtocare, Virteasy Dental, Unidraw, 3D Systems, and Frasaco have provided vital financial support. Their contributions have enabled the organization to host free-to-attend events like the QMUL meetup.
Acknowledgment also goes to professional organisations like the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), ADEE, the Association for Simulated Practice in Healthcare (ASPiH), the European Dental Hygienists Federation (EDHF), and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR). Their generosity has helped advance the network’s mission of transforming dental education through innovation.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Will Peakin, Editor of Scottish Dental Magazine, for graciously publishing our story. Your dedication to showcasing important narratives within the dental community is truly commendable, and we are honoured to have had the opportunity to share our work through your esteemed publication.
Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities
While VR-haptics hold immense promises for dental education, challenges remain. The cost of haptic devices can be prohibitive for some institutions, and further research is needed to validate their effectiveness as primary training tools. Educators must also navigate logistical hurdles in integrating these technologies into existing curricula.
Despite these challenges, the future looks bright for VR-haptics in healthcare education. As technology advances, it may play an increasingly important role not only in learning but also in assessment processes for credentialing students and clinicians.
A call to action
The VR-Haptic Thinkers network invites educators and professionals worldwide to join their mission. By sharing knowledge and collaborating across disciplines, they aim to create a more inclusive and innovative future for dental education.
Simona-Georgiana Schick, of the University of Heidelberg, said: “This is not just about technology – it’s about reimagining how we teach and learn.” With its global reach and unwavering commitment to excellence, the VR-Haptic Thinkers network is poised to lead this transformation for years to come.
For those interested in learning more or accessing recorded lectures from recent meetups, contact Dr Szabolcs Felszeghy at szabolcs.felszeghy@uef.fi.
*Szabolcs Felszeghy, Institute of Dentistry, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Reinhard Chun Wang Chau, Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Peter Lingström, Department of Cariology, Institute of Odontology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Barry Quinn, School of Dentistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; Simona-Georgiana Schick, Clinic for Oral, Dental and Maxillofacial Diseases, Department of Conservative Dentistry, Heidelberg University, Germany; Sıla Nur Usta, Department of Endodontics, Gulhane Faculty of Dentistry, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey; Sompop Bencharit, Workman School of Dental Medicine, High Point University, High Point, NC, USA.
References:
2VR-Haptic Thinkers’ second meetup attracted a good crowd | University of Eastern Finland
3https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sdentj.2024.11.008
4https://www.instagram.com/p/DGEPmcLtMRF/?hl=en
5http://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.13800
6The impact of virtual reality haptic simulators in pre-clinical restorative dentistry: a qualitative enquiry into dental students’ perceptions. Alaa Daud, Manal Matoug-Elwerfelli, Amina Khalid, Kamran Ali BMC Oral Health, 2024
7VR-haptic and phantom head dental training: Does the order matter? A comparative study from a preclinical fixed prosthodontics course. Szabolcs Felszeghy, Outi Huhtela, Kiia Manninen, Mandi Mäenpää, Aisha Banafa, Mikko Liukkonen, Murat Mutluay International Journal of Computerized Dentistry, 2023
8Impact of haptic simulators in preclinical dental education: A systematic review. Octave Nadile Bandiaky, Serena Lopez, Ludovic Hamon, Roselyne Clouet, Assem Soueidan, Laurent Le Guehennec Journal of Dental Education 2024 Mar;88(3):366-379. doi: 10.1002/jdd.13426. Epub 2023 Dec 3.
9Endodontic microsurgery virtual reality simulation and digital workflow process in a teaching environment. Giorgia Carpegna, Nicola Scotti, Mario Alovisi, Allegra Comba, Elio Berutti, Damiano Pasqualini, European Journal of Dental Education 2023 Sep 16. doi: 10.1111/eje.12946.
10A Systematic Review of the Use of mHealth in Oral Health Education among Older Adults. Reinhard Chun Wang Chau, Khaing Myat Thu, Akhilanand Chaurasia, Richard Tai Chiu Hsung, and Walter Yu-Hang Lam. Dentistry Journal 2023 11, no. 8: 189. doi:10.3390/dj11080189
11Self-monitoring of Oral Health Using Smartphone Selfie Powered by Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Preventive Dentistry. Reinhard Chun Wang Chau, Khaing Myat Thu, Richard Tai-Chiu Hsung, Colman McGrath, Walter Yu Hang Lam. Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry. 2024 Jul 23;22:5758200. doi: 10.3290/j.ohpd.5758200. PMCID: PMC11619897.
12External Validation of an AI mHealth Tool for Gingivitis Detection among Older Adults at Daycare Centers: A Pilot Study. Reinhard Chun Wang Chau, Andrew Chi Chung Cheng, Kaijing Mao, Khaing Myat Thu, Zhaoting Ling, In Meei Tew, Tien Hsin Chang, Hong Jin Tan, Colman McGrath, Wai-Lun Lo, Richard Tai-Chiu Hsung, Walter Yu Hang Lam. International Dental Journal. 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.identj.2025.01.008