Kobra Surgery Simulator—A Possibility to Improve Digital Teaching? A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Computer-aided simulations have long been of great importance in university teaching; however, to date, there is limited use of such simulations in the dental surgical sector. For this purpose, an oral surgery simulator, “Kobra”, was implemented in student training and was evaluated for dental education. Dental students (group 1, third-year and group 2, fourth-year) and dentists of the faculty (control group) were trained to use the simulator. The outcomes for group 1 (apicoectomy of an upper lateral incisor with Kobra), group 2 (removal of an impacted lower wisdom tooth with Kobra) and the control group (both procedures with Kobra) were evaluated. For evaluation purposes, subjective parameters (improvement of practical skills, comparison between conventional training and Kobra simulation, and implementation of simulation-based teaching) and objective parameters (removal of bone, tooth substance and soft tissue measured while performing the Kobra simulation) were assessed using questionnaires with a scale ranging from 1–5. A total of 49 students (third-year n = 29, with 22 women and 7 men; fourth-year n = 20, with 17 women and 3 men) and 10 dentists (women n = 5 and men n = 5) participated. Compared to the Kobra simulation, the conventional training method with plastic models was still favored (the difference was non-significant). Compared to the dentists, the simulation data showed a less precise surgical performance of the students (the difference was not significant). The Kobra simulation may offer an additional method to conventional surgery training using plastic models, with benefits for students and faculty staff.

Dental education practices during COVID‐19: A scoping review

“…In total, 10 studies met these criteria. 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 Epidemix 2, robot‐SIMROID, Kobra Surgery simulator, and asynchronous e‐learning tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, and WhatsApp were used to deliver the interventions. E‐learning tools allowed students and instructors to engage in “beyond the classroom” learning during the pandemic.…”

“…Buchbender et al. 42 devised a pioneering method for oral surgery simulation using a Kobra Surgery Simulator. Overall, students showed less precise surgical skills than dentists, especially the younger group.…”

“…The observations show that computer surgical simulation cannot replace hands‐on training, but the Kobra simulator may provide more clinical experience for students and may offer new opportunities for practical examination, offering benefits for the instructors as well. 42 In another study by Nishioka et al., a humanoid robot‐SIMROID simulated as a patient was utilized for the international students. 41 This robot could interact with students through movements, provide pain feedback, and help students build communication skills with patients.…”

“…We operationalized instructional technology as the virtual platforms used for collaboration. In total, 10 studies met these criteria 35–44 . Epidemix 2, robot‐SIMROID, Kobra Surgery simulator, and asynchronous e‐learning tools like Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, YouTube, and WhatsApp were used to deliver the interventions.…”

“…A few barrier arose including difficulty accessing the course material, navigating the system, submitting assignments, and poor internet connection. 44 Buchbender et al 42 devised a pioneering method for oral surgery simulation using a Kobra Surgery Simulator. Overall, students showed less precise surgical skills than dentists, especially the younger group.…”