3D-printed Surgical Training Model Based on Real Patient Situations for Dental Education

Abstract

Background: Most simulation models used at university dental clinics are typodonts. Usually, models show idealized eugnathic situations, which are rarely encountered in everyday practice. The aim of this study was to use 3D printing technology to manufacture individualized surgical training models for root tip resection (apicoectomy) on the basis of real patient data and to compare their suitability for dental education against a commercial typodont model. Methods: The training model was designed using CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) technology. The printer used to manufacture the models employed the PolyJet technique. Dental students, about one year before their final examinations, acted as test persons and evaluated the simulation models on a visual analogue scale (VAS) with four questions (Q1–Q4). Results: A training model for root tip resection was constructed and printed employing two different materials (hard and soft) to differentiate anatomical structures within the model. The exercise was rated by 35 participants for the typodont model and 33 students for the 3D-printed model. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were carried out to identify differences in the assessments of the two model types. The alternative hypothesis for each test was: “The rating for the typodont model is higher than that for the 3D-printed model”. As the p-values reveal, the alternative hypothesis has to be rejected in all cases. For both models, the gingiva mask was criticized. Conclusions: Individual 3D-printed surgical training models based on real patient data offer a realistic alternative to industrially manufactured typodont models. However, there is still room for improvement with respect to the gingiva mask for learning surgical incision and flap formation.

Dental students’ perceptions on a simulated practice using patient‐based customised typodonts during the transition from preclinical to clinical education

“…Furthermore, more educational models of 3D printing in both the medical and dental fields have been developed and are becoming widely used effective learning tools for students when teaching and learning of anatomy, preoperative planning, technical skills, etc 15 . Modelling and simulation using 3D printing is also performed not only for planning surgeries on complex or unusual anatomical structures, but also for presurgical simulation practice 16–18 . Currently, several research has been undertaken to produce a model that reflects a more realistic clinical situation using 3D printing technology in the field of undergraduate dental education 19–21 .…”

Immersive 3D Educational Contents: A Technical Note for Dental Educators

“…Authors reported that it could be useful also in dental education, to teach for example endodontology [26]. A recent study also reported the use of 3D files based on real patient situation to teach dental surgery [27]. Moreover, these files can be easily integrated into preclinical simulation using haptic or virtual reality simulators, which is regarded with interest in dental education [7,28,29].…”

3D-Printed Replica and Porcine Explants for Pre-Clinical Optimization of Endoscopic Tumor Treatment by Magnetic Targeting

“…Future research needs to address the potential benefit of artificial intelligence for this part [24][25][26][27]. Once the G-code from CT data is deduced, the replica can easily be re-printed in a larger quantity, thereby opening the possibility for extended teaching and training purposes [28,29].…”