The 3D printed teeth models intended for hands-on practice in conservative dentistry

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Biomedical Engineering
• Restorative Dentistry

Background:

• Traditional pre-clinical dental education relies on standard models which may lack anatomical accuracy.
• 3D printing technology offers potential for creating patient-specific and anatomically diverse dental models.
• Replicating carious lesions and anatomical features is crucial for effective skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and print 3D models of mandibles with carious teeth for dental simulation.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these 3D models as teaching aids in pre-clinical restorative dentistry and endodontics.
• To compare student perception of 3D models versus standard models.

Main Methods:

• A 3D mandible model with carious teeth was created using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) data.
• 22 fifth-year dental students performed cavity preparations, fillings, and pulp chamber trepanation on the 3D models.
• Students assessed the models and provided feedback via a questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Over 95% of students recommended 3D models for pre-clinical conservative dentistry and endodontics.
• 3D models demonstrated significantly higher replication of tissue hardness and anatomical characteristics compared to standard models (p <0.05).
• Over 90% of students believed 3D models would improve pulp chamber access skills.

Conclusions:

• 3D printed teeth models are a viable alternative for pre-clinical dental education, offering anatomical diversity.
• These models effectively enhance manual skills in cavity preparation, filling, and endodontic procedures.
• Further refinements are needed for more realistic soft tissue replication in future 3D dental models.