2018
5 +
3D
1 goal
About the project
The idea for Educational Caries Teeth began in 2018, when Dr. Erica Teixeira of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry toured Protostudios and saw the capabilities of the Stratasys J750 multi-material 3D printer.
Existing training models could not accurately replicate the layered structure of natural teeth or the resistance encountered when removing decay, while natural teeth were difficult to standardize and distribute.
Dr. Teixeira envisioned a reproducible training tool that could simulate different stages and locations of tooth decay, giving students a more consistent and clinically relevant learning experience.
Dental students must develop the ability to identify and remove tooth decay before ever treating a real patient. Traditionally, this training takes place using plastic or ceramic teeth placed in Kilgore typodonts. While useful for basic instruction, these models often lack the tactile realism needed to accurately simulate clinical procedures.
The Educational Caries Teeth (ECT) project was developed to address this gap.
Through a collaboration between the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Protostudios, the team created multi-material 3D-printed training teeth designed to replicate the appearance, structure, and hardness of natural teeth affected by decay.
By providing a more realistic simulation environment, the training aids help dental students develop the skills and confidence needed for clinical practice.
Today, Educational Caries Teeth are used by dental students at multiple institutions.
At the University of Iowa, approximately 80 students per class encounter the teeth throughout their training, from first-year simulation labs through advanced coursework. Programs at other universities, including Texas A&M, have also adopted the training aids.
Students are able to clearly identify decay locations and experience the layered structure of the tooth as they remove caries, providing a more realistic and engaging learning experience. Feedback from students has been positive, with many reporting increased confidence in their clinical skills.
Protostudios partnered with Dr. Teixeira and Dr. Natalia Restrepo-Kennedy to turn the concept into a practical training tool. Through design, prototyping, and testing, the team developed a realistic tooth model that replicates key anatomical features, works with existing typodont systems, and remains affordable for educational use. The final design balances realism, durability, and cost.
Erica Teixeira, DDS, PhD, MS
