5 Common Dentist Objections to Using VR/AR Glasses in Dental Practice

As Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies enter the dental field, they promise transformative patient experiences and enhanced procedural workflows. However, adopting innovative dental technologies often comes with hesitations. This guide addresses dentists' common concerns about incorporating VR/AR glasses in dental practice and provides practical solutions.

Objection 1. "I need to look into my patients' eyes to understand their feelings"

Some dentists rely on traditional methods to monitor patient comfort, such as observing visual cues like eye movements or facial expressions. However, VR/AR glasses, which cover the eyes of patients, can raise concerns about losing these indicators.

In reality, the body’s first reaction to pain or discomfort often shows through withdrawal physical movements, called withdrwal effect, like changes in hand or foot positioning or muscular rigidity. These are reliable and immediate signals of discomfort, allowing dentists to monitor their patients effectively, even when visual cues are obscured by VR/AR glasses. With Keppy, you can help your anxious patients relax, reducing physical movements caused by dental anxiety or dentophobia, and allowing them to stay still. This not only prevents unnecessary discomfort and injury but also helps you focus more on your work, ensuring a smoother and more effective treatment process.

Objection 2. "What If the patient moves unpredictably because of VR/AR glasses in dental practice"?

Maintaining patient stillness is a critical factor in ensuring the success of dental procedures. While Spatial technology-based systems like AR/VR glasses effectively reduce anxiety and restlessness, they do not completely eliminate the possibility of patient movement, especially in uncontrolled environments. This is a valid concern for dentists. However, specifically designed systems like Keppy address this challenge by focusing on the patient experience. The content provided by Keppy is meticulously crafted to keep the main point of interest centered in the patient's field of view, simulating a cinema-like environment. This immersive design not only captivates the patient's attention but also significantly reduces the chances of sudden or excessive movement, offering an innovative solution to enhance patient cooperation during procedures.

Objection 3. "Won’t patients become too immersed, making collaboration difficult"?

While the immersive nature of spatial technology (Augmented/Virtual Reality) might initially seem like a potential barrier to patient collaboration, it is actually designed to serve as a tool for relaxation and distraction, enhancing the overall dental experience.

The Keppy system takes this a step further by integrating smart voice recognition. When the dentist speaks to the patient, the system automatically lowers or mutes the content's audio, ensuring the patient can focus entirely on the dentist's instructions. This thoughtful design bridges the gap between immersion and effective communication, creating a seamless and collaborative environment for both the patient and the dentist.

Objection 4. "The glasses are bulky and leave no room to work"

The majority of XR glasses on the market today are large and bulky, making them impractical for dental practices where sufficient room to work is critical—especially when a dentist works a 12-hour position. However, advancements in the industry have led to yearly improvements in XR headset design, reducing size and improving quality.

Among the most compact options available, Keppy XR glasses stand out, as they are specifically designed with dental practices in mind. Featuring a slim and lightweight profile, these glasses ensure a comfortable fit on the patient’s head without obstructing the dentist’s workspace or interfering with procedures.

The innovative slim design of Keppy XR glasses allows dentists to maintain full access to the oral cavity, making them a practical and ergonomic solution for integrating XR technology into dental workflows. The slim design of Keppy glasses ensures that dentists have full access to the oral cavity and can perform dental procedures without interference. According to a study conducted on 73 patients undergoing dental surgery, the use of VR/AR glasses effectively reduced dental anxiety and pain. This led to high patient satisfaction, with more than 90% of them willing to use it again. The use of VR reduced time perception and memory vividness, providing a more comfortable experience for patients. This, in turn, made moments of discomfort and the need for visual cues less frequent, as highlighted in the dental review, demonstrating the effectiveness of VR/AR technology in improving the overall dental treatment experience.

Objection 5. "Integrating this into my practice disrupts my workflow and needs my staff engagement"

Integrating VR/AR technology into a dental practice can sometimes feel daunting, with concerns about additional infrastructure and staff training. However, Keppy XR glasses are designed to make this process remarkably simple and hassle-free. The setup is straightforward, requiring minimal training, and the system seamlessly integrates into your existing workflow—no more effort than adjusting a dental chair or offering headphones.

Ready to use in just two minutes, Keppy XR glasses can be easily placed on any dental chair without the need for system integration, drilling, or external support. This plug-and-play solution ensures that it becomes a natural part of your practice, enhancing patient experiences without disrupting your routine.

Attention! Do not forget about sterilization: 

Hygiene is paramount in any medical setting, and VR/AR headsets used in dental practices are no exception. Keppy XR glasses are designed with materials that allow for easy and thorough sanitization. The headset can be cleaned using standard dental sanitization wipes, while the goggles with foam padding can benefit from additional UVC sterilization to ensure optimal hygiene.

It’s important to note that these devices should not be autoclaved, as the high temperatures could damage the components. With these straightforward cleaning methods, Keppy Snart glasses maintain a high standard of hygiene, aligning with the rigorous requirements of dental environments.

Conclusion

While adopting new technology like Keppy may raise some concerns, these can be easily addressed with clear communication and simple adjustments to your practice. The system is compact, easy to integrate, and doesn’t require extensive training or complex setup. Ultimately, VR/AR Smart Glasses are tools that enhance patient comfort and help create a more relaxed environment, making dental procedures smoother for both patients and staff. The focus remains on improving the dental experience, with minimal disruption to your existing workflow.