Bulletin of Dental Education Article

The newest lab at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) is giving dental hygiene students hands-on access to augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies—strengthening student learning experiences and increasing their patient-care confidence. 

NWTC’s Dental Extended Reality Lab opened on the Green Bay campus in August 2025. The lab supports both the dental hygienist associate degree program and the new expanded function dental auxiliary (EFDA) certificate, which 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, M.S., NWTC Dental Hygiene Program Director and Dental Hygienist Instructor. “AR/VR allows students to make mistakes and learn from them without real-world consequences.”

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

By combining advanced technology with hands-on faculty guidance, the lab is preparing students to enter the workforce with confidence and skills needed in today’s practices. This technology strengthens the pipeline of graduates, preparing them to step into high-demand roles.

Courtesy of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Published on November 12, 2025