Bridging the Gap: What Dental Schools Can Learn from Medical Education Technology Trends

Bridging the Gap: What Dental Schools Can Learn from Medical Education Technology Trends 

Dental education in the United States is evolving. While medical education has generally led the charge in integrating cutting-edge technology into pre-doctoral teaching and training, dental schools have yet to fully capitalize on similar opportunities. For deans and decision-makers, bridging this gap is essential not only to enhance student outcomes (both in terms of academic performance and clinical confidence) but also to ensure graduates are as well-prepared as possible for the dental profession. 

The Divide in Technology Adoption 

Medical education in the U.S. has several examples of technological innovation. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) simulations, for example, allow medical students to practice surgical procedures in risk-free environments. AI-powered platforms deliver personalized learning content, tailoring material to individual needs while providing real-time performance feedback. Integrating these technologies continues to revolutionize medical education by improving clinical competency, boosting student engagement, confidence, and improving overall clinical performance. 

In contrast, many dental programs still rely on traditional teaching principles and methods, including lecture-heavy instruction and physical models for preclinical training. Whilst effective, these approaches fall short in preparing students for the current demands of dentistry, where proficiency with digital technologiessuch as CAD/CAM systems, 3D printing, and intraoral scanners is becoming increasingly common and non-negotiable. 

Challenges Unique to Dental Education 

The generally slower pace of technology adoption in dental education can be attributed to several key challenges. High costs remain an important factor to consider , as advanced equipment and infrastructure often require substantial investment. Faculty, who play a central role in delivering high quality education, often lack access to comprehensive training and support to integrate new technologies seamlessly into their teaching practices. Additionally, the intensity and complexity of dental curricula leave little room for experimentation, making it difficult to introduce and scale innovative solutions. 

Despite these obstacles, medical education offers valuable examples that dental schools have the option to adopt to close the gap and transform their programs. 

Lessons from Medical Education 

• Simulation-Based Learning: Medical schools have examples of successful integration of  VR and AR learning platforms to simulate complex procedures. Dental schools can similarly adopt technology to offer students immersive, hands-on clinical experiences in many different areas such as endodontics, implant placement, and indirect restoration preparations. These simulations not only build technical skill but also enhance confidence before real-life patient interactions. 

• AI-Driven Learning Platforms: AI is used in medical education to help provide personalized support. By analyzing individual learning performance data, AI tools can identify areas where students may be struggling and offer targeted feedback and resources to improve understanding. Dental schools can similarly leverage these platforms within many different areas of the dental curricula, and in particular with tackinge challenging subjects like oral pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology that are areas often cited by dental students as particularly demanding. 

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Medical education has generally embraced interprofessional learning, where students from different healthcare disciplines train together to develop skills collaboratively and interprofessionally. Dental schools can similarly incorporate this approach to better prepare students for integrated healthcare settings, fostering stronger collaboration between dental and allied medical professions, including medicine and nursing. This is also becoming increasingly important given the growing evidence base surrounding the links between oral and general health and disease.  

• Competency-Based Assessment: The shift toward competency-based education in medical schools ensures students’ progress based on their demonstrating skill competency rather than solely time spent in the program. This model, supported by technology, can help dental schools better assess and ensure clinical readiness. 

Real-World Insights 

Data from U.S. dental schools reveal opportunities but also some challenges in addressing student success. Over the past three decades, withdrawal rates among first-year dental students have dropped significantly - from 5.7% in 1990 to 1.1% in 2020,which are partly attributed to improvements in student support (American Dental Association [ADA], 2020). However, some of the more challenging aspects of dental education such as oral microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology remain consistent hurdles, with high failure rates often requiring students to retake exams. 

This highlights the potential for targeted interventions, such as AI-driven feedback and tailored learning systems and simulation-based learning, to support students in acquiring competency in course materials. By addressing these pain points through technology, dental schools can improve retention rates and overall academic performance. 

Actionable Steps 

Closing the technology gap within dental education requires strategic action. For deans and senior leaders, the journey often begins with a comprehensive review of current programs to identify areas where technology can potentially have the most impact. 

Building partnerships with EdTech providers can help introduce scalable platforms tailored to the institution’s unique needs in terms of dental education. Starting with an initial pilot program, such as VR-based clinical simulations or AI-driven tutoring platforms, allows schools to test and explore new approaches before scaling them across the curriculum. 

Equally important is investing in faculty training and development. Empowering educators with training and support ensures that they can lead the integration of new tools and methods. This collaborative approach positions faculty as key partners in driving innovationand continuous improvement. 

Shaping the Future 

By learning from medical education, dental schools in the U.S. can similarly take steps toward modernizing their programs and better preparing students for modern dental practice. Adopting simulation-based learning, AI-driven personalization, and interdisciplinary collaboration enhances educational outcomes but also aligns with the broader agenda of Education 4.0 in creating adaptive, technology-driven learning environments. 

For deans and decision-makers, the time to act is now. By embracing and adopting innovation and leading the charge in integrating technology into curricula, dental schools will ensure their graduates are not just competitive but also capable of helping to shape the future of dentistry itself.