While earlier correspondences to the British Dental Journal have explored the potential applications of the metaverse in dentistry,1,2,3 the time has come to advance the conversation towards its effectiveness as a tool for oral health education.4 It may now be time to move beyond potential and ask a more pressing question: is it actually effective as a tool for oral health education?

Kurian et al. envisioned a near future where clinical procedures and consultations may occur in immersive virtual environments. Albujeer and Khoshnevisan highlighted the value of the metaverse in promoting oral health at scale, especially for hard-to-reach communities. Locurcio underscored the metaverse's pedagogical strength, particularly through simulation-based and experiential learning.

These perspectives reflect a growing consensus: the metaverse is not merely a technological novelty - it presents an immersive, scalable, and interactive platform for health communication. By integrating virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and digital avatars, metaverse-based programmes have the potential to enhance user engagement, retention, and real-world application of health messages.

As digital literacy and smartphone penetration increase globally, especially among children and adolescents, the metaverse presents an opportunity to modernise oral health promotion strategies.5 However, as this field progresses, it is essential that rigorous evaluation accompanies innovation. Effectiveness must be measured not just in reach, but in actual behavioural and health outcomes.

In light of this evolution, perhaps there is now an opportunity, or even a necessity to revisit and refine current health behaviour theories. The traditional frameworks that guide oral health promotion (such as the Health Belief Model or Theory of Planned Behavior) may benefit from the inclusion of an immersiveness component in capturing how digital presence, simulation, and interactivity influence perception, motivation, and action towards behavioural change.

As digital connectivity continues to expand, the metaverse presents a compelling pathway for the future of oral health education. However, its development must be anchored in evidence, safeguarded by ethical principles, and driven by inclusivity and responsible design - ensuring that innovation equitably benefits all.