CCBC launches VR training for dental hygiene program

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The Community College of Baltimore County announced Monday that its dental hygiene program is the first in the nation to merge immersive virtual reality simulation training into its curriculum. 

The school plans to highlight and demonstrate this initiative at a Dental Hygiene Virtual Reality Simulation Launch event on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Roy Staten Building, Room 102 at its Dundalk campus.

Part of a grant-funded project supported by Delta Dental, CCBC‘s Virtual Reality Dental Hygiene Lab is designed to expand access to top-notch training tools, a school release says.

The dental lab is partnering with Black Meta Agency, Swedish technology company Gleechi and the NYC School of Dentistry.

“This milestone reflects CCBC’s commitment to innovation, accessibility and future-focused workforce development,” CCBC President Sandra Kurtinitis said. 

“By embracing cutting-edge tools like virtual reality, we are not just teaching students; we are actively preparing them for 21st century careers and ensuring they have a competitive edge in the modern health care industry.”

Hoping to satisfy the growing demand for dental hygienists across Maryland and the nation, the VR lab training method yields a few benefits for students, according to school officials:

• Strengthens clinical preparation
• Improves student confidence
• Attracts future students 

“The dental hygiene field is evolving quickly, and employers are seeking graduates who are comfortable with emerging technologies,” CCBC Dental Hygiene program director Brionna Burris said. 

“By integrating virtual reality, we are creating a learning experience that is more interactive, more consistent and perfectly aligned with the expectations of today’s modern health care environment.”