digital prosthodontics C D A J O U R N A L , V O L 4 9 , Nº 6
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The New Age of Prosthodontics Education: Digital Prosthodontics and Simulation Kumar C. Shah, BDS, MS; Brittany A. Kane, DMD; and Pamela A. Lloren, DDS
abstract Background: Dental education is rapidly changing with digital dentistry, particularly in prosthodontics, and augmented reality simulations along with haptic feedback have enhanced this transformation. Results: This article reviews the features of one such device currently being piloted at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. The impact on student training and education is explored. Practical implications: The future of learning in a virtual environment has the potential to transcend geographical boundaries. Keywords: Haptic, simulation, training, augmented reality, education
AUTHORS Kumar C. Shah, BDS, MS, is a professor of clinical dentistry, division of advanced prosthodontics, and the director of the advanced prosthodontics residency program at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. He is a fellow of the American College of Prosthodontics and the Academy of Prosthodontics. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
Brittany A. Kane, DMD, is a resident in the advanced prosthodontics residency program at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported. Pamela A. Lloren, DDS, is a resident in the advanced prosthodontics residency program at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry. Conflict of Interest Disclosure: None reported.
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dvancements in digital prosthodontics have shaped the practice of dentistry. It is no surprise that dental education models have also evolved, as recent technological advancements present promising enhancements to student education. For example, direct intraoral scanning has become more popular as its accuracy continues to improve, and digital impression techniques are being taught at the predoctoral level by more dental schools. Dental educators have the opportunity to highlight digital advancements and ensure student learning is benefited by the incorporation of haptic technology into dental school curriculums. The removable prosthodontics courses at
the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), for example, cover fabrication of removable partial dental prosthesis frameworks and complete removable dental prostheses via digital design and manufacturing. In clinical fixed prosthodontics, students can scan preps and mill restorations for their patients. While the advantages of digital dentistry are numerous at the clinical level, at the preclinical level, the scope of haptic technologies’ potential benefit is just beginning to be explored.1,2 Digital dentistry may be incorporated into preclinical training by utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software and practicing computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) workflows, and also with other technology that can JUNE 2 0 2 1
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