Development of Novel Surgical Simulation Technology to Enhance Education of Dental Students and Surgical Residents at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry

TitleDevelopment of Novel Surgical Simulation Technology to Enhance Education of Dental Students and Surgical Residents at the UBC Faculty of Dentistry
Faculty/College/UnitDentistry
StatusActive
Duration2 Year
Initiation04/01/2023
Project Summary

The complex anatomy of the oral cavity creates challenges for dental students when learning dental surgeries. Traditional teaching approaches include simulation surgeries on phantom models and animal jaws. However, these practices were found to poorly replicate the oral environment due to their shortcomings in reproducing the patient’s surgical site requirements. With the advancement of 3D digital technology, we can now replicate and print the hard and soft tissues of a patient’s jaws. Recently, the UBC Faculty of Dentistry has launched a new well-equipped state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Laboratory (DDL) that can support this innovative modelling. The availability of this DDL provides the critical infrastructure that is needed to begin exploring innovative educational solutions for long-existing challenges in the clinical simulation environment. Using patient-based 3D jaw printing simulation exercises we will assesses their potential effectiveness at enhancing students’ surgical skill development.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2023/2024
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorRana Tarzemany
Year 1: Funded Amount28,175
Year 1: Team Members

Rana Tarzemany, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Oral Biological and Medical Sciences / Director, Graduate Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry
Hannu Larjava, Professor, Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry
HsingChi von Bergmann, Professor, Oral Health Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry
Edward Putnins, Professor, Oral Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry