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Comparative Study of 3D-Printed and Banana Model for Suture and Biopsy Training in Dental Education: A Randomised
Flore Bertout1, Agathe Louisy1,2, Anne-Gaëlle Chaux1,2
1Nantes University, Dental Faculty, Oral Surgery Department and Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France.
Objective:
To determine which model - the banana or the 3D-printed anatomical model - is most effective for teaching sutures and biopsies to third-year dental students, considering both non-technical and technical aspects.
Materials And Methods:
A total of 74 students participated in this two-arm parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT). Non-technical effectiveness was evaluated by assessing students' reactions to the pedagogical models after the practical work (PW), as well as by measuring their perceived competence, confidence and anxiety both before and after the training. Technical effectiveness was objectively assessed by scoring sutures and biopsies using a criteria grid.
Results:
Students in the 3D-printed anatomical group were more satisfied than those in the banana group across all assessed criteria, including ease of handling, realism and suitability for clinical preparation (p < 0.0001). After the PW, both groups showed improved competence (p < 0.001) and confidence (p < 0.001), as well as reduced anxiety (p < 0.001), with no significant intergroup differences. Objective suture assessment scores were higher in the 3D-printed anatomical group than in the banana group (17.68/20 vs. 12.97/20, p < 0.0001), while for biopsies, no significant difference was demonstrated (8.60/10 vs. 8.17/10; ns).
Conclusion:
The 3D-printed anatomical model was superior to the banana model in both non-technical aspects (e.g., satisfaction) and in technical aspects for suture practicing. This superiority could be attributed in particular to the improved mechanical properties and realism. For biopsies, both models were technically equally effective, suggesting that tissue fidelity may be less critical for this procedure.
