Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study

Abstract Background Augmented reality (AR) technology has been shown to be effective in displaying information and presenting three-dimensional objects. Although AR applications are commonly used by learners via mobile devices, plastic models or two-dimensional images are still commonly used in toot...

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Main Authors: Eun-Jeong Lim, Yi-Seul Kim, Ji-Eun Im, Jae-Gi Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2023-06-01
Series:BMC Medical Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04443-6
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author Eun-Jeong Lim
Yi-Seul Kim
Ji-Eun Im
Jae-Gi Lee
author_facet Eun-Jeong Lim
Yi-Seul Kim
Ji-Eun Im
Jae-Gi Lee
author_sort Eun-Jeong Lim
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Augmented reality (AR) technology has been shown to be effective in displaying information and presenting three-dimensional objects. Although AR applications are commonly used by learners via mobile devices, plastic models or two-dimensional images are still commonly used in tooth carving practice. Learners practicing tooth carving face a challenge due to the three-dimensional features of teeth as there is a lack of tools available that provide sequential guidance. In this study, we developed an AR-based tooth carving practice tool (AR-TCPT) and compared it to a plastic model to evaluate its potential as a practice tool as well as its user experience. Methods To model tooth carving, we created a three-dimensional object from sequential steps that included the maxillary canines and maxillary first premolars (16 steps), mandibular first premolars (13 steps), and mandibular first molars (14 steps). Image markers, created using Photoshop software, were assigned to each tooth. An AR-based mobile application was developed using the Unity engine. For tooth carving, 52 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 26; using a plastic tooth model) or an experimental group (n = 26; using the AR-TCPT). User experience was evaluated using a 22-item questionnaire. Data were comparatively analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test via the SPSS program. Results The AR-TCPT detects image markers with the mobile device camera and displays three-dimensional objects for tooth fragmentation. Users can manipulate the device to view each step or examine the shape of a tooth. The results of the user experience survey revealed that the AR-TCPT experimental group scored significantly higher in tooth carving experience compared with the control group that used the plastic model. Conclusion Compared with the conventional plastic model, the AR-TCPT provided a better user experience for tooth carving. The tool is highly accessible as it is designed to be used on mobile devices by users. Further studies are required to determine the educational impact of the AR-TCTP on quantitative scoring of carved teeth as well as individual user’s carving abilities.
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spelling doaj.art-b6bee05c56ed4652b17a81679a9db1ac2023-06-25T11:20:16ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202023-06-0123111010.1186/s12909-023-04443-6Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort studyEun-Jeong Lim0Yi-Seul Kim1Ji-Eun Im2Jae-Gi Lee3Department of Dental Hygiene, Graduate School of Namseoul UniversityDepartment of Dental Hygiene, Graduate School of Namseoul UniversityDepartment of Dental Hygiene, Graduate School of Namseoul UniversityDepartment of Dental Hygiene, College of Health and Health care, Namseoul UniversityAbstract Background Augmented reality (AR) technology has been shown to be effective in displaying information and presenting three-dimensional objects. Although AR applications are commonly used by learners via mobile devices, plastic models or two-dimensional images are still commonly used in tooth carving practice. Learners practicing tooth carving face a challenge due to the three-dimensional features of teeth as there is a lack of tools available that provide sequential guidance. In this study, we developed an AR-based tooth carving practice tool (AR-TCPT) and compared it to a plastic model to evaluate its potential as a practice tool as well as its user experience. Methods To model tooth carving, we created a three-dimensional object from sequential steps that included the maxillary canines and maxillary first premolars (16 steps), mandibular first premolars (13 steps), and mandibular first molars (14 steps). Image markers, created using Photoshop software, were assigned to each tooth. An AR-based mobile application was developed using the Unity engine. For tooth carving, 52 participants were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 26; using a plastic tooth model) or an experimental group (n = 26; using the AR-TCPT). User experience was evaluated using a 22-item questionnaire. Data were comparatively analyzed using the nonparametric Mann–Whitney U test via the SPSS program. Results The AR-TCPT detects image markers with the mobile device camera and displays three-dimensional objects for tooth fragmentation. Users can manipulate the device to view each step or examine the shape of a tooth. The results of the user experience survey revealed that the AR-TCPT experimental group scored significantly higher in tooth carving experience compared with the control group that used the plastic model. Conclusion Compared with the conventional plastic model, the AR-TCPT provided a better user experience for tooth carving. The tool is highly accessible as it is designed to be used on mobile devices by users. Further studies are required to determine the educational impact of the AR-TCTP on quantitative scoring of carved teeth as well as individual user’s carving abilities.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04443-6Augmented realityDental carvingDental educationMobile deviceTooth morphology
spellingShingle Eun-Jeong Lim
Yi-Seul Kim
Ji-Eun Im
Jae-Gi Lee
Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
BMC Medical Education
Augmented reality
Dental carving
Dental education
Mobile device
Tooth morphology
title Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
title_full Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
title_fullStr Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
title_full_unstemmed Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
title_short Mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving: results of a prospective cohort study
title_sort mobile educational tool based on augmented reality technology for tooth carving results of a prospective cohort study
topic Augmented reality
Dental carving
Dental education
Mobile device
Tooth morphology
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04443-6
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