Influence of dental education on eye gaze distribution when observing facial profiles with varying degrees of lip protrusion

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of dental education on eye gaze distribution when perceiving facial profile images with varying degrees of lip protrusion. Methods Fifty‐one subjects with dental education (dental‐education group) and 47 without dental education (no‐dental‐education group) were included in this study. The eye gaze distribution of the subjects was recorded for 10 seconds using a non‐contact eye tracker when determining whether or not the subjects judged each various facial profile image inappropriate. The facial profile images had varying degrees of upper‐lip and lower‐lip protrusion. The frequency of eye fixation (lasting >0.06 seconds) was counted. The duration was measured as the total time of eye fixation. The facial images were divided into 4 regions of interest (ROIs): the forehead (ROI‐I); the orbit and nose root (ROI‐II); the nose tip and upper lip (ROI‐III); and the lower lip and chin (ROI‐IV). The frequency and duration of eye fixation on each ROI was compared. Results The frequency of eye fixation on ROI‐II was greater in comparison to ROI‐I and ROI‐IV. The frequency of eye fixation on ROI‐III was also greater in comparison to ROI‐I and ROI‐IV. The duration of eye fixation on ROI‐III in the dental‐education group was longer in comparison to the no‐dental‐education group. Conclusions Dental education influenced the eye fixation on the nose tip and upper lip when perceiving facial profile images.