DENTIA
Transforming Oral Hygiene for Kids with AR Technology
Project description
Making Brushing Fun Through Interactive AR Design
Dentia is an AR-powered toothbrush system designed to make oral hygiene fun and engaging for children. By combining smart mirror technology with real-time animated feedback, Dentia transforms brushing routines into interactive experiences that encourage consistency, improve technique, and build healthy habits early on
Team
Individual Project, Advisor Dosun Shin
Role
As the sole designer, I led the project from research through final prototyping. I conducted user research, developed the concept, created the visual and physical design, and iterated based on mentor feedback to refine functionality and ergonomics
Tools
Figma, SolidWorks, Fusion360, KeyShot, Photoshop
Project Goals
To improve children's oral hygiene habits by transforming brushing routines into fun, interactive experiences using AR technology and real-time feedback
Forecasted Impact*
Dentia motivates consistent and effective brushing in children, reducing oral health issues over time. By making hygiene enjoyable, it encourages habit formation and empowers parents to track and personalize their child’s brushing experience
Problem Discovery
Brushing Feels Like a Chore, Not a Habit
Children often find brushing boring, leading to poor hygiene habits. Observations and interviews revealed that traditional methods like reminders and timers fail to keep them engaged. Research also shows a decline in brushing consistency as kids grow older, pointing to the need for a more interactive solution
Solution - Dentia
Building Lifelong Oral Hygiene Habits Through Fun and Learning
Dentia is an AR-powered toothbrush system that transforms brushing into an engaging, interactive experience. A smart mirror display syncs with brushing motions to provide real-time feedback, helping kids brush thoroughly and consistently. By guiding technique and making routines enjoyable, Dentia encourages healthy, lasting habits
System
Smart, Interactive Brushing for Better Habits
Dentia features a smart mirror display with AR animations that sync with brushing motions, giving kids real-time feedback. Motion detection helps guide them to missed areas, making brushing more thorough and engaging
App
Track and Personalize the Experience
The Dentia app allows parents to monitor brushing habits, adjust content, and personalize sessions. It ensures the experience stays fun, effective, and tailored to each child’s needs
Existing Methods
Traditional Approaches to Children's Oral Hygiene
Manual Brushing
Most children are taught to brush twice a day through verbal reminders. However, studies show they often miss key areas like the inner surfaces, focusing mostly on the outer teeth (BioMed Central)
Educational Materials
Dentists typically rely on verbal or written instructions. These methods are less engaging and have been shown to be less effective at reducing plaque compared to interactive tools (SpringerLink)
Routine Monitoring
Parents often remind children to brush, but this passive approach lacks engagement. Research found that 24.5% of children lose motivation when brushing becomes a repetitive task (MDPI)
Survey with Parents
Insights from 89 Parents on Young Children’s Brushing Habits
For my research, I surveyed 89 parents of children aged 2–8 in Turkey
The results reflect cultural behaviors that may differ from those in other regions*
Interview with a Child Development Specialist
Understanding Hygiene and Learning in Early Childhood
Özge Selçuk Bozkurt
Child Development Specialist
Actionable Insights
Based on Research, Surveys, and Expert Interviews
🧸
Make Brushing Visually Engaging and Playful
Use bold visuals and interactive AR to make brushing fun, especially for kids under 6
🎮
Gamify the Full Brushing Duration
Add songs, characters, and playful feedback to keep kids brushing for the full duration
📲
Empower Parents with Tracking Tools
Include tracking and customization tools to help parents monitor and guide brushing habits
🪥
Support Consistent Habit Formation
Create features that help kids aged 2 to 9 develop consistent brushing routines
Insight
AR and Apps Improve Brushing Engagement in Young Children
Augmented Reality and mobile apps are effective tools for promoting better hygiene habits in children aged 3–7. AR boosts engagement and learning, especially when paired with age-appropriate characters
Interactive Feedback Inspired by PlayStation Move
Dentia uses motion sensors similar to PlayStation Move to detect brushing movements in real time. This enables accurate tracking and responsive AR feedback for an engaging brushing experience
Brainstorming With Possible AR Integrated Device
Dentia uses motion sensors similar to PlayStation Move to detect brushing movements in real time. This enables accurate tracking and responsive AR feedback for an engaging brushing experience
Quick Mockups
**Future Iterations Should Prioritize Space Efficiency, Modular Design, And Adaptability To Better Accommodate Diverse User Environments
Ideation
Initial Concept
An interactive brushing system combining a motion-sensor toothbrush, adjustable smart mirror, and stable suction base to make oral care fun and effective for children
Functional charging dock
Adjustable mirror height for all ages
Engaging brushing experience
Stable design with suction cups
Bulky base takes up too much counter space
Usability may be limited in smaller bathrooms
How to Use
Storyboard
Attach the suction cup to the mirror, then attach the interactive mirror to the suction cup
Tilt the mirror to adjust the camera angle
Pick up the toothbrush to activate the camera, the blue light will indicate the device is on
As you brush your teeth interactive elements will appear
Attach the suction cup to the mirror, then attach the interactive mirror to the suction cup
Tilt the mirror to adjust the camera angle
Pick up the toothbrush to activate the camera, the blue light will indicate the device is on
As you brush your teeth interactive elements will appear
