Front and rear views of Nissin drilling plate. Credit: University of Eastern Finland

A novel drilling plate simulating the tactile and structural properties of natural human dental tissues may provide dental students with increasingly realistic training opportunities in the preclinical phase. The new drilling plate was assessed by dental educators as part of an international study led by the University of Eastern Finland.

Conducted by the global Digital, VR and Haptic Thinkers Network, the study explored the educational potential of the novel multi-layered drilling plate for preclinical dental training. The findings were published in Dentistry Journal.

Students in preclinical dental training rehearse skills not on real patients, but with the help of simulation and using various dental models, such as plastic teeth. However, conventional plastic teeth often fail to reproduce the tactile differences between enamel, dentin and pulp. The new drilling plate assessed in the study incorporates the three distinct layers and is designed to replicate the tactile and structural properties of natural human dental tissues.

"The aim is to provide students with a model that feels closer to clinical reality. Simulation technologies are increasingly prevalent in dental education; however, conventional dental models are still needed and worth developing, " says Project Leader and Clinical Lecturer Szabolcs Felszeghy of the University of Eastern Finland Institute of Dentistry.

The study examined the perceived realism and educational utility of the new drilling plate, assessed by experienced dental educators from a total of 14 institutions across the world.

According to the results, the multi-layer drilling plate shows promise in preclinical dental training, although limitations were observed in its tactile properties. The researchers note that further research is needed with regard to, e.g., the added value of the drilling plate in comparison to more conventional tools.

The study seeks to address a critical knowledge gap in preclinical dental education.

"Despite widespread use of preclinical training tools in dental schools worldwide, there has been a striking lack of systematic, comparative research on their realism, cost-effectiveness, durability and pedagogical value, " Felszeghy adds.

The results will also be presented at the Association for Dental Education in Europe (ADEE) 50th Anniversary Meeting in Dublin, where the Digital, VR and Haptic Thinkers Network will host a session to showcase advances at the intersection of VR, haptics and preclinical training innovation.

More information: Reinhard Chun Wang Chau et al, Optimizing Preclinical Skill Assessment for Handpiece-Naïve Students: A Strategic Approach, Dentistry Journal (2025). DOI: 10.3390/dj13080363