This paper explores the applicability of virtual reality (VR) to dental education, specifically focused on learning the routine but critical process of sterilizing dental equipment. We present a novel sterilization training prototype and evaluate the extent to which educators and practicing hygienists would implement VR training tools in the future. A survey was conducted with (N=28) dental providers and a subsequent in-person evaluation of the prototype was conducted with (N=7) educators in a dental hygienist training program. Results suggest overall positive opinions of VR for dentistry, while also offering suggestions for improving the prototype.

This work presents a novel ultrasonic haptic interface to improve nonvisual perception and situational awareness in applications such as fully autonomous vehicles. User study results (n=14) suggest comparable performance with the dynamic ultrasonic stimuli versus a control using static embossed stimuli. The utility of the ultrasonic interface is demonstrated with a prototype autonomous small-scale robot vehicle using intersection abstractions. These efforts support the application of ultrasonic haptics for improving nonvisual information access in autonomous transportation with strong implications for people who are blind and visually impaired, accessibility, and human-in-the-loop decision making.