The world of dental education is on the cusp of a revolution. A recent global survey of 156 institutions has highlighted both the immense potential and significant challenges associated with using virtual reality (VR)-haptic technology for training purposes. Led by the University of Eastern Finland and published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine, this study provides valuable insights into the perceptions and needs of dental educators regarding the acceptability and application of VR-haptics.

The use of VR-haptic technology is becoming increasingly popular in dental education as it complements traditional preclinical hand skill training methods. This innovative approach combines virtual reality with force feedback, allowing students to practice complex procedures in a simulated environment that mimics real-world scenarios. The aim of this study was to understand the challenges and limitations faced by institutions in adopting VR-haptics and to gather suggestions for system improvements.

The results were striking. Over a third of respondents (35%) cited technical limitations as a major hurdle, including insufficient haptic precision and restricted procedural options. This undermines the skill transfer from simulated environments to real patient care, highlighting the need for further hardware and software development. Financial constraints also emerged as a significant challenge, with 28% of institutions struggling to afford devices, leading to shortages and limited student access.

Resistance to change was another major obstacle, with 24% of respondents noting low acceptance among educators and students driven by disruptions to traditional teaching methods. Time-intensive curriculum adaptations and training requirements were also cited as critical barriers (13%). These challenges highlight the need for targeted faculty training and multidisciplinary collaboration to develop realistic, discipline-specific training scenarios.

The future success of VR-haptic technology in dental education depends on addressing these challenges. The authors recommend further hardware and software development, cost-reduction innovations, and providing targeted faculty training to demonstrate VR-haptics’ educational benefits. By working together, educators and researchers can unlock the full potential of this innovative technology and improve patient care outcomes worldwide.

The presence of titanium micro-particles in the oral mucosa around dental implants is more common than previously thought, according to a new study from the University of Gothenburg. The research, which analyzed tissue samples from 21 patients with multiple adjacent implants, found that titanium particles were consistently present at all examined implants – even those without signs of inflammation.

While there is no reason for concern, the findings suggest that more knowledge is needed to understand what happens to these micro-particles over time. “Titanium is a well-studied material that has been used for decades,” says Tord Berglundh, senior professor of periodontology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg. “It’s biocompatible and safe, but our findings show that we need to better understand what happens to the micro-particles over time.”

The study identified 14 genes that may be affected by these particles, particularly those related to inflammation and wound healing. The researchers suspect that titanium particles are released during the surgical installation procedure and may influence the local immune response.

Peri-implantitis is a microbial biofilm-associated inflammatory disease around dental implants, with features similar to those of periodontitis around teeth. The inflammatory process is complex, and the resulting destruction of supporting bone in peri-implantitis may lead to loss of the implant.

The study’s findings highlight the importance of continued research into the effects of titanium particles on the human body. As more people opt for dental implants, understanding the long-term consequences of these procedures is crucial for ensuring patient safety and well-being.

In conclusion, while the presence of titanium micro-particles around dental implants may seem alarming, the researchers stress that there is no reason for concern. However, further investigation into the effects of these particles on the human body is necessary to ensure the continued safety and efficacy of dental implant procedures.

Chewing gum is a ubiquitous part of modern life, enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, a recent pilot study has revealed that this seemingly harmless habit may have an unexpected consequence – exposure to microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, which can be found in various everyday products like cutting boards, clothes, and even food packaging. The researchers who conducted the study wanted to examine if chewing gum could be another source of microplastic exposure.

The study involved testing five brands of synthetic gum and five brands of natural gum, all commercially available. A person chewed each piece for 4 minutes, producing saliva samples every 30 seconds. The researchers measured the number of microplastics present in each sample using a microscope or Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Interestingly, both synthetic and natural gums had similar amounts of microplastics released when chewed. In fact, some individual gum pieces released as many as 600 microplastics per gram! A typical piece of gum weighs between 2 and 6 grams, which means that a large piece could release up to 3,000 plastic particles.

The researchers estimated that if the average person chews around 160-180 small sticks of gum per year, they could ingest approximately 30,000 microplastics. This is a significant amount, considering that humans already consume tens of thousands of microplastics annually through various sources.

Most of the microplastics detached from gum within the first 2 minutes of chewing, but this didn’t happen because enzymes in saliva broke them down. Rather, the act of chewing itself was abrasive enough to make pieces flake off.

To reduce exposure to microplastics from gum, the researchers suggest that people chew one piece longer instead of popping in a new one. This way, most of the plastic particles would be released and not ingested.

The study highlights the importance of being mindful about the environment and disposing of used gum properly. If not, it’s another source of plastic pollution to the environment.

This research was funded by UCLA and the University of Hawaii Maximizing Access to Research Careers program, which is supported by the National Institutes of Health and the California Protection Council.