Students' perspectives on 3D-printed-simulated-caries teeth in transition to operative practice

The transition from pre-clinical to clinical operative dentistry requires effective training tools; however traditional typodont teeth often fall short in simulating clinical scenarios such as caries preparation. This study evaluated the perspectives of 71 third-year dental students from the classes of 2024 and 2025 at Harvard School of Dental Medicine on the use of 3D-printed caries teeth as a preparatory tool. Students participated in case-based collaborative learning and operative exercises using these models, with pre- and post-surveys capturing feedback on realism, usability, and educational impact. Statistical analysis revealed significantly increased confidence in modifying cavity preparations, understanding caries removal principles, selecting burs, using hand instruments, and differentiating carious from sound tooth structures. Students also reported improved comfort in designing cavity preparations and reduced reliance on instructors. These findings demonstrate that 3D-printed teeth effectively enhance students' skills and confidence, making them valuable tools for pre-clinical dental education and improved learning outcomes.