Socioeconomic assessment of investments in dental anthropomorphic robots for practical training of dentistry students

BACKGROUND: Robotics is a rapidly evolving area, especially in medical education, where robots improve the results of training and professional qualification of physicians. Dental anthropomorphic robot (DARs) are valuable tools that assist dentistry students in acquiring practical skills, expanding theoretical knowledge, and improving nonverbal communication skills. Given the current practical training issues, the use of such robots becomes increasingly relevant. However, high production and implementation costs require a detailed economic evaluation to assess the practicality of such devices. AIM: To perform a socioeconomic assessment of investments in DARs for practical training of dentistry students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A socioeconomic assessment of the use of DARs for practical training of dentistry students at a medical college was performed. The assessment focused on the cost-benefit analysis of implementing DARs for practical training. Cost-effectiveness was assessed using the net present value (NPV), profitability index (PI), internal rate of return (IRR), and payoff period. The data were acquired from the Dentistry training program of the Russian University of Medicin