Kornberg School of Dentistry's new dental lab includes simulators that allow students to work on 3D teeth and experience the feeling of drilling a tooth. They are tapping into high-tech training at a new 1,000 square-foot digital lab. Influenced by many such developments, the dental education industry is undergoing a massive shift through integration of digital technologies in the form of IT innovations and development of cutting edge equipment and machinery. In this regard, cloud computing has played a pivotal role providing numerous advantages and benefits to both students and educators at large.

In order to understand how the integration of digital technologies is bringing about a change in the sector of dental education, one needs to delve deeper into a few aspects that are noteworthy. Technologies like AI, robotics, AR and others are being extensively used to enhance the level of treatment and education in the dental industry.

Reimagining Dental Education with AI

The usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing in the dental education sector and has been observed to make significant strides in the same. It is helping in enhancing learning experiences, improving methods for training and also in executing administrative processes. AI algorithms are equipped to monitor student's performance and adapt to the difficulty and type of content to match their learning pace and style. This is ensuring that every student receives a customized learning experience that addresses their individual strengths and weaknesses. Capable AI systems have also been developed which are able to track student performance based on key metrics and offer suggestions on the areas that require improvement. It is helping educators in finding out the lacks in candidates and addressing them in a timely manner.

To give an example, one notable AI powered tool that is use to analyze the learning curve of dental students is PrepScanner. It is able to create an effective learning environment for students by assisting them in preparations by providing real-time feedback and making the learning process more interactive.

“AI has led to an overhaul of many aspects of the school’s curriculum. It’s become effective not only as a teaching tool but also as an introduction to a technology that students are sure to encounter in their professional lives”, stated Sanjay Mallya, BDS, MDS, PhD, Chair, Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, UCLA School of Dentistry.

Education on Robotic Treatment and Surgical Procedures

Tools and machinery that have been developed in the segment of robotic surgery have had a transformative impact on the overall healthcare system and dental education is no exception. Robotic machinery has transformed the nature of hand-on training processes. Robots that are equipped with advanced sensors and prompt feedback mechanisms are being currently used for stimulating dental procedures. The curiosity among students to learn the correct usage of robotics machinery and tools is growing rapidly and this form of education is also bridging the very gap between theoretical understanding and practical implementation.

In this regard, one notable institution that provides training in robotic surgery for dental treatments is the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry. USC's Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology is known for its advanced research and training programs, including the use of robotic-assisted surgery for dental and craniofacial treatments.

“Robot assisted surgery offers several advantages to both patients and the healthcare community. Some of these advantages include precision and accuracy with dental implant placement, minimally invasive surgeries, quicker recovery times and a decreased complication rate”, said Dr. Gary Jones, Founder, Sandhills Oral Surgery.

Enhancing Learning Visuals through AR

Augmented Reality (AR) technologies are enhancing the dentistry learning experience by advanced interpretation of digital information onto the real world. In the sector of dental education, AR is able to provide students with immersive and interactive visuals. AR applications are projecting 3D dental models thus offering a better understanding of dental anatomy and procedures. Visual aid this this helps in effective learning and information retention.

To give an example, a company that provides augmented reality (AR) technologies for dental education is DentSim. It is a well-known provider of AR-based dental simulation systems. Their technology combines real-time augmented reality with advanced software to create immersive and interactive training environments for dental students.

“Augmented reality (AR) is a technology in which the user’s interaction with the real world becomes enhanced through computer-generated information and graphics. The result is a virtual world in which the viewer sees a combination of reality and digital data with the potential to affect all the senses: sight, touch, hearing, and even smell and taste”, mentioned Steven Tuggle, DMD.

Integration of digital technologies in the dental education sector has helped transform the nature of courses and enhanced the learning capability of students as well. Apart from the above, the usage of haptic technology and cloud computing programs are also helping boost the dental education market as whole. The industry is poised to integrate more digital innovations into dentistry course structures in the years to come.