Educational use of patient-specific 3D-printed models in dental operative procedures: enhancing clinical training through technology

Abstract

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology has revolutionized medical and dental education by enabling patient-specific surgical simulations. This study examined postgraduate students' perceptions of using patient-specific 3D-printed technology in hands-on training.

Methods: A structured training program at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Iran, involved 24 postgraduate periodontics and implantology students. Participants practiced surgical techniques on 3D-printed mandibular and maxillary models derived from Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) scans. A validated perceptions questionnaire, supported by exploratory factor analysis (EFA), assessed students' experiences across two key dimensions: Educational Impact and Technological Adoption.

Results: Students reported high satisfaction with the models, citing enhanced understanding of surgical procedures, improved technical skills, and increased confidence in clinical application. A vast majority of participants (mean score: 8.38 ± 0.82) reported significant improvements in procedural comprehension and hands-on skill acquisition. EFA confirmed the questionnaire's validity and revealed two critical dimensions-Educational Impact (53.09%) and Technological Adoption (12.02%)-explaining a cumulative variance of 65.11%. Reliability analysis demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.92 and 0.76). While students overwhelmingly endorsed the models' effectiveness in bridging theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, some noted limitations in tactile realism for incision training.

Conclusion: Patient-specific 3D-printed models effectively bridge the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice in dental education. They offer a realistic, risk-free training environment that enhances students' perceived understanding and confidence in surgical procedures. While challenges such as cost and material optimization remain, integrating 3D printing into dental curricula is a promising step toward modernizing surgical education by combining technological innovation with artistic anatomical design-what we describe as 'transferring art and technology' into clinical education.

Keywords: 3D printing; Clinical education; Dental education; Dental operative procedures; Patient-specific simulation; Surgical training.