title: Implementation of augmented reality in operative dentistry learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of augmented reality (AR) in the gaining of knowledge and skills amongst dental students in the design of cavity preparations and analyse their degree of satisfaction.
  
  
  METHODS
  AR cavity models were prepared for use with computers and mobile devices. Forty-one students were divided into two groups (traditional teaching methods vs AR). Questionnaires were designed to evaluate knowledge and skills, with the administration of a satisfaction questionnaire for those using AR. The degree of compliance with the standards in cavity design was assessed. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used to compare knowledge and skills between the two groups, and the Wilcoxon test was applied to compare intragroup differences. The chi-square test in turn was used to compare the qualitative parameters of the cavity designs between the groups. Statistical significance was considered for P<.05 in all cases.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant differences were observed in level of knowledge before, immediately after or 6 months after teaching between the two groups (P>.05). Although the results corresponding to most of the studied skills parameters were better in the experimental group, significant differences (P<.05) were only founded for cavity depth and extent for Class I and divergence of the buccal and lingual walls for the Class II. The experience was rated as favourable or very favourable by 100% of the participants. The students showed preference for computers (60%) vs mobile devices (10%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The AR techniques favoured the gaining of knowledge and skills and were regarded as a useful tool by the students.
authors.affiliation: Departament of Stomatology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: C
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3942-2820
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Llena
authors.affiliation: Departament of Stomatology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Folguera
authors.affiliation: Departament of Stomatology, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: L
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8603-9883
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Forner
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia, Murcia, Spain.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Lozano
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation; D003814:Dentistry, Operative / Q000193:education*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D000076142:Virtual Reality; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: augmented reality; cavity design; teaching innovation