Augmented Reality vs. 2D in Basic Dental Education: Learning Outcomes, Visual Fatigue, and Technology Acceptance—A Mixed Methods Study

In health sciences, the population-level burden of dental caries makes oral health education and the integration of theory and practice a priority. This quasi-experimental study examined whether augmented reality (AR) using the Merge Object Viewer improves basic dental knowledge, is associated with visual symptoms, and is acceptable compared with two-dimensional (2D) materials. A total of 321 students enrolled in health-related programmes participated and were assigned to three AR/2D sequences across three blocks (healthy dentition, cariogenesis, and pain management). Outcomes included knowledge (15-item test, pre and post intervention), computer vision syndrome (CVS-Q), acceptance (TAM-AR), and open-ended comments. Knowledge improved in all groups: 2D materials were superior for dentition, AR for cariogenesis, and both were comparable for pain. Two-thirds met criteria for symptoms on the CVS-Q, with a lower prevalence in the AR–2D–AR sequence. Acceptance was high, and comments highlighted usefulness, ease of use, and enjoyment, but also noted language issues and technical overload. Overall, AR appears to be a complementary tool to 2D materials in basic dental education.