Development of an Education System for Tooth Carving Skills Based on Shared Tactile Perception using a Wearable Skin Vibration Sensor: A Pilot Study

European Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry (2025) 33, 390–398

Dental Education Tactile Sensation Skill Training Tooth Carving Wax Carving

Takuya Kihara *

(DT, PhD, Assistant Professor)

Tomoko Ikawa *

(DDS, PhD, Assistant Professor)

Aya Yokoyama §

(Undergraduate Student)

Development of an Education
System for Tooth Carving
Skills Based on Shared
Tactile Perception using
a Wearable Skin Vibration
Sensor: A Pilot Study

Yuko Shigeta *

(DDS, PhD, Associate Professor)

Shuji Shigemoto *

(DDS, PhD, Associate Professor)

Kantaro Kojima *

(DDS, PhD, Graduate Student)

Noboru Kawamura ‡

(DT, PhD, Associate Professor)

Yoshihiro Tanaka ^ †
(PhD, Professor)

Takumi Ogawa *

(DDS, PhD, Professor)

Kazuhiko Suese Δ

(DDS, PhD, President)

Address for Correspondence
Takuya Kihara *
Email: kihara-t@tsurumi-u.ac.jp
* Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, School of
Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Tsurumi-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, 734-8501, Japan
§

‡

School of Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University,
Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 734-8501, Japan
Dental Technician Training Institute, School of
Dental Medicine, Tsurumi University, Tsurumi-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, 734-8501, Japan

^ Nagoya Institute of Technology, Gokisocho,
Showa Ward, Nagoya, Aichi, 466-8555, Japan
†

Inamori Research Institute for Science, 620
Suiginya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8411, Japan

Δ

Japan Academy of Digital Dentistry, 1-43-9,
Komagome, Toyoshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0003 ,Japan

Objectives: In tooth carving training, learners cannot feel the instructors’ sensations during procedures. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a system based on shared tactile perception to assess the educational effectiveness of tooth carving to convey the instructor’s tactile sensations to learners. Methods: The system utilizes a wearable skin vibration sensor to capture the instructor’s tactile sensations and transmit them to learners with vibrators. Twenty-three dental students tested the system using four approaches: model observation, video watching, tactile sharing (carving after feeling tactile sensations), and tactile synchronization (carving with feeling tactile sensations simultaneously). Performance was assessed based on chamfering, smoothing, shaping the fossa and grooves, and questionnaires. Results: Quantitative evaluations indicated that the tactile sharing and tactile synchronization may improve skills related to surface texture, and the depth of the fossa and grooves. Questionnaires revealed that the tactile-assisted approaches were perceived as less difficult. Conclusions: The tactile sharing system may support more effective skill acquisition in tooth carving. The tactile sensation provided was considered helpful for surface smoothing, shaping the fossa and grooves, and force of carving. Clinical Relevance: This system enables digital sharing of tactile sensations, enhancing dental education by preserving expert skills and improving tooth carving training.

Education in dental skills is essential in dentistry. In skills training such as tooth carving, tooth preparation, and wax-ups, learners primarily rely on visual information from model observations and instructor demonstrations, while advancing their proficiency through repeated practice. However, mastering these skills is often difficult and time-consuming. In particular, clinical dentistry involves several blind techniques that rely on tactile feedback, such as root canal treatment and scaling, making tactile information crucial for acquiring clinical knowledge.1 Previous studies have reported that tactile information plays a significant role in enhancing motor skills in dental education and practice.2 Instructors attempt to facilitate learners’ skill acquisition by verbally conveying the movements

Received: 07.11.2024 Accepted: 07.08.2025

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