Is simulation in dentistry able to replace clinical practice? Analysis of students' opinions

Abstract

Haptic simulators are technically advanced devices that enable students to learn practical skills without the participation of patients. A survey conducted among students of the Medical University of Lublin showed a higher level of satisfaction while working with haptic simulators compared to traditional phantoms. The respondents indicated as the most important features of Simodont simulators, inter alia, their modernity, realism of work and a wide range of clinical situations that can be practiced on them. With modern simulators, students were more likely to give maximum scores than with traditional phantoms. Research has also shown that haptic devices are friendly to left-handers, who may find it challenging to learn practical skills on phantoms. The respondents showed willingness to take part in subsequent sessions with haptic simulators, justifying their opinion as a good complement to what these devices constitute for traditional educational solutions, clearly stating, however, that they cannot replace clinical practice.