Assessment of 3D-Printed Tooth Containing Simulated Deep Caries Lesions for Practicing Selective Caries Removal: A Pilot Study

Piyaphong Panpisut, Patchayaporn Doungkom, Chawal Padunglappisit, Worachate Romalee and Nattira Suksudaj ()
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Piyaphong Panpisut: Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Patchayaporn Doungkom: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Pathumthani University, Pathum Thani 12000, Thailand
Chawal Padunglappisit: Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Worachate Romalee: Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand
Nattira Suksudaj: Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani 12120, Thailand

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: A standard model for practicing caries removal skills is needed to support learners in managing deep carious lesions. The aim of the current study was to prepare 3D-printed teeth with added simulated carious layers and a pulpal structure. A first permanent mandibular containing occlusal (Class I) or proximal (Class II) cavities was printed. The teeth were then filled with wax and resin-modified glass ionomer cements mixed with a color modifier to simulate pulp and deep caries, respectively. Undergraduate dental students ( n = 61) were asked to remove the caries using the selective caries removal (SCR) technique on the teeth. The students then completed a self-administered questionnaire to rate their caries removal experiences. One instructor then assessed the prepared teeth. Overall, the students provided positive feedback on the use of 3D-printed teeth; 72.1% agreed that the printed teeth provided a realistic model for practicing the SCR technique, 75.4% indicated that the new teeth were the appropriate choice for practicing the SCR technique, and 86.9% agreed that 3D-printed teeth should be used before treating real patients. More than half of the students had satisfactory outcomes in terms of the depth and caries removal aspects of the cavity preparation. These findings suggest that the developed 3D-printed teeth can potentially be adopted to practice caries removals in preclinical dental education.

Keywords: dental caries; dental education; dental students; operative dentistry; 3D printing; selective caries removal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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