New NWTC Lab Uses Extended Reality to Prepare Dental Students for Real-World Care

The newest lab at NWTC is giving dental students hands-on access to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies - strengthening student learning experiences, increasing their patient-care confidence, and opening at a time when the demand for dental hygienists appears to be higher than ever.

This lab was made possible through the Northeast Wisconsin Oral Health project, funded in part (80%) by a $1,278,228 grant from Wisconsin Technical College System.

NWTC's Dental Extended Reality (XR) Lab opened on the Green Bay campus in August with the start of the fall semester. The lab supports both the Dental Hygienist associate degree program and the new Expanded Functions Dental Auxiliary (EFDA) certificate, also launched this fall. Students practice instrumentation, restorations, and patient interactions in simulated environments before transitioning to clinical care.

"Having the lab allows our students to be 'inside' realistic 3D simulations where they can interact in environments that are difficult to mimic or experience in the classroom," said Sheila Gross-Rogers, NWTC Dental Program director and Dental Hygienist instructor. "AR/VR allows students to make mistakes and learn from them without real world consequences."

The lab includes A-dec simulation manikins for practicing procedures, along with Meta Quest 3 headsets for virtual scenarios such as motivational interviewing and medical emergencies. The tools allow students to refine technical skills and patient communication in a safe, supportive setting.

"The recent tour I had of the lab was very exciting," said Dr. Alissa Edwards of Fox Run Dental in Appleton. "The setup more accurately depicts real dental settings and prepares students for high tech offices. The most promising aspect was the students themselves. I could see the positive progression of beginner to advanced students. I could feel their excitement about the lab and program."

Edwards noted that the current demand for dental hygienists is the highest she has seen in more than 20 years, particularly in communities outside larger cities.

That demand makes the opening of NWTC's Dental XR Lab especially timely. By combining advanced technology with hands-on faculty guidance, the lab is preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence and the skills needed in today's practices. For employers like Edwards, that means a stronger pipeline of graduates ready to step into high-demand roles.

"The programs in the area are training our hygienists at a very high level, giving me a lot of confidence in hiring new grads," she said.