3D Printing: A New Era of Hands-On Learning in Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics: A Narrative Review

The purpose of this review is to explore the transformative impact of 3D printing technology on hands-on learning in conservative dentistry and endodontics. This article reviews various 3D printing technologies and their applications in dental education. The method involved a comprehensive search of literature of recent studies and review of the utilized technologies to create realistic dental models for training and assessment. The 3D printed models are made from printers such as stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP), and polyjet technology which significantly enhances the training experience by providing detailed accurate replicas of dental structures, which improve students’ practical skills and confidence. Positive feedback from students and educators highlights the effectiveness of these models in reducing stress and improving clinical skills. Conclusions drawn from the review suggest that 3D printing is revolutionizing dental education in conservative dentistry and endodontics by providing realistic, customizable models for training and simulation without ethical issues. This technology enhances students’ understanding of complex dental anatomy which improves procedural accuracy in restoring teeth and root canal treatment, thereby offering unlimited practice opportunities. Consequently, it significantly increases the quality of dental education and prepares students for real-world clinical challenges. Additionally, 3D printing can provide customized solutions tailored to individual patient anatomy, leading to better treatment results and increased efficiency.