Dental skills training device

Abstract

To provide a dental skills training device that allows users to train in bringing the needle portion of a needle instrument into contact with a specific area of ​​the tooth surface. [Solution] The dental skills training device 20 is a device for training skills in using a needle instrument 10 in dentistry, which has a holding part 11 held by the user and a needle-shaped needle part 12 extending from the tip of the holding part 11. The dental skills training device 20 comprises a tooth model 21 that simulates at least one tooth, the needle part 12, and contact detection units 2112a, 22, 23, 25 that detect contact between a predetermined detection area on at least a portion of the surface of the tooth 211.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dental skill training device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a dental skill training device for training the skill of using a needle instrument having a holding part held by a user and a needle part in the form of a needle extending from the tip of the holding part in dentistry. For example, the dental skill training device described in Patent Document 1 has a pressure receiving surface against which the tip of the needle part is pressed, and includes a sensor part that measures the force applied from the needle part to the pressure receiving surface. The needle instrument is a periodontal probe for measuring the depth of a periodontal pocket.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, as shown in FIG. 1, among the teeth TH, the crown part CR bulges in a direction orthogonal to the tooth axis. The tooth axis is the central axis of the tooth TH extending from the root of the tooth TH to the tip of the tooth TH. Therefore, as shown in (A) of FIG. 1, a portion other than the tip of the needle part ND is likely to contact the surface of the crown part CR of the tooth TH. In this case, since the tip of the needle part ND does not reach the bottom of the periodontal pocket, the depth of the periodontal pocket cannot be measured with high accuracy.

[0005] On the other hand, as shown in (B) of FIG. 1, if the tip of the needle part ND contacts the surface of the root part RT of the tooth TH, the tip of the needle part ND reaches the bottom of the periodontal pocket, so that the depth of the periodontal pocket can be measured with high accuracy.

[0006] As mentioned above, the dental skills training device measures the force applied from the needle to the pressure-receiving surface. Therefore, it is possible to train to adjust the force applied by the needle to the gingiva to an appropriate level.

[0007] However, the above-mentioned dental skills training device had the problem that it could not train users to bring the needle portion of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area of ​​the tooth surface. This type of problem can also occur when the needle instrument is a needle instrument other than a periodontal probe (for example, a scaler or explorer).

[0008] One of the objectives of the present invention is to train users to bring the needle portion of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area of ​​the tooth surface. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one respect, a dental skills training device is a device for training skills in using a needle instrument in dentistry, which has a holder that is held by the user and a needle-shaped needle portion extending from the tip of the holder.

[0010] The dental skills training device comprises a tooth model that simulates at least one tooth, a needle, and a contact detection unit that detects contact between a predetermined detection area on at least a portion of the tooth surface. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The user can be trained to bring the needle portion of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area of ​​the tooth surface. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram conceptually representing the position where the needle of a periodontal probe contacts the tooth. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the dental skills training system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view of the dental model of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a dental skill training system according to a first modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a dental skill training system according to a second modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a dental skill training system according to a third modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the configuration of a dental skill training system according to the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the dental skill training device of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7.

[0014] <First Embodiment> (Overview) The dental skill training device of the first embodiment is a device for training the skill of using a needle instrument having a holding portion held by a user and a needle portion extending from the tip of the holding portion in dentistry. The dental skill training device includes a dental model simulating at least one tooth and a contact detection unit. The contact detection unit detects contact between the needle portion and at least a part of the surface of the tooth in a predetermined detection area.

[0015] According to this, contact between the needle portion of the needle instrument and the detection area on the surface of the tooth is detected. Thereby, the user can be trained to bring the needle portion of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area on the surface of the tooth.

[0016] (Configuration) As shown in FIG. 2, the dental skill training system 1 of the first embodiment includes a periodontal probe 10 and a dental skill training device 20. The dental skill training system 1 is used to train the skill of using the periodontal probe 10 in dentistry.

[0017] The periodontal probe 10 is a needle instrument used in dentistry. The periodontal probe 10 is used to measure the depth of the periodontal pocket.

[0018] The periodontal probe 10 is made of a conductive material. In this example, the periodontal probe 10 is made of metal (for example, stainless steel). The periodontal probe 10 is rod-shaped. The periodontal probe 10 has a holding part 11 and a needle part 12. The holding part 11 is held by the user. The needle part 12 is needle-shaped and extends from the tip of the holding part 11 and bends at the middle part.

[0019] The needle part 12 has graduations (not shown) at the tip. For example, the graduations are composed of graduation lines or stripe patterns. Note that the dental skill training system 1 may be provided with a needle instrument different from the periodontal probe 10 (for example, a scaler or an explorer, etc.) instead of the periodontal probe 10.

[0020] The dental skill training device 20 includes a dental model 21, a DC voltage source 22, a conduction sensor 23, a force sensor 24, a connector 25, a light source 26, and a display device 27. Note that the dental skill training device 20 may not include the light source 26. Also, the dental skill training device 20 may not include the display device 27.

[0021] In this example, the dental model 21 includes teeth 211 that simulate human teeth and gums 212 that simulate human gums. Note that FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of the dental model 21. (A) in FIG. 3 is a front view of the teeth 211 in a state where the gums 212 are removed. (B) in FIG. 3 is a front view of the dental model 21.

[0022] In this example, the dental model 21 simulates a set of teeth and gums. Note that the dental model 21 may simulate two or more sets of teeth and gums. Also, the dental model 21 may not include the gums 212. Even in this case, the dental model 21 may simulate two or more teeth.

[0023] Tooth 211 consists of a crown portion 2111 and a root portion 2112. The crown portion 2111 is the part of the tooth 211 that is closer to the tip of the tooth in the direction along the tooth axis. The tooth axis is the central axis of the tooth 211, extending from the root to the tip of the tooth 211. The crown portion 2111 bulges in a direction perpendicular to the tooth axis.

[0024] The root portion 2112 is the part of the tooth 211 that is closer to the root in the direction along the tooth axis. The root portion 2112 has a conductive film 2112a. The conductive film 2112a is made of a conductive material. In this example, the conductive film 2112a is made of a conductive paint. For example, the conductive film 2112a may be formed by spray painting.

[0025] For example, a conductive paint may be a dispersed type in which a conductive additive (in other words, a filler) is dispersed in a paint whose main component is resin, or it may be an intrinsic type consisting of a paint whose main component is a conductive polymer.

[0026] The conductive film 2112a constitutes the surface of the tooth root portion 2112. In this example, the portion of the tooth 211 other than the conductive film 2112a is made of a non-conductive material. For example, the portion of the tooth 211 other than the conductive film 2112a may be made of a resin called a resin, or a material whose main component is ceramic.

[0027] The tooth root portion 2112 may be made of a conductive material (for example, a metal such as silver, or a conductive resin). In this case, the tooth root portion 2112 does not need to have a conductive film 2112a.

[0028] The gingiva 212 covers the central portion of the root portion 2112 in the direction along the tooth axis when the tooth portion 2112 is embedded. In other words, both ends of the root portion 2112 in the direction along the tooth axis are exposed. However, the end of the root portion 2112 closer to the root of the tooth 211 in the direction along the tooth axis may be covered by the gingiva 212.

[0029] The gingiva 212 has a raised portion that protrudes toward the tip of the tooth 211 in a direction along the tooth axis, at a position separated from the tooth root 2112 in a direction perpendicular to the tooth axis, so as to mimic a periodontal pocket. The gingiva 212 is made of a non-conductive material. In this example, the gingiva 212 is made of a non-conductive resin (e.g., silicone resin).

[0030] In this example, the portion of the conductive film 2112a that is not covered by the gingiva 212 (in other words, the exposed portion) corresponds to the detection area.

[0031] The DC voltage source 22 has two terminals with different potentials. One terminal of the DC voltage source 22 is electrically connected to the conductive film 2112a. In this example, one terminal of the DC voltage source 22 is electrically connected to the conductive film 2112a via the support column of the force sensor 24 described later. Alternatively, one terminal of the DC voltage source 22 may be directly electrically connected to the conductive film 2112a. The other terminal of the DC voltage source 22 is electrically connected to the continuity sensor 23.

[0032] The force sensor 24 supports the tooth model 21 via a support column. In this example, the support column is conductive. The force sensor 24 detects the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 in each of three mutually orthogonal axial directions. The force sensor 24 outputs force information representing the force detected in each of the three axial directions to the display device 27. In this example, the force sensor 24 corresponds to the force detection unit.

[0033] The connector 25 is fixed to the holding portion 11 of the periodontal probe 10. The connector 25 is made of a conductive material. In this example, the connector 25 is made of metal (e.g., stainless steel). In this example, the connector 25 is a clip that grips the holding portion 11. The connector 25 is electrically connected to the conductivity sensor 23.

[0034] With this configuration, the electrical circuit becomes a closed circuit when the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is in contact with the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112. In this example, the electrical circuit is formed by the electrical connection of the periodontal probe 10, the conductive film 2112a, the DC voltage source 22, the continuity sensor 23, and the connector 25. As a result, current flows through the continuity sensor 23. In this way, the dental skills training device 20 detects contact between the detection area and the needle portion 12 by detecting continuity between the detection area and the needle portion 12.

[0035] On the other hand, when the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is separated from the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112, the electrical circuit becomes an open circuit. As a result, no current flows through the continuity sensor 23.

[0036] The continuity sensor 23 detects whether or not current is flowing through it. For example, the continuity sensor 23 may be a resistance-detecting type or a magnetic field-detecting type current sensor. The continuity sensor 23 outputs continuity information indicating whether or not current is flowing through it to the display device 27. In this example, the conductive film 2112a, DC voltage source 22, continuity sensor 23, and connector 25 correspond to the contact detection unit.

[0037] The light source 26 is fixed to the connector 25. The light source 26 emits light due to the current flowing through the connector 25. In this example, the light source 26 is an LED (Light Emitting Diode). With this configuration, the light source 26 emits light when contact between the detection area and the needle part 12 is detected. In this example, the light source 26 corresponds to the notification part.

[0038] The display device 27 comprises a display and a speaker. In this example, the display device 27 is an information processing device (in other words, a computer). For example, the display device 27 may be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a game console, a television receiver, or smart glasses, etc. The display device 27 may also be composed of multiple devices that are connected to each other in a communicative manner.

[0039] The display device 27 displays force information output by the force sensor 24 on the display. For example, the display device 27 may display force information in three dimensions, or it may display force information in a VR (Virtual Reality) space.

[0040] Furthermore, the display device 27 emits a first warning sound from its speaker when the force information output by the force sensor 24 indicates that the magnitude of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 exceeds a first threshold. For example, the first threshold is 0.25 [N]. For example, the first warning sound is the sound of a telephone ringing.

[0041] Furthermore, the display device 27 emits a second warning sound from its speaker if the force information output by the force sensor 24 indicates that the magnitude of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 exceeds a second threshold greater than the first threshold. For example, the second threshold is 0.50 [N]. For example, the second warning sound is the sound of a whistle. The second warning sound may include the sound of a machine gun instead of, or in addition to, the sound of a whistle.

[0042] The display device 27 may use the magnitude of the component of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 in a predetermined detection direction, instead of the magnitude of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21. Furthermore, the display device 27 displays the continuity information output by the continuity sensor 23 on the display.

[0043] (operation) Next, we will describe the operation of the dental skills training system 1 of the first embodiment. The user holds the holding portion 11 of the periodontal probe 10 with a hand wearing a non-conductive glove. At this point, the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is separated from the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112. Therefore, the electrical circuit is open. As a result, no current flows through the conductivity sensor 23, and the light source 26 does not emit light.

[0044] Subsequently, the user manipulates the periodontal probe 10 so that the tip of the needle portion 12 contacts the tooth root portion 2112 at the bottom of the periodontal pocket. This causes the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 to contact the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112. As a result, the electrical circuit becomes a closed circuit. Therefore, current flows through the conductivity sensor 23, and the light source 26 emits light.

[0045] Furthermore, if the magnitude of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 exceeds the first threshold, the display device 27 emits a first warning sound from its speaker. In addition, if the magnitude of the force applied from the periodontal probe 10 to the tooth model 21 exceeds the second threshold, the display device 27 emits a second warning sound from its speaker. In this way, the user trains the skills to use the periodontal probe 10 in a dental setting.

[0046] As described above, the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment is used to train skills in using a needle instrument (in this example, a periodontal probe 10) in a dental setting, which has a holding part 11 held by the user and a needle-shaped needle part 12 extending from the tip of the holding part 11.

[0047] The dental skills training device 20 comprises a tooth model 21 and a contact detection unit (in this example, a conductive film 2112a, a DC voltage source 22, a continuity sensor 23, and a connector 25). The tooth model 21 simulates at least one tooth. The contact detection unit detects contact between the needle portion 12 and a predetermined detection area (in this example, the portion of the conductive film 2112a not covered by the gingiva 212) on the surface of the tooth 211.

[0048] According to this, contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and a detection area on the surface of the teeth 211 is detected. This allows the user to be trained to bring the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area on the surface of the teeth 211.

[0049] Furthermore, in the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, the detection area and the needle portion 12 are conductive. The contact detection unit detects contact by detecting conductivity between the detection area and the needle portion 12.

[0050] According to this, contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and the detection area on the surface of the teeth 211 can be easily detected.

[0051] Furthermore, in the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, the detection area is the surface of the root portion 2112 of the tooth 211. The portion of the tooth 211 surface other than the detection area is not conductive.

[0052] According to this, contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and the surface of the root portion 2112 of the tooth 211 is detected. This allows the user to be trained to bring the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument into contact with the surface of the root portion 2112 of the tooth 211. As a result, when the needle instrument is a periodontal probe 10, as in this example, the user can measure the depth of the periodontal pocket with high accuracy.

[0053] Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment includes a force detection unit (in this example, a force sensor 24) for detecting the force applied to the tooth model 21.

[0054] According to this, the force with which the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument presses against the tooth model 21 is detected. This makes it possible to detect when the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument is in contact with an area of ​​the tooth 211 other than the detection area. Furthermore, it is possible to train to adjust the force with which the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument presses against the tooth 211 or the gum 212 to an appropriate magnitude.

[0055] Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment includes a notification unit (in this example, a light source 26) that emits at least one of sound and light when contact between the detection area and the needle part 12 is detected.

[0056] According to this, the user can be made aware of the contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and a specific area of ​​the surface of the teeth 211.

[0057] Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 may emit sound instead of light, or in addition to light, when contact between the detection area and the needle part 12 is detected. The dental skills training device 20 may also continuously emit sound (e.g., music) during the training period, and may change the volume of the sound emitted between the state where the detection area and the needle part 12 are not in contact and the state where the detection area and the needle part 12 are in contact.

[0058] Incidentally, in the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, the conductive film 2112a constitutes the entire surface of the tooth root portion 2112. However, the conductive film 2112a may constitute only a part of the surface of the tooth root portion 2112 (for example, the area near the bottom of the periodontal pocket). Furthermore, the conductive film 2112a may constitute the surface of the tooth crown portion 2111 in addition to the tooth root portion 2112. In other words, the conductive film 2112a may constitute the entire surface of the tooth 211.

[0059] Incidentally, in the first embodiment, the entire needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is conductive. However, the periodontal probe 10 may be configured such that the surface of the portion of the needle portion 12 other than the tip is not conductive.

[0060] According to this, contact between the surface of the part of the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument other than the tip and the surface of the tooth 211 is not detected. This allows the user to be trained to bring the tip of the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument into contact with a specific area of ​​the surface of the tooth 211. As a result, when the needle instrument is a periodontal probe 10, as in this example, the user can measure the depth of the periodontal pocket with high accuracy.

[0061] <First modified example of the first embodiment> Next, a dental skills training device of the first modified form of the first embodiment will be described. The dental skills training device of the first modified form of the first embodiment differs from the dental skills training device of the first embodiment in that it is equipped with an imaging unit. The differences will be described below. In the description of the first modified form of the first embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, a first modified example, includes a camera 28 and a mirror 29 in addition to the configuration of the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. Camera 28 generates a moving image by capturing a region of the tooth surface 211 that includes the boundary between the crown portion 2111 and the root portion 2112, via a mirror 29. In this example, camera 28 and mirror 29 correspond to the imaging unit. Note that if camera 28 can directly capture the imaging region, the dental skills training device 20 does not need to be equipped with a mirror 29.

[0063] Camera 28 outputs the generated video to display device 27. Display device 27 displays the video output by camera 28 on its display.

[0064] In this example, the tooth model 21 simulates one set of teeth and gums. In this example, the gums are made of a transparent material. The tooth model 21 may simulate two or more sets of teeth and gums. The tooth model 21 does not need to include gums 212. Even in this case, the tooth model 21 may simulate two or more teeth.

[0065] As described above, the dental skills training device 20 of the first modified example of the first embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, a first modification thereof, includes an imaging unit (in this example, a camera 28 and a mirror 29) that images an imaging area of ​​the tooth 211 surface that includes the boundary between the crown portion 2111 and the root portion 2112.

[0066] According to this, the user can be made aware of whether or not there is contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and a specific area of ​​the surface of the teeth 211, as well as the position and operation of the needle instrument.

[0067] <Second variation of the first embodiment> Next, a dental skills training device of the second modification of the first embodiment will be described. The dental skills training device of the second modification of the first embodiment differs from the dental skills training device of the first embodiment in that it does not have a force sensor. The following will focus on the differences. In the description of the second modification of the first embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the dental skills training device 20 of the second modified example of the first embodiment has a configuration in which the force sensor 24 is removed from the configuration of the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. According to the dental skills training device 20 of the second modification of the first embodiment, the same functions and effects as the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment are achieved, except for the detection of force applied to the tooth model 21.

[0069] <Third Modification of the First Embodiment> Next, a third modified example of the dental skills training device of the first embodiment will be described. The third modified example of the dental skills training device of the first embodiment differs from the dental skills training device of the first embodiment in that it does not have a force sensor and a part of the surface of the gingiva is conductive. The following will focus on the differences. In the description of the third modified example of the first embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0070] As shown in Figure 6, the dental skills training device 20 of the third modified example of the first embodiment has a configuration in which the force sensor 24 and the connector 25 are removed from the configuration of the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the gingiva 212 of the tooth model 21 in the dental skills training device 20 of the third modification of the first embodiment has a conductive film 212a. The conductive film 212a is made of a conductive material. In this example, the conductive film 212a is made of conductive paint. For example, the conductive film 212a may be formed by spray painting.

[0071] For example, a conductive paint may be a dispersed type in which a conductive additive (in other words, a filler) is dispersed in a paint whose main component is resin, or it may be an intrinsic type consisting of a paint whose main component is a conductive polymer.

[0072] The conductive film 212a constitutes the surface of the gingiva 212, excluding the area near the bottom of the periodontal pocket (in this example, the area near the raised portion).

[0073] Furthermore, the portion of the gingiva 212 other than the vicinity of the bottom of the periodontal pocket may be made of a conductive material (for example, a conductive resin). In this case, the gingiva 212 does not need to have a conductive film 212a. The conductive film 212a is electrically connected to the conductivity sensor 23.

[0074] With this configuration, the electrical circuit becomes closed when the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is in contact with both the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112 and the conductive film 212a of the gingiva 212. In this example, the electrical circuit is formed by the electrical connection of the conductive film 212a of the gingiva 212, the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10, the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112, the DC voltage source 22, and the continuity sensor 23. As a result, current flows through the continuity sensor 23. In this way, the dental skills training device 20 detects contact between the detection area and the needle portion 12 by detecting continuity between the detection area and the needle portion 12.

[0075] On the other hand, when the needle portion 12 of the periodontal probe 10 is separated from at least one of the conductive film 2112a of the tooth root portion 2112 and the conductive film 212a of the gingiva 212, the electrical circuit becomes an open circuit. As a result, no current flows through the conductivity sensor 23. In this example, the conductive film 212a on the gingiva 212, the conductive film 2112a on the root portion 2112, the DC voltage source 22, and the conductivity sensor 23 correspond to the contact detection unit.

[0076] In this example, the continuity sensor 23 supplies current to the light source 26 when current is flowing through it, and does not supply current to the light source 26 when no current is flowing through it.

[0077] As described above, the dental skills training device 20 of the third modification of the first embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment, except for the detection of force applied to the tooth model 21. Furthermore, according to the dental skills training device 20 of the third modification of the first embodiment, since the connector 25 is not attached to the needle instrument (in this example, the periodontal probe 10), the user can be trained while using the actual needle instrument used in dentistry.

[0078] Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the third modified example of the first embodiment may also be equipped with a force sensor 24, similar to the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment.

[0079] <Second Embodiment> Next, the dental skills training device of the second embodiment will be described. The dental skills training device of the second embodiment differs from the dental skills training device of the first embodiment in that it uses a capacitive method to detect contact. The following will focus on the differences. In the description of the second embodiment, parts that are given the same reference numerals as those used in the first embodiment are the same or substantially the same.

[0080] As shown in Figure 7, the dental skills training device 20 of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the DC voltage source 22, the continuity sensor 23, and the connector 25 are removed from the configuration of the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the second embodiment is equipped with a capacitance sensor 30.

[0081] The capacitance sensor 30 is electrically connected to the conductive film 2112a. The capacitance sensor 30 detects the capacitance of the conductive film 2112a. Based on the detected change in capacitance, the capacitance sensor 30 detects contact between the needle portion 12 and the detection area (in this example, the conductive film 2112a). In other words, the capacitance sensor 30 uses a capacitance method to detect contact between the needle portion 12 and the detection area. In this example, the conductive film 2112a and the capacitance sensor 30 correspond to the contact detection unit.

[0082] In this example, the capacitance sensor 30 supplies current to the light source 26 when contact between the needle portion 12 and the detection area is detected, while not supplying current to the light source 26 when contact between the needle portion 12 and the detection area is not detected.

[0083] Furthermore, the capacitance sensor 30 outputs contact information to the display device 27 indicating whether or not contact has been detected between the needle portion 12 and the detection area. The display device 27 displays the contact information output by the capacitance sensor 30 on its display.

[0084] In this example, the user holds the holding portion 11 of the periodontal probe 10 with their bare hands, without wearing gloves.

[0085] As described above, the dental skills training device 20 of the second embodiment provides the same functions and effects as the dental skills training device 20 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the dental skills training device 20 of the second embodiment, the contact detection unit detects contact between the needle portion 12 and the detection area using a capacitance method.

[0086] According to this, contact between the needle portion 12 of the needle instrument and the detection area on the surface of the tooth 211 can be easily detected. Furthermore, since the connector 25 is not attached to the needle instrument (in this example, the periodontal probe 10), the user can be trained using the same needle instrument that is actually used in dentistry.

[0087] Furthermore, the dental skills training device 20 of the second embodiment may also include an imaging unit that images an imaging area of ​​the tooth surface 211 that includes the boundary between the crown portion 2111 and the root portion 2112, similar to the dental skills training device 20 of the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0088] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, various modifications can be made to the embodiments described above that are understandable to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Dental Skills Training System 10. Periodontal probe 11 Holding part 12 Needle section 20 Dental Skills Training Devices 21. Tooth Model 211 teeth 2111 Crown part 2112 Root portion 2112a Conductive film 212 Gum 212a Conductive film 22 DC voltage source 23 Continuity Sensor 24 Force Sensors 25 connectors 26 light source 27 Display device 28 Cameras 29 Mirror 30 Capacitive Sensors CR crown part ND needle section RT root area TH teeth

Claims

1. A dental skills training device for training skills in using a needle instrument in dentistry, the instrument having a holding part held by the user and a needle-shaped needle part extending from the tip of the holding part, A dental model that simulates at least one tooth, A contact detection unit that detects contact between the needle portion and a predetermined detection area, which is at least a portion of the surface of the tooth, A dental skills training device equipped with the following features.

2. A dental skills training device according to claim 1, The detection region and the needle portion are conductive. The contact detection unit detects the contact by detecting conductivity between the detection area and the needle portion, in a dental skills training device.

3. A dental skills training device according to claim 2, The detection area is the surface of the root portion of the tooth, A dental skills training device wherein the portion of the tooth surface other than the detection area is not conductive.

4. A dental skills training device according to claim 2 or claim 3, A dental skills training device wherein the surface of the needle portion, excluding the tip, is not conductive.

5. A dental skills training device according to claim 1, The contact detection unit is a dental skills training device that detects the contact using a capacitance method.

6. A dental skills training device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 5, A dental skills training device comprising a force detection unit for detecting the force applied to the aforementioned tooth model.

7. A dental skills training device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 5, A dental skills training device comprising a notification unit that emits at least one of sound and light when the aforementioned contact is detected.

8. A dental skills training device according to claim 1, claim 2, or claim 5, A dental skills training device comprising an imaging unit that captures an imaging area of ​​the tooth surface, including the boundary between the crown and the root.

Images