Comparative Analysis of Preclinical Teaching Methods Employing Haptic Simulation over Conventional Methods for Implant Training

Abstract The effectiveness of haptic simulation in improving clinical competence in dental implant placement has not been widely explored. This study aims to compare the accuracy of implant placements between students trained using manual methods and those trained with haptic simulation. This article aims to evaluate and compare the accuracy of dental implant placement performed by students who received manual training versus those who received haptic simulation training. A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 dental students in their clinical internship phase. Students were randomly assigned to two groups: the manual group (n = 15) and the haptic group (n = 15). The manual group received hands-on training using Styrofoam models, followed by observation of live implant surgeries. The haptic group underwent 10 hours of training over 1 month in four structured sessions using the Virteasy Dental Simulator (HRV Simulation, France), while the manual group received an identical duration of conventional training. Implant placement accuracy was evaluated by a blinded examiner using postoperative CBCT analysis. The data had a normal distribution, which supported the use of an independent sample t-test. Linear deviation at the shoulder (p = 0.004), linear deviation at the apex (p = 0.010), and angular deviation (p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the haptic simulation group. Haptic simulation training improves the accuracy of implant placement compared to manual training, suggesting its potential to enhance clinical competence in dental education. Further research with bigger sample sizes and longer follow-up is required to validate these findings and assess clinical effects.