3D printed simulation models based on real patient situations for hands‐on practice

Abstract

During the last few years, the curriculum of many dentistry schools in Germany has been reorganised. Two key aspects of the applied changes are the integration of up-to-date teaching methods and the promotion of interdisciplinarity. To support these efforts, an approach to fabricating individualised simulation models for hands-on courses employing 3D printing is presented. The models are based on real patients, thus providing students a more realistic preparation for real clinical situations. As a wide variety of dental procedures can be implemented, the simulation models can also contribute to a more interdisciplinary dental education. The data used for the construction of the models were acquired by 3D surface scanning. The data were further processed with 3D modelling software. Afterwards, the models were fabricated by 3D printing with the PolyJet technique. Three models serve as examples: a prosthodontic model for training veneer preparation, a conservative model for practicing dental bonding and an interdisciplinary model featuring carious teeth and an insufficient crown. The third model was evaluated in a hands-on course with 22 fourth-year dental students. The students answered a questionnaire and gave their personal opinion. Whilst the concept of the model received very positive feedback, some aspects of the implementation were criticised. We discuss these observations and suggest ways for further improvement.

3D printed replicas for endodontic education

“…Recently, 3D printed models based on real patients have been proposed (Kröger et al . ) for dental education even though they have been known in general medicine for several years (McMenamin et al . , Vaccarezza & Papa ).…”

3D Printed Teeth with Enamel and Dentin Layer for Educating Dental Students in Crown Preparation

“…Kröger et al used 3D printed models, based on real patients, for the training of students in various situations 3 . They printed three models for different tasks.…”

“…Kröger et al used 3D printed models, based on real patients, for the training of students in various situations. 3 They printed three models for different tasks. The first model was for veneer preparation, the second was for dental bonding, and the third was for interdisciplinary simulation of caries excavation and crown removement.…”

3D Printed Teeth for the Preclinical Education of Dental Students

“…Kröger et al used 3D printed models, based on real patients, for the training of students in diferent situations. 10 Three models were printed for diferent tasks. The irst model was for veneer preparation, the second for dental bonding, and the third for interdisciplinary simulation of caries excavation and crown removal.…”

“…As mentioned by Kröger et al, 10 the fabrication of a tooth model is a complicated process and requires many skills in various ields. The design of a tooth was complicated if it was not a simple copy of a natural tooth.…”