Annals and Essences of Dentistry
Open Access
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
ISSN: 0975-8798, 0976-156X
Wedad Saud*
Background: The incorporation of Virtual Reality (VR) technological innovations into dentistry presents a promising frontier since enhancing dental education, patient care and rehabilitation. Despite its potential, the adoption related to virtual reality in dental practices is accompanied in opposition to challenges which need to be addressed to maximize its benefits. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore the applications, benefits, challenges and future directions related to virtual reality technological innovations in dentistry, providing a comprehensive overview related to its current state and potential impact on the field. Methods: A systematic search related to peer-reviewed literature published alongside in the last ten years was conducted across several databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web related to Science and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on the use related to virtual reality in dental education, patient care and rehabilitation. Data extraction and synthesis were performed to analyze the findings. Results: The review highlights VR's significant applications in dental education through immersive simulations which enhance learning and training efficiency. In patient care, virtual reality has been effectively used since anxiety and pain management, improving patient experiences and satisfaction. But, challenges such as the need since specialized equipment, limitations in simulating tactile feedback, ethical considerations and incorporation into existing workflows pose barriers to its widespread adoption. Future directions suggest the potential since virtual reality to be further enhanced through incorporation alongside other emerging technologies like AI, AR and advanced haptic feedback, addressing current limitations and opening new avenues since application in dentistry.
Published Date: 2025-01-16; Received Date: 2024-03-13