Modern dentistry is rapidly evolving, and with it, the demands on the quality of training for future practitioners are increasing. One of the key challenges remains the creation of training models that replicate real clinical conditions as accurately as possible. Although virtual reality and haptic feedback systems are widely used, they cannot fully replace physical models that allow students to experience the nuances of working with enamel, dentin, and other tooth structures. This is why the development of more advanced preclinical simulators remains a pressing task.
A recent study conducted by the international consortium VR-Haptic Thinkers has introduced a novel approach to addressing this issue: a multilayer drilling plate that mimics the tactile and structural properties of dental tissues. The results of the pilot study indicate that such a model can significantly enhance the realism of training and improve the development of manual skills in students working with a dental handpiece for the first time.
The pilot study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio aimed to evaluate the perceived realism and educational value of the new development. As one of the authors, clinical lecturer Dr. Sabolch Felseghi, emphasized, despite the widespread use of preclinical tools, there is a clear shortage of systematic comparative research. Many models, including VR simulators, show significant progress in visualization but are unable to fully replicate the differences between enamel, dentin, and pulp. Consequently, students gain only a partial understanding of the tactile sensations that form the foundation of clinical confidence.
The multilayer plate developed by the research team consists of three levels corresponding to the three-layer structure of a tooth. The developers’ goal was not merely to visually represent these layers but to ensure a tactile difference during drilling that closely mimics the actual resistance sensation of tissues. This aspect often remains an insurmountable barrier for virtual systems.
The evaluation of the new plate involved 70 faculty members from dental schools across 14 universities on four continents. This approach provided a broad perspective on how the model is perceived by specialists from different educational traditions and schools.
Experts analyzed several parameters: the quality of handling each layer, clarity of differences in their hardness, smoothness of prepared surfaces, as well as the visibility and nature of patterns formed during drilling. Following the evaluation, it was noted that the plate indeed has high potential for refining the skills of novice students. Particularly emphasized were the ergonomic visualization, predictability of material behavior, and ease of use even for those operating a dental handpiece for the first time.
However, the researchers also pointed out shortcomings in the design. The most pronounced of these was the insufficient realism of the layer mimicking dentin. Faculty members noted that the resistance encountered while working in this layer does not yet match the familiar clinical sensations, requiring further refinements. Additionally, the question remains open as to how effectively the new plate might surpass traditional phantoms and widely used simulators in the long term.
The obtained results will be presented at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Association for Dental Education in Europe, taking place in Dublin. During the event, the VR-Haptic Thinkers consortium plans to dedicate a separate session to innovations emerging at the intersection of virtual reality technologies, haptic feedback, and preclinical training. Such a public presentation underscores the significance attributed to this research direction: contemporary educational methodologies aim to integrate digital and physical tools, creating a hybrid model capable of providing future dentists with the highest quality training.
The publication of the study titled “Optimizing Preclinical Skill Assessment in Students Without Prior Handpiece Experience: A Strategic Approach” in the journal *Dentistry Journal* further solidifies the importance of the topic and stimulates discussion among researchers and educators worldwide.
The development of the multilayer drilling plate represents a significant step toward more accurate simulation of clinical reality. Despite identified shortcomings, the very concept of a multilayer structure mimicking real tissues opens new avenues for refining student skills. Such technological solutions have the potential to serve as a transitional link between digital simulations and actual clinical practice, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency.
In the long term, such innovations lay the groundwork for a new educational paradigm, where the integration of VR environments, advanced physical models, and adaptive teaching methods will ensure higher-quality training for professionals. The effectiveness of dental treatment is directly linked to the confidence and precision of the clinician’s movements, meaning that enhancing preclinical tools is a step not only toward educational progress but also toward improving the quality of future medical care.
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