Stress Level

Endodontics presents unique challenges due to the complexity and precision required in procedures such as access cavity preparation, canal instrumentation, and obturation. In this context, access cavity preparation is widely regarded as a critical step in endodontic treatment, as it facilitates the identification of the main root canal anatomy and enables effective chemomechanical debridement of the root canal system. However, the clinical application of this procedure can be particularly challenging for undergraduate students, as patients requiring endodontic care often present with varying degrees of anatomical complexity and clinical difficulty. These variations increase the of procedural complications. This is evident during the fourth year of dental education, when clinical endodontic training typically begins and students are required to perform their first treatments on patients. Initial attempts are often prone to failure due to limited theoretical knowledge, inadequate operative skills, and elevated stress levels. Therefore, ensuring comprehensive and well-structured preclinical training through the use of innovative educational strategies plays a critical role in both facilitating an effective transition to clinical practice and minimizing the risk of potential mishaps.The integration of virtual reality haptic simulators (VRHS) has shown considerable promise in enhancing the quality of endodontic preclinical education. VRHS provides students with an immersive, interactive environment that closely replicates real clinical scenarios, allowing for the development of tactile perception, fine motor control, and procedural accuracy in a risk-free setting. These simulators also encompass the potential drawbacks, such as a lack of standardized feedback and restricted opportunities for repetitive learning of traditional preclinical educational methods. In addition, through the advancements on the internet and mobile technology, mobile applications have become a game-changing tool for dental education. Mobile apps offer a flexible and self-paced learning environment that can be tailored to individual needs, thereby promoting greater engagement and a more interactive, immersive educational experience. As well as the VRHSs, mobile apps also simulate the clinical scenarios and procedures, providing students with the opportunity to develop and refine their skills within a structured and risk-free educational environment. Although the effectiveness of simulators has been investigated in endodontic preclinical settings using artificial teeth, their potential impact on real clinical performance and outcomes remains largely unexplored. Similarly, the role of mobile apps in endodontic education-particularly their effectiveness at the clinical level-has not been adequately studied.

This study investigates the effects of virtual reality (VR)-based respiratory training on various physiological and cognitive functions in shift-working healthcare professionals, including paramedics and nurses. The research will evaluate how VR-guided breathing exercises influence: stress levels, motor reaction time and accuracy, attention and cognitive performance, motor skills and postural stability, sleep quality Participants will be divided into three groups: VR-based respiratory training group - performing guided breathing exercises in a VR environment. Music-based relaxation group - listening to relaxing music without structured breathing instructions. Control group - no intervention. The findings will help determine whether VR-based respiratory training is an effective method for improving stress resilience, cognitive function, and physical performance in shift-working healthcare professionals.