Virtual reality technology using a 360° video: development and evaluation of an educational tool for intraoral radiography using the bisecting angle technique

Abstract

Intraoral radiography (IOR) practice education is essential for dental students. However, the risk of radiation exposure has resulted in the use of textbooks to learn IOR. Thus, a new educational tool that can effectively use fewer shots or provide indirect experience when practice is not feasible is needed. In this study, we developed a new educational tool called “educational media for the bisecting angle technique” using virtual reality (EMBAT-VR) and evaluated the user experience among students. IOR was divided into 12 steps for 14 teeth, and a scenario was prepared from the perspectives of the operator and patient. On the basis of this scenario, the IOR was reenacted and recorded using a 360° camera. The tool was built on a head-mounted display using the Unity Engine. Eighty-four students were enrolled to evaluate the task performance, browsing search, and satisfaction on a 5-point Likert scale; the corresponding values for the tests were 3. 78 ± 0.70, 3.88 ± 0.76, and 4.01 ± 0.71, respectively. EMBAT-VR was used to investigate the satisfaction (user experience). Responses to 21 questions from 24 students who used traditional textbooks (control group) and 22 students who used the VR educational tool (experimental group) were statistically analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test. A statistically significant difference was observed between the experimental (4.16 ± 0.64) and control (2.69 ± 0.54) groups. In the usability evaluation, EMBAT-VR presented with a higher score than traditional textbooks. Nonetheless, its effect when performing actual IOR imaging needs follow-up research.