Shaping the future of dental education

ABSTRACT Dental education is rapidly advancing in response to technological evolvement, replacing patient expectations, and global healthcare issues. Conventional instructor-centered models are being exchanged by competency-based and technology-enhanced approaches that highlight critical thinking, clinical judgment, and patient-centered care. Present innovations, issues, and chances for shaping the future of dental education, concentrating on artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, digital workflows, and flexible learning models is inspected by this review. A narrative review of literature from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2020–2025) was organized using keywords such as dental education, AI, curriculum innovation, and digital dentistry. AI-driven diagnostic systems, virtual and augmented reality simulators, and CAD/CAM technologies are reorganizing preclinical and clinical training by boosting hands-on experience, skill acquisition, and accessibility, as diagnosed by the findings. Adaptability and personalized education, preparing students for digital dentistry is promoted by Competency-based and hybrid learning models. However, issues such as high costs, data privacy issues, and short of faculty readiness obstruct widespread adoption. Despite various barriers, evidence demonstrates better student engagement, clinical competence, and preparedness for real-world dental practice through digital and immersive learning tools. A paradigm shift toward innovation-driven, equitable, and globally integrated frameworks that align technology with ethical and regulatory standards is required for the future of dental education. Strategic investing in infrastructure, faculty training, and curriculum modernization is important to equip future dentists with the skills necessary for a technologically advanced and patient-centered profession.