Using Haptic Technology to Design Computer Assisted Learning Systems for Dental Casting Training—In the Case of Melting Palladium Silver Alloy with a Dental Lost-wax Casting Blow Torch

A blow torch or blow pipe is the most frequently used in the dental lost-wax casting technique. However, adjustment of the blow pipe is dangerous and difficult to a certain degree and hence requires repeated practice to do it well. Beginners cannot practice by themselves and need guidance from a teacher. Otherwise it will result in casting failure and cost losses. In a worst scenario, it may also lead to a serious public safety accident. This study uses the computer assisted instruction (CAI) with the visual interface and Wii remote haptic wireless interactive device developed by Nintendo to effectively simulate blow pipe adjustment and establish an assisted casting training environment that is authentic, intuitive, and can effectively monitor the learning process for students to learn spontaneously, cut down the teaching cost, enhance operation safety, and reduce the teacherpsilas burden.