Educational use of patient-specific 3D-printed models in dental operative procedures: enhancing clinical training through technology

Patient-specific 3D-printed models effectively bridge the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice in dental education. They offer a realistic, risk-free training environment that enhances students' perceived understanding and confidence in surgical procedures. While challenges such as cost and material optimization remain, integrating 3D printing into dental curricula is a promising step toward modernizing surgical education by combining technological innovation with artistic anatomical design-what we describe as 'transferring art and technology' into clinical education.