The Faculty of Dentistry (FKG) of Universitas Hasanuddin (Unhas) held an online public lecture on the topic of “Virtual Reality for Alternative Learning in Pandemic Era”. The lecturer was Dr. Cortino Sukotjo, DDS, PhD, an Associate Professor from the College of Dentistry University of Illinois at Chicago, USA. The public lecturer was conducted virtually using the Zoom meeting application on Saturday (02/10).
Drg. Acing Habibie Mude, Ph.D., Sp.Pros (moderator) explained that conventional learning systems transform into online learning systems during the pandemic, using various online learning platforms, such as Zoom, Google Meet, etc. This situation has a significant impact on medical study, especially Dentistry. The pandemic has changed the method of educating a dentistry student. Moreover, the field of dentistry requires repeated practice simulation in order to achieve the targeted competencies.
“The pandemic inflicts challenges and practical concerns to provide an effective learning method for the future of medical education. Two Indonesian lecturers from two top universities of the U.S. developed a virtual reality program to support dentistry students. The simulator can be an alternative learning method amidst social restrictions during the pandemic,” explained drg. Acing
Dr. Cortino Sukotjo, DDS, Ph.D, MMSc., a lecturer from Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Illinois, and Markus Santoso Ph.D, an expert on Immersive Technology from The University of Florida, modified a simulator that can provide learning practice for dentist candidates.
Dr. Cortino, in his presentation, said that the simulator is helpful in Dental implant surgery programs. It can help understand the sequence of dental implants as if it were at the dental clinic with the actual patient.
“The simulator is integrated to the Oculus gear that put on head and palm so that students can experience a 3D virtual clinic. Students will use virtual surgical instruments and equipment in the virtual clinic, such as scalpels and drills. The students also can apply a virtual simulation on dental implants surgery with NPC (non-player character),” said Dr. Cortino
Furthermore, Dr. Cartino added that the simulator is expected to provide students with a virtual experience of patient treatment. Therefore, students will be used to dealing with a patient in any condition possible.
The event was participated by approximately 200 participants.
Kumara Tungga Dewa, S.S.
Editor: Ishaq Rahman, AMIPR
