Using 3D visualization to Teach the Critically Important Anatomical Aspects of the Pterygopalatine Fossa for the Administration of Local Anesthesia of the Mid-Face

TitleUsing 3D visualization to Teach the Critically Important Anatomical Aspects of the Pterygopalatine Fossa for the Administration of Local Anesthesia of the Mid-Face
Faculty/College/UnitDentistry
StatusActive
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2022
Project Summary

This project focuses on the dental significance of the pterygopalatine fossa, a clinically important region of the human skull. Due to its small size and inaccessible location, its anatomy and the relevant local anaesthetic injection techniques are extremely difficult to teach. Using a high resolution virtual reality (VR) 3D model of the bones and openings within the pterygopalatine fossa we will develop a 3D visualization of the related dental local anaesthetic injection techniques. We will also map on additional nerves and arteries to allow the students to “travel” along the nerves through different skull regions as well as explore the relationships between the nerves and their target organs. The final resource will be available in 3 teaching modules: in-class augmented reality facilitated by the instructor; an on-line augmented module to support student independent learning and an interactive, immersive video accessible on all platforms.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2022/2023
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorPeter J. Murphy
Year 1: Funded Amount49,650
Year 1: Team Members

Peter J. Murphy, Lecturer, Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry
Pawel Kindler, Professor of Teaching, Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine