Evaluation of a Haptic Virtual Reality Simulator and Its Impact on Preclinical Dental Education

Background: Haptic simulation is increasingly being integrated into health education due to its ability to provide a realistic tactile experience, enhancing skill acquisition, student confidence in clinical settings, and reducing iatrogenic risks. In dentistry, this tool complements traditional teaching methodologies by facilitating hands-on preclinical training. This study aimed to evaluate students' perceptions regarding the use of haptic simulation in their learning process and preclinical skill development. Methods: A scientifically validated 10-question survey was administered to students at the Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí who had undergone training with dental phantoms, followed by practice with the Simodont® haptic simulator (Nissin Dental Products BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands). The survey was conducted via an online platform (Google Forms, Google LLC, CA, USA), yielding responses from 125 students from the fifth semester onwards. Results: The results indicate that 75% (n = 94) of the students perceive a significant improvement in their manual skills and abilities, 79.5% (n = 99) consider haptic simulation an effective tool for self-directed learning, and 79.6% (n = 100) report increased confidence in performing cavity preparations on real patients after training with Simodont®. Conclusions: These findings suggest that haptic simulation serves as a valuable adjunct to conventional preclinical training in dental education, reinforcing both technical proficiency and student confidence before clinical practice.