Enhancing Student Learning in Dental Anatomy by Using Virtual Three-Dimensional Models

In order to provide restorations and dental prostheses that are esthetically pleasing, functional and in harmony with a patient's occlusion, practitioners must have a thorough knowledge of dental anatomy. Recent studies have shown that virtual three-dimensional (3D) models greatly enhance educational outcomes in dental anatomy courses. This article describes a novel educational technique and uses videos and web-based portals to demonstrate how to create a virtual 3D tooth model from a scan of a natural tooth for use in dental anatomy courses.