Introduction:
The course "Practicum I for Pediatric Patients" is a required, annual course taken in the fifth year of the Dentistry Degree at the University of Valencia. In this course, students treat pediatric and adolescent patients who visit the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, with the specific procedures varying based on the presenting conditions of each patient. Effective and safe dental care for young patients requires students to first develop a high degree of manual skill and confidence.
At the same time, virtual tactile simulators have become increasingly prevalent in the field of dentistry. These simulators provide a more interactive, realistic, and engaging approach to education, enabling students to practice cases across different dental specialties and even simulate real clinical scenarios. The Dentistry Degree program at the University of Valencia currently utilizes the SIMtoCARE Dente simulator (Vreeland, Netherlands) at the Integral Simulation Center (CESIS). This simulator incorporates features such as a digital representation of the patient's head and mouth, offering an experience that closely mirrors real-life clinical practice.
The primary goal of this study is to implement an innovative digital learning approach through virtual clinical simulation using haptic simulators. This method enables students to take an active role in their own learning process, fostering gender equality and inclusivity. Additionally, it supports environmental sustainability by minimizing waste, as all practice takes place in a virtual setting without the disposal of physical materials.

Methodology:
The study sample consisted of 93 students enrolled in the course for the 2024-25 academic year. Group practice sessions were held at the Integral Simulation Center, where students engaged in hands-on learning with the available simulators. Various questionnaires were used to assess key aspects, including sensory perception, the simulator’s usefulness, its fidelity to clinical practice, and student interest in its application.

Results:
Overall, the students reported that the sensory perceptions provided by the haptic virtual reality simulators (HVRS) closely resemble real clinical practice and that their use would be beneficial for enhancing preclinical training in pediatric dentistry. Participants confirmed an increase in their confidence levels; however, they noted that their manual skills had not improved to the same extent.

Conclusions:
HVRS are a valuable tool for teaching pediatric dentistry, enhancing students' confidence and skills. Their integration is recommended as a complement to conventional preclinical practices, providing an expanded and diverse educational experience.

Keywords: Education, Simulation, Development, Dentistry, technology.