3D‑Printed Training Model for Periodontal Splinting: A Randomized Preclinical Study

For students it is essential to practice before clinical treatment with preclinical simulation. We designed 3D-printed wobbly teeth to train periodontal splinting and evaluate their educational benefits and objective performance. 43 students in their fourth year completed two palatal slot splints from 13 to 23 in a randomized order using a polyethylene ribbon and a pre-impregnated unidirectional glass-fibre bundle. Outcomes were evaluated by a questionnaire with german school grades and geometric deviation of each tooth to an ideal position. The course was rated “good” overall and “highly clinically relevant”. Self-efficacy improved during the course from “insufficient” to “good”. Median deviations of correct positioning ranged from 0.3 to 0.7mm across teeth. Non-parametric test with Bonferroni correction showed no significant pairwise differences between materials, first and second attempt or tooth position. This inexpensive, reproducible printed model enabled realistic periodontal splinting and improved confidence. Accuracy did not differ between both splinting systems in novice hands.