Applications of augmented reality in dentistry using optical see-through head-mounted displays.

OBJECTIVES

To map the current evidence on the use of augmented reality (AR) delivered through optical see-through head-mounted displays (OST-HMDs) in dentistry, focusing on clinical and educational applications, system configurations, and reported accuracy.

DATA: Peer-reviewed original and experimental studies reporting the clinical, educational, or technical applications of AR OST-HMDs in dentistry were eligible. Screening, charting, and reporting followed the PRISMA-ScR framework.

SOURCES: MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched in July 2026 and supplemented by reference list and citation searching.

STUDY SELECTION: Eighty-six studies were included in the following fields: oral and maxillofacial surgery (n=49), implant dentistry (n=15), endodontics (n=7), dental education (n=7), orthodontics (n=5), and prosthodontics (n=3). Most evidence comprised proof-of-concept, phantom, cadaver, or small-scale clinical studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Published research has focused on oral and maxillofacial surgery and implant dentistry. The reported linear errors range from approximately one to several millimeters across heterogeneous tracking and registration approaches; placement accuracy and image-to-patient registration accuracy should be interpreted separately. Few studies have addressed other dental disciplines or education, thus precluding firm conclusions regarding clinical effectiveness or learning benefits. Therefore, OST-HMD-based AR should be considered a task-specific adjunct to established guidance methods, rather than a stand-alone navigation tool.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: OST-HMD-based AR may assist in selected intraoperative tasks, particularly in oral and maxillofacial surgeries and implant dentistry. However, because the available studies are heterogeneous and largely preliminary, this technology should be considered as an adjunct to established guidance methods rather than a stand-alone navigation tool.