Innovative Multi-Layer Drilling Plate Enhances Preclinical Dental Training

A groundbreaking drilling plate that closely mimics the tactile and structural qualities of natural human dental tissues has shown promising results in enhancing preclinical dental education. Developed to provide dental students with more realistic training experiences, this new device was evaluated by dental educators through an international study led by the University of Eastern Finland.

The study, conducted by the global Digital, VR, and Haptic Thinkers Network, investigated the educational potential of this multi-layered dental model, which features distinct layers representing enamel, dentin, and pulp—elements traditionally challenging to replicate in conventional plastic dental models. Published in the Dentistry Journal, the research assessed how well the new drilling plate simulated real dental tissue feel and its utility in skill development.

Current preclinical training often relies on plastic teeth that fail to replicate the nuanced tactile differences encountered during actual procedures. The innovative drilling plate addresses this gap by providing a more authentic experience, potentially improving students' preparedness for clinical practice. According to Szabolcs Felszeghy, a Project Leader and Clinical Lecturer at the University of Eastern Finland Institute of Dentistry, the goal is to bring dental training models closer to real-life sensations, complementing existing simulation technologies.

The evaluation involved experienced dental educators from 14 institutions across the world who rated the model’s realism and pedagogical value. Results indicated that the multi-layer drilling plate holds significant promise, although some limitations in replicating the full tactile experience were noted. Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to compare the device's effectiveness against traditional tools and explore its added educational value.

This research fills a critical gap in the evidence regarding preclinical dental training tools, which have traditionally lacked systematic, comparative investigations into their effectiveness and cost-efficiency. The findings are set to be presented at the upcoming ADEE 50th Anniversary Meeting in Dublin, highlighting advances at the intersection of virtual reality, haptics, and innovative dental training methods.

For more information, see the full study by Reinhard Chun Wang Chau et al. in the Dentistry Journal, titled "Optimizing Preclinical Skill Assessment for Handpiece-Naïve Students: A Strategic Approach" (2025). Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-drilling-plate-preclinical-dental.html