Dental Anesthesia VR Injection Simulation

Poster Number

8

Lead Author Affiliation

University Libraries

Lead Author Status

Staff

Faculty Mentor Name

mradif@pacific.edu

Research or Creativity Area

Business

Abstract

  • Problem: Pre-clinical dental and hygiene students must master local anesthesia injection techniques, yet live practice carries patient risk and scheduling constraints.
  • Background: VR simulation can create a safe, repeatable environment for psychomotor skill development without patient exposure .
  • Methods: We built a prototype in Unreal Engine 5 featuring:
    • Anatomically accurate 3D head and soft-tissue models (Blender → Unity),
    • Two needle sizes and color-coded cartridges that “snap” onto a syringe,
    • A dental mirror tool selectable in either hand,
    • Haptic-feedback controllers signaling incorrect angles (buzz) and excessive depth (resistance rumble),
    • Two tutorial modes: guided in-VR prompts and a 2D screen-capture walkthrough.
  • Status/Preliminary Outcomes: Core prototype functionality—tool selection, injection depth measurement, real-time haptic cues, and automated depth screenshot emails—is fully implemented. Internal testing confirms stable performance
  • Implications: This VR tool establishes feasibility for safe, standardized anesthesia training and sets the stage for multi-procedure expansion and formal effectiveness trials.

Location

University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center

Start Date

26-4-2025 10:00 AM

End Date

26-4-2025 1:00 PM

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Apr 26th, 10:00 AM Apr 26th, 1:00 PM

Dental Anesthesia VR Injection Simulation

University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center

  • Problem: Pre-clinical dental and hygiene students must master local anesthesia injection techniques, yet live practice carries patient risk and scheduling constraints.
  • Background: VR simulation can create a safe, repeatable environment for psychomotor skill development without patient exposure .
  • Methods: We built a prototype in Unreal Engine 5 featuring:
    • Anatomically accurate 3D head and soft-tissue models (Blender → Unity),
    • Two needle sizes and color-coded cartridges that “snap” onto a syringe,
    • A dental mirror tool selectable in either hand,
    • Haptic-feedback controllers signaling incorrect angles (buzz) and excessive depth (resistance rumble),
    • Two tutorial modes: guided in-VR prompts and a 2D screen-capture walkthrough.
  • Status/Preliminary Outcomes: Core prototype functionality—tool selection, injection depth measurement, real-time haptic cues, and automated depth screenshot emails—is fully implemented. Internal testing confirms stable performance
  • Implications: This VR tool establishes feasibility for safe, standardized anesthesia training and sets the stage for multi-procedure expansion and formal effectiveness trials.