Application of Augmented Reality (AR) in Dental Hygiene Training: A Study on Technology Adoption and Learning Management Systems

Abstract

Incorporation of Augmented Reality (AR) in Dental Hygiene Education is becoming a disruptive method to enhance clinical-competencies and student participation. The paper is a research that discusses the impact of AR-based learning tools values and applications related to the teaching of dental hygiene education and the importance of Learning Management Systems (LMS) as an enhancing structure serving as a pathway of AR information delivery. Based on mixed-method research design, the research was carried out in three institutions in India Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune, that propose dental hygiene programs with a different extent of digitalization. The quantitative data consisted of the responses of 150 students through the engagement analytics on LMS and the qualitative data comprised the responses of 12 faculty members through interviews. Another measurement that was used in the study is the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) that measured the perceived usefulness, ease of use, and behavioral intention to use AR in training. Findings indicate that there was a 23 percent increment on procedural comprehension specifically on scaling and polishing in students that received AR modules as compared to the video-based modules. Quantified data on LMS indicated increased time of sessions, completed task and better knowledge retention by AR-integrated cohorts. The faculty cited improvement in visualization, less time spent in supervising students and increased student autonomy. The paper focuses on the scalability of AR using the LMS, which provides real-time feedback, evaluation and module of contents. The results indicate that integrating AR into digital learning ecosystems is not only interactive learning enhancement, but also encourage the expansion of technology consumption among the learners and teachers. The study has implications in guiding institutions that are intending to digitalize clinical training in dental education.