This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality simulator-based training in teaching the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique to third-year dental students. Participants were randomly assigned to either a virtual reality simulator training group or a conventional training group. The outcomes evaluated include theoretical knowledge, anatomical understanding, procedural performance, self-confidence, and anxiety levels associated with IANB administration. The study aims to determine whether virtual reality simulation provides advantages over conventional educational methods in local anesthesia training.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Being a third-year student at our Faculty of Dentistry Willingness to participate in the study voluntarily
Exclusion Criteria:
* Having previously received local anesthesia training using a virtual reality simulator Unwillingness to participate in the study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial was about training dental students to perform inferior alveolar nerve block injections using virtual reality — does my upcoming dental procedure involve this type of nerve block, and could my care be affected by whether my provider trained with newer simulation methods like this?
2Since this study measured changes in dental students' knowledge and skill scores rather than patient outcomes, what does my doctor think about how VR-based dental training programs like this one might eventually influence the quality or safety of nerve block procedures for patients like me?
3The trial is now completed — is there any way my doctor can help me find out whether the results suggested VR training improved student performance, and whether that matters when I'm choosing where to receive dental care?
4If I'm anxious about receiving an inferior alveolar nerve block, would it be worth discussing with my dentist or oral health team whether they have experience with simulation-based training, and how that might relate to reducing complications like missed blocks or nerve injury?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in inferior alveolar nerve block education questionnaire score
Timeframe: Baseline and immediately after completion of training