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Publisher: Peytchinski Publishing Ltd.
ISSN: 1312-773X (Online)
Issue: 2025, vol. 31, issue3
Subject Area: Dental Medicine
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DOI: 10.5272/jimab.2025313.6423
Published online: 25 August 2025
Review article
J of IMAB. 2025 Jul-Sep;31(3):6423-6427
SIMULATIONS IN DENTAL EDUCATION: HISTORY, CURRENT TECHNOLOGIES, AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES – A REVIEW
Ani Belcheva1
, Antonia Palankalieva1, Miglena Molhova2,
1) Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
2) Technology and Knowledge Transfer Office, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
ABSTRACT:
Simulation-based training has become an integral component of dental education, evolving from traditional hands-on techniques to virtual reality (VR) and haptic-based systems. This review examines the historical progression, current applications, and emerging advancements in dental simulation technology. Early preclinical training relied on extracted teeth and phantom head models, providing students with basic technical skills. The introduction of VR-based simulators in the early 21st century enhanced training by integrating digital case scenarios and real-time performance feedback. This review underscores the transformative role of VR and haptic simulation in dental education, highlighting both achievements and areas requiring further research and development.
Keywords: dental simulation, dental education, VR simulators, haptic dental training,
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Please cite this article as: Belcheva A, Palankalieva A, Molhova M. Simulations in dental education: history, current technologies, and future perspectives – a review. J of IMAB. 2025 Jul-Sep;31(3):6423-6427. [Crossref - 10.5272/jimab.2025313.6423]
Correspondence to: Ani Belcheva, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, Medical University of Plovdiv; 3, Hristo Botev Blvd., Plovdiv, Bulgaria; E-mail: Ani.belcheva@mu-plovdiv.bg
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Received: 29 April 2025
Published online: 25 August 2025