The CAD/CAM unit in Paris Descartes University : for and by students.

Overview & Synopsis

Objective: To include CAD/CAM technologies in oral rehabilitation teaching. Three difficulties arise when bringing and applying the theoretical knowledge in clinical training: * To offer a standard teaching to all students, * In 4 dental units located in different hospitals, * Under a high level supervision. Materials and method: A dedicated room is equipped with three different CAD/CAM systems and a 3D printer, as well as characterization and polishing kits (ceramic, composite and furnace). In clinic, with his teacher, the student indicates the partial restoration and performs preparation and impression (conventional or optical). Design and manufacturing are realized at the faculty under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team, including biomaterials, prosthodontics and conservative dentistry teachers, prosthodontics technicians, engineering specialists and researchers. Results: In this privileged dialogue about a patient, the student discovers the unit scientific interest, as all clinical relevant information about patients, clinical situation and restoration features is recorded for a long-term cohort study. Teachers note a better comprehension of preparation needs and tissue preservation while the student manages the whole process of partial denture restoration. His understanding widens when confronted to clinical situation, cast model and 3D reconstruction. Discussion and conclusion: CAD/CAM is a key teaching in 21st century dental curriculum. These new technologies confront us to a new educational challenge. Because of the limited background available, a multidisciplinary team is necessary to explore the opportunities they open as well as their limitations. From this point of view, collaboration with researchers is essential.