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3D Printing in Dental Education: A Scoping Review
Wislem Miranda de Mello1, Vinícius Dutra2, Gabriela Salatino Liedke3
1Postgraduate Program in Dental Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.
Summary
Three-dimensional (3D) printing enhances dental education by providing realistic anatomical models for training. This technology supports clinical skill development and personalized learning, improving student competencies.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Simulation
Background:
- Preclinical dental education is crucial for anatomy and clinical procedure training.
- Increasing demand for realistic, individualized clinical simulations drives technological advancements.
- Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a transformative technology in dental education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate the applications of 3D printing in dental education.
- To assess the impact of 3D printing on anatomical studies and clinical procedure training.
- To review the effectiveness of 3D-printed models in complementing conventional teaching strategies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and LILACS databases.
- Included studies focused on the use of 3D printing in dental teaching and learning.
- A qualitative synthesis was performed on 94 selected studies across 11 dental specialties.
Main Results:
- 3D-printed models are utilized for anatomical studies and clinical procedure training.
- Students and dentists reported enhanced learning experiences with 3D-printed models.
- 3D printing facilitates patient-specific anatomical replicas and promotes self-directed learning.
Conclusions:
- 3D-printed models effectively complement traditional dental teaching methods.
- The technology supports tailored educational opportunities and student-centered learning.
- Incorporating 3D printing into dental curricula is recommended for improved educational outcomes and clinical competencies.

