Sir, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is now a reality in dentistry. A significant advancement is the use of haptic gloves that would let dental students feel virtual objects while practising suturing or giving a nerve block - this can significantly improve the students' technique over time and give them, for example, immediate feedback with respect to needle point insertion.1,2 While initial costs for such systems might seem high now, the hardware is proven to be cost-effective in the long term.
The metaverse is an extension of the internet that allows users to interact with each other and the environment around them. This is achieved using various types of technologies including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). These scenarios may seem far from our daily teaching activity or segregated to research labs only. While virtual education spaces such as Zoom, Teams and Google Meet are the new norm, the creation of digital laboratories is also a reality: real online players are challenged to solve difficult scientific problems.3,4
A PubMed search in January 2022 with the keyword 'metaverse' showed only 12 articles and none referenced dentistry. Currently, some medical schools have been trying out VR goggle setups or using anatomical models controlled via tablet; however, both have significant limitations compared to working directly within VR using haptic technology. Presence (the student's sense of being there) has always been considered necessary for successful learning and for appropriate patient care. In light of the last two years of forced social distancing, should we perhaps upgrade the 'old' telemedicine to a more immersive experience?
References
Perry S, Bridges S M, Burrow M F. A review of the use of simulation in dental education. Simul Healthc 2015; 10: 31-37.
Huang T K, Yang C-H, Hsieh Y-H, Wang J-C, Hung C-C. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applied in dentistry. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2018; 34: 243-248.
Collaço E, Kira E, Sallaberry L H et al. Immersion and haptic feedback impacts on dental anesthesia technical skills virtual reality training. J Dent Educ 2021; 85: 589-598.
Miller J A, Khatib F, Hammond H, Cooper S, Horowitz S. Introducing Foldit Education Mode. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2020; 27: 769-770.
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Locurcio, L. Dental education in the metaverse. Br Dent J 232, 191 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-3990-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-022-3990-7
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