Effect of augmented reality simulation on administration of local anaesthesia in paediatric patients

Background Augmented reality (AR) is a simulation of a three-dimensional environment created using hardware and software that provides the user with realistic experiences and ability to interact. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of AR simulator on the perception of learning and acute stress level in students administering local anaesthesia to paediatric patients relative to standard teaching methods. Material and methods The prospective study included 21 fourth- and fifth-year students enrolled in 5-year dental programme. In addition to conventional training, the students of the study group used the augmented reality simulator in a dental office 2 hours weekly in 2 weeks. The level of salivary cortisol was measured before and after the anaesthetic procedure as one of the indicators of acute stress. Results A statistically significant shorter time to perform infiltrative anaesthesia technique for the anterior superior alveolar nerve was observed in students using the AR technique (28.91 +/- 9.06 seconds in the study group and 39.80 +/- 9.29 seconds in the control group). The level of cortisol before and after anaesthesia was statistically significant in all subjects (cortisol concentration was 0.53 mu g/dL before anaesthesia and 2.44 mu g/dL after the procedure); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Conclusion The AR concept may influence better manipulation and control of the syringe in students administering their first anaesthetic injection to paediatric patients, but may not reduce acute stress.