The visual aids for learning advanced over the last several decades. With the approach digital slice imaging, there is an opportunity to complement the way of teaching and learning histology. The aim of this study was to assess the opinion of sophomore dental students of the use of digital microscopy, in the Oral Biology course, in comparison with light microscopy. It was designed practical classes about virtual slides, which and those involved adapting computer rooms as a Virtual Microscopy Laboratory. Students had practice with traditional microscopes in Biological course and virtual microscopy in the Oral Biology course. Student satisfaction was assessed using 14 questions survey with five possible answers (Likert scale). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare differences between traditional and virtual microscopy. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. The survey data indicated that students were satisfied with virtual microscopy. Students pointed out that virtual microscopy allows teacher-student interaction, have the ability to standardize image, allows to work outside the laboratory, facilitates the active involvement in learning, allows understanding concepts and increasing the interest in the subject. Students consider virtual microscopy a significant improvement over the traditional microscopy for the study of histology. As lecturers, we must adapt to new trends and integrate technological innovations into our courses as a means of information, training, knowledge and continuous learning, which could facilitate the teacher-student communication. However, we believe that the students should know traditional microscopy.

Light Microscopy, Virtual Microscopy, Dentistry