Advancing the art and science of pediatric dentistry: Educational innovations and trends

Objectives: To review emerging educational innovations shaping pediatric dental training and competency-based clinical education. Methods: A narrative review of contemporary educational literature was conducted focusing on simulation-based learning, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, gamification, and interprofessional education models. Results: Simulation platforms, VR, and AI-driven learning tools improved clinical confidence, skill acquisition, and student engagement. Competency-based dental education enhanced behavioral management training and preventive care competencies. Infrastructure and faculty training remained major implementation challenges. Conclusions: Technology-enhanced education is transforming pediatric dental training by improving competency development and patient-centered care delivery. Strategic integration of digital tools is essential for sustainable educational reform.