Learning pathway
Randomized and comparative studies in implantology, endodontics and restorative dentistry report faster or better early skill, and lower stress and anxiety, when simulator practice comes first.
White paper · 2026
Practice Before Patients
What the research on Virteasy haptic simulation means for learning pathways and operational productivity in dental schools.
Presented at ADEA BFACA 2026 · Baltimore · October 18–20
18studies reviewed
2systematic and scoping reviews
232simulators in 70 institutions
28countries
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Executive summary
Simulation as a practice layer, not a replacement
Across 18 studies and two reviews, virtual haptic simulation works best before the phantom head and the patient: students repeat procedures at any hour, with objective data on every attempt.
Productivity
Objective scoring is documented. Gains in instructor time, consumables and lab scheduling are plausible but not yet measured in controlled studies, and a pilot can measure them.
Honest limits
Not every result is favorable. A headset lowered performance in one study, and no study reports cost or long-term retention. The paper says so plainly.
The learning pathway
Where simulation fits between theory and the clinic
The research places the simulator in the middle of the path, between knowledge and supervised patient care.
1
Orientation
Anatomy, instruments and ergonomics on screen.
2
Fundamentals
Repeated drills in implant, cavity and access preparation.
3
Feedback
Objective scores and expert review of each attempt.
4
Transfer
Phantom-head work, with a planned transition period.
5
Clinic
Supervised patient care once the skill is shown.
Design principle: move students on by demonstrated competence, not hours logged.
For deans and administrators
Four decisions you can take away
- Treat the simulator as an added practice step with entry and exit criteria for each skill, not as a substitute for phantom hours.
- Prefer the headset-free set-up for complex tasks such as access cavity preparation.
- Budget for faculty calibration and for a transition period back to conventional simulators.
- Measure before you scale: run a 90-day pilot with KPIs for instructor hours, lab occupancy, consumables and time to competence.
Read it before your next curriculum meeting
18 studies, 2 reviews and a 90-day pilot framework, in one short paper.
Download the white paper