Alexandria, VA, USA – A symposium exploring cutting-edge applications of VR and haptics in oral health research and education was presented at the 103rd General Session of the IADR, which was held in conjunction with the IADR/Pan European Regional Congress on June 25-28, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Virtual Reality (VR) and haptic technology are revolutionizing oral health research and education by providing immersive, interactive experiences that enhance learning and clinical skills. This symposium explored cutting-edge applications of VR and haptics in these fields, emphasizing their potential to transform dental education and patient care. The session showcased the latest advancements in VR and haptic technology, demonstrating their utility in simulating complex dental procedures and anatomy. Presentations covered three key areas: the development of realistic VR simulations for dental training, the integration of haptic feedback to improve procedural accuracy, and the impact of these technologies on learning outcomes and clinical competence.
Speakers included leading researchers and practitioners who have pioneered the use of VR and haptics in oral health. They discussrf their findings, share practical insights, and presented case studies highlighting the effectiveness of these tools in both educational and research contexts. The session also addressed challenges and future directions for the integration of VR and haptic technologies in oral health. This symposium was highly relevant for the 2025 IADR/PER General Session as it highlighted innovative, research-driven approaches to enhancing dental education and practice. By exploring these emerging technologies, the presenters fostered a dialogue on how VR and haptics can address current gaps in oral health education and research, ultimately improving patient outcomes and advancing the field.
Organized by Sompop Bencharit, High Point University, USA; Mijin Choi, New York University, USA; and Barry Quinn, University of Liverpool, UK, the Symposium, “Innovative Integration of VR-Haptics in Oral Health Research and Education” took place on Saturday, June 28 at 2 p.m. CEST (UTC+2).
About IADR
The International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to drive dental, oral, and craniofacial research for health and well-being worldwide. IADR represents the individual scientists, clinician-scientists, dental professionals, and students based in academic, government, non-profit, and private-sector institutions who share our mission. Learn more www.iadr.org.
