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Tactile Perception of 3D-Printed Typodont Materials in Dental Education: A Systematic Review
Alice M G Cheadle1, Reece Bushell1, William M Palin1
1Department of Dentistry, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Background:
Adoption of additive manufacture of printed typodonts within dentistry for education occurs despite inadequate reproduction of desirable tactile characteristics of human tooth tissues. Variable findings regarding material properties and educational outcomes of 3D-printed typodonts are reported. A systematic review is therefore warranted to synthesise the evidence and understand how materials used in 3D-printed typodonts impact tactile perception and dental educational value to ultimately inform evidence-based adoption in dental education.
Methods:
This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of 3D-printed typodonts on tactile perception and educational value of simulative dental education compared to traditionally manufactured options and natural teeth, especially regarding the materials used. The review adhered to PRISMA-P 2015 and PRISMA-2020 guidelines and checklist. The protocol was registered (INPLASY202520062). The research question was defined using a PICOS framework. An online search of 7 databases revealed 29 studies for full text review.
Results:
Dental education benefitted from 3D-printed typodonts, improving motivation, confidence and technical ability of pre-clinical students. 24 studies (83%) reported educational benefit of 3D-printed typodonts. Despite the increased educational value of 3D-printed typodonts over traditionally manufactured typodonts, both educators and students criticised tactile perception of cutting, specifically related to hardness, which failed to replicate human tissues. The resins used in vat-polymerisation 3D-printed typodonts were predominantly commercially available. Modification of resins has shown some potential mechanical benefits in objective studies.
Conclusion:
Simulation education may be enhanced by printing technologies, but their fidelity needs to better represent the tactile sensation of human tissues in cutting and instrumentation. Collaboration between material science expertise and educational researchers to develop new vat-polymerisation resins for 3D-printed enhancing simulation education may demonstrate benefits.
