A dental training system using virtual reality

There are problems with the lack of reality in dental training using a mannequin. In dealing with such problems, we suggest in this study a dental training system with application of virtual reality technology. In our system, a virtual environment and a virtual patient were produced in a virtual space, in which dental mirror and hand pieces can be operated real timely. In order to be aware of and to avoid possible dangers in training, the tongue of the patient is moved randomly, and a warning sound and a signal of blood are given from a contact judgment when the drill contacts tongue or buccal. The effectiveness of the system with danger warning was confirmed with experiments. Furthermore, the presentation of force, which is very important in dentistry, was tried, and the avoidance of force-sensible mistouch to tongue or buccal was also realized. Finally, the feather-touch training in tooth cutting was carried out, in which the acquisition of force information and the visualization of force were realized and a good effect confirmed.