Accuracy and user experience of dental diagnosis of a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia using immersive virtual reality and cone-beam computed tomography multiplanar reconstructions

Introduction

Accuracy and user experience of dental diagnosis for a patient with cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) using immersive virtual reality (VR) and cone-beam computed tomography multiplanar reconstruction methods were evaluated.

Methods

Dental students (n = 40) were randomly assigned to VR or MP groups. VR participants manipulated and visualized the rendered 3-dimensional model using VR hardware and software. The MP participants viewed cone-beam computed tomography slices using orthogonal planes and 3-dimensional rendered images on a computer. Participants identified erupted and unerupted primary, permanent, and supernumerary teeth in a patient with CCD and completed presurvey, postsurvey, Presence, and NASA Task Load Index questionnaires.

Results

The VR group was significantly more accurate in identifying supernumerary teeth (P <0.008), developing permanent teeth (P <0.020), and primary teeth (P <0.05) in the maxillary anterior region than the MP group. There was more variability in the accuracy of tooth identification for the MP participants (P = 0.005). The Presence Questionnaire showed that participants from the VR group had significantly greater feelings of control and sensory factors during the task (P <0.05). The NASA Task Load Index showed that the MP group participants worked harder and required more mental demands to accomplish the same task (P <0.001).

Conclusions

This study showed that for novice clinicians, the VR method might offer a more accurate method of dental diagnosis of a patient with CCD who presents with retained primary teeth, multiple impacted, and supernumerary teeth. In addition, the VR participants showed increased engagement and a sense of presence.