Cutting-edge facilities set to transform dental training
Project:
Client Overview
The University of Portsmouth's dental facilities are integral to the training of future dental professionals. These state-of-the-art facilities, are used by undergraduate students to develop the necessary skills to become Dental Nurses, Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Therapists. Additionally, the facilities provide comprehensive oral and dental healthcare services to the local community, offering primary dental care through a team-based learning environment. This collaborative approach, involving Dental students from King’s College London and Dental Care Professional students, ensures high-quality primary dental care services and practical training. The new facilities, praised for their cutting-edge technology and modern design, are expected to significantly enhance the quality of dental education and healthcare services in the region.
Project Overview
Continuing our long-standing relationship with the University of Portsmouth as their leading AV integrator, we were tasked with the design and installation of a state-of-the-art Phantom Head Dentistry Lab. This project was part of a £5 million investment to transform dental training at the university. The objective was to create a cutting-edge learning environment that facilitated seamless interaction between teachers and students, aligning with the university’s vision to provide the highest standard of dental education. The new lab is designed to support innovative teaching methods and enhance the hands-on learning experience for students, preparing them for real-world dental practice.
Key Features
- Installation of AVer MD330 PTZ Camera with Detachable Head for high-quality video capture.
- Custom-designed camera mount for optimal viewing angles and detailed imaging.
- Wolfvision VZ-3neo visualiser for close-up instructional demonstrations.
- LG 65UL3G 65” 4K display ensuring clear, high-resolution visuals for all students.
- Crestron NVX system enabling high-definition video signal transmission across 25 student bays.
- AVOIP integration for minimal latency and synchronized AV distribution.
Solution Overview
The AVer MD330 PTZ Camera with Detachable Head was the perfect choice as a medical-grade camera for capturing high-quality video content. This camera was positioned on a bespoke mount designed & created specifically for the lab by Senior Design and Software Specialist, Shaun Keen. This allowed it to capture detailed images and videos of dental procedures. The camera’s PTZ capabilities enable precise control over the viewing angles and zoom levels, making it an essential tool for both live demonstrations and recorded sessions. This flexible camera was also backed up by a “fixed” Wolfvision VZ-3neo visualiser situated on the presenters lectern. This device enhances the instructional capabilities of the lab by allowing teachers to show close-up views of their work, making it easier for students to understand complex techniques.
High-quality video distribution and switching would be crucial for this dynamic learning environment, to allow for clear demonstration and real-time feedback. A Crestron NVX system was integrated, enabling the transmission of high-definition video signals over the network. This system ensures that each of the 25 student bays receives a clear and synchronized video feed, providing an optimal learning experience. The Crestron NVX system integrates AVOIP, facilitating comprehensive AV distribution with minimal latency. This integration is essential for maintaining audio-visual synchronisation during live demonstrations. Additionally, it provides advanced video encoding capabilities, supporting high-resolution content delivery and ensuring that all video content maintains its clarity and detail when transmitted over the network. A Magewell USB Capture HDMI 4K Plus also allows for the capture and streaming of 4K video. This device is crucial for recording dental procedures for later review or remote teaching, providing students with the opportunity to revisit and study the material in detail.
The LG 65UL3G 65” 4K display provides clear and detailed visuals, perfect for demonstrating intricate dental procedures. This large, high-resolution display ensures that every student has an unobstructed view of the content.
A robust audio system had to be in place to guarantee that instructions and discussions were clearly heard throughout the lab, enhancing the learning experience. The Crestron AMP-X300 and DSP-1280/81 work in tandem to provide consistent audio levels across the lab and maintain audio quality and volume throughout the teaching sessions. A Shure 12" Gooseneck Microphone provides clear audio capture from the lectern position with a Sennheiser Tie Clip Radio Mic System offering wireless audio capture for instructors, providing mobility without compromising sound quality. This allows instructors to move freely around the lab while maintaining clear audio transmission. Half a dozen QSC Pendant speakers complete the setup, distributing sound evenly throughout the lab so every student can hear clearly, regardless of their position in the room.
Partners
Conclusion
The integrated AV system in the Phantom Head Dentistry Lab at the University of Portsmouth represents a cutting-edge NVX based solution designed to enhance the educational experience. Each component, from the control systems to the displays and audio equipment, works together seamlessly to create a dynamic and interactive learning environment. This comprehensive setup not only facilitates effective teaching and learning but also ensures that the lab remains flexible and adaptable for future advancements.
Project feedback
"We are extremely proud of the Phantom Head Dentistry Lab installation, especially as it was the first time I had utilised a medical-grade PTZ camera (with a detachable head)! Designing and creating a bespoke camera mount specifically for this lab was a very rewarding challenge and one that I relished finding a solution for. The seamless switching between across the 25 bays, made possible by the Crestron NVX system, truly enhances the learning experience and we look forward to working on more exciting projects at the University of Portsmouth in the future." - Shaun Keen, Senior Design and Software Specialist, Roche AV
"There is an emphasis on practical teaching within the Dental Academy and these developments and new equipment will ensure our students are trained in modern facilities offering enhanced teaching, resulting in improved oral healthcare for all our patients." - Professor Chris Louca, Director of the University of Portsmouth Dental Academy