FROM MIDDLE OF (K)NOWHEVERE, VENICE OF NORTH – KUOPIO, TO NORTH CAROLINA, HIGH POINT UNIVERSITY (HPU): TWO DAYS VISIT AT WORKMAN SCHOOL OF DENTAL MEDICINE, HPU
Writer: Szabolcs Felszeghy
I am not an enthusiastic traveler who views every weekend as a chance for adventure, nor do I typically travel internationally and only 3 times in my life I was in USA… Therefore, I was delighted when Dean Ali Shazib and Prof. Sompop Bencharit invited me to visit his Workman School of Dental Medicine (WSDM), and the beautiful campus of HPU at High Point, North Carolina. I spent two intensive days there, engaging in lectures and brainstorming sessions focused on VR-haptic supported dental education and curriculum reforms.
Since relocating to High Point this summer, before the VR-Haptic Thinkers Meeting at University of UTAH, I’ve heard a lot about the vibrant arts and culture scene in North Caroline, as well as the burgeoning high-tech industry, and the biggest furniture factory in US—though, to be honest, that wasn’t my main reason for traveling.
When I arrived at Greensboro International Airport, 20 mins drive from High Point, just after midnight, I felt surprisingly relaxed. It was striking to see that many people here are familiar with the “Scandinavian Life feeling served by VOLVO for example,” especially when I noticed a massive poster featuring the latest VOLVO “Monster” truck in the lobby. Despite being extremely tired, I felt a sense of belonging as if I had arrived home. Nothing could go wrong from that point on—and indeed, it didn’t.
The following morning, as I drove through High Point by taxi, North Carolina’s second-largest city, I was struck by its relaxed charm. It truly embodies the essence of a “grand city with a countryside soul.” Discovering the High Point University (HPU) campus was a unique experience. The atmosphere was vibrant with music, and it felt distinctly different from typical college environments dominated by chains like Starbucks. Instead, independent businesses focused on sustainability flourished, including zero-waste restaurants and farmers’ markets that connect students directly with fresh produce from local harvesters.
As the Premier Life Skills University, High Point University (HPU) not only equips students with essential life skills but also offers unique opportunities to explore the history of science across its campus. But HPU is proud for it`s game changer, and at every corner students can experience the philosophy of those great minds.
Students visit a huge Planetarium, learn Woznak`s philosophy the way of doing something, can stroll among sculptures like “Galileo,” or simply relax in a tranquil park while enjoying music that plays around the clock. This serene environment fosters both learning and personal growth, making HPU a distinctive place for education and exploration.
You might be wondering why I’m sharing all these details with you?!?
Is it simply because I visited High Point University (HPU), delivered lectures, and met some remarkable individuals? Yes, that’s part of it. I had the pleasure of engaging with the fantastic team at WDSM, participating in insightful meetings, and enjoying discussions around the table. However, my experience at HPU offered me something even more profound.
My personal experience this summer at Workman School of Dental Medicine, High Point University, High Point North Caroline, USA led me to an extraordinary meeting with one of the brightest minds in modern dentistry: Professor Sompop Bencharit is renowned for his expertise and commitment to innovation in dentistry. He graciously participated in an exclusive interview to discuss the latest developments in his journey with virtual reality (VR) and haptics at High Point University (HPU), offering his distinctive insights into modern dentistry.
Prof. Bencharit is currently an Associate Dean for Innovation, and Chief Innovation Officer at the Workman School of Dental Medicine, High Point University. received the ACP Distinguished Researcher award from the American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) recognizing his exemplary contributions as a leading global dental researcher. He has an extensive publication record, with over 100 peer-reviewed scientific articles. His expertise is recognized by his inclusion on the editorial boards of numerous esteemed scientific journals. He is actively participating in national and international research groups and committees, including serving as Director and Program Chair for the International Association for Dental Research/American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR/AADOCR)-Prosthodontic Research Group, as well as Research Committee Member for the ACP and American Academy of Osseointegration (AO).
Meeting Prof. Bencharit and delving into the realm of VR-Haptic advanced dentistry was an eye-opening experience. The innovative combination of virtual reality and haptic feedback technology offers a new dimension to educators and students not only at High Point University but also around the world. From the beginning, I could sense his passion and commitment to his profession. The conversation began with an overview of cutting-edge technologies used in the field of dentistry. Prof. Bencharit shared details about some of the most promising innovations that are transforming dental educations in the close future.
These technologies not only increase the chances of achieving better learning curve of preclinical and clinical students but also offer significant benefits for both patients and professionals. His vision of the importance of maintaining a balance between the use of cutting-edge tools and traditional methods combined with the dedication to patients is evident in his every response shown below.
Question I: Please tell us a bit about yourself– how did you first get into the VR-Haptic Business, please can you describe the first ever VR-Haptic project you undertook?
Answer: My interest in VR-Haptic technology started a few years ago with SimtoCare’s system launch. After trying their system at an ADEA meeting and subsequently receiving a grant, I installed it at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). We worked on customizing their implant surgical modules with patient-based CBCT and intraoral scan data. Now at High Point University, where we have the world’s largest collection of SimtoCare units, we use these systems for evaluating dental student applicants and customizing modules for individual students. We are also developing ways to prepare residents for complex procedures like implant surgery and fixed prosthodontics.
Question II: We hear more and more about the potential of VR-Haptics and we can read more and more evidence-based research on hands-on Phantom Head and immersive VR-Haptic simulation to teaching Manual Dexterity. For our listeners, please can you tell what was that the first time your students at Workman School of Dental Medicine High Point University were exposed to VR-haptics? Was it “Love at First Sight/Try” for them?
Answer: All dental school applicants experience VR-Haptic simulation during their interview process, so they are introduced to the SimtoCare system even before their first day. Our experiential, module-based learning integrates VR-Haptics with Simlab early in their education, ensuring that students are familiar with this technology from the start.
Question III: What led you Sompop to the Director and Program Chair for the International Association for Dental Research/American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (IADR/AADOCR) Prosthodontic Research Group?
Answer: My involvement with IADR began during my PhD, attending and presenting at the 2001 meeting in Chiba, Japan. I have participated actively in IADR and AADOCR ever since, including serving as Treasurer and Secretary of the Salivary Research Group. My roles have evolved to Director of the Prosthodontics Research Group and, this year (2024-2025), Program Chair. IADR is a pivotal organization in dental research, and I am also engaged with the ACP and ADEA, believing that research and education must be closely intertwined for the future of dentistry.
Question IV: We all know that bringing out creativity in handpiece use of young students by us, educators is one of the key themes during early dexterity exercises. What’s your experiences so far to be an active member of the VR-Haptic Thinkers network? Do you think that standardized, hub-based VR-Haptic exercises enhance the teachers creativity or it stifle it?
Answer: It’s a balance. Standardization allows for shared resources like models and curricula, which is beneficial. However, customization is also crucial to meet the needs of individual students and varying regulatory environments. Both approaches have their merits in enhancing the educational experience.
Final question:
While the future of oral health care education is bright…Tomorrow’s challenge may well be to train more professors, teachers, trainers, and other educators so they can become more VR-Haptic tech-savvy… or to convince them of the usefulness of implementing it. How, you as a Director for IADR and executive member of the VR-Haptic Thinkers can help in this business? Supporting more scientific studies measuring the effectiveness of this standardized, personalized educational technique? Co-hosted meetings, hands on workshops on know-hows around the implementations on different oral health courses?
Answer: The VR-Haptic Thinkers network should be more proactive, organizing regular international and regional meetings beyond traditional groups like IADR, ADEA, ACP, and AO. Expanding collaborations to include other dental specialties and fields will be essential. Personalized learning and care will soon be the norm. High Point University is ready to host or co-host hands-on workshops and symposia on VR-Haptics. The future of VR-Haptics is limited only by our imagination, and I am excited about its potential.
Prof. Bencharit on the right, Szabi Felszeghy 2nd from right and Bencharit`s Team at the Workman School of Dental Medicine, High Point University, High Point North Caroline.
Szabolcs Felszeghy is a university lecturer at the Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, UEF.