Digital Transformation of Dental Practice and Dental Education: The Need for Interconnection or Anticipatory Development?

Abstract

The article examines the impact of digital transformation on contemporary dental practice and dental education. Particular attention is paid to the integration of digital technologies into the professional training of future dentists and to determining whether current educational approaches meet the demands of modern digital dentistry.

Methods. The study employed methods of analysis, comparison, generalization, and systematization of scientific sources devoted to the digitalization of dental practice and education. Current research on the use of CAD/CAM systems, intraoral scanners, virtual and augmented reality, simulation-based learning, digital modeling, and artificial intelligence in dentistry was analyzed.

Results. The findings demonstrate that digital technologies are significantly reshaping modern dentistry by influencing both clinical practice and the professional education of future dental practitioners. The implementation of digital tools improves diagnostic accuracy, optimizes treatment planning and clinical workflows, and enhances communication between dentists and patients. It was found that the integration of digital technologies into dental education contributes to the development of practical skills, analytical thinking, and technological competence among students. Simulation-based learning, virtual 3D environments, digital modeling, and haptic systems are becoming increasingly important, as they allow students to practice professional procedures before interacting with real patients. At the same time, the study reveals that the rapid development of digital dentistry often outpaces the modernization of educational curricula, creating a need to adapt educational content to ongoing technological changes. The expediency of combining traditional teaching methods with digital technologies and implementing a hybrid model of dental education has been substantiated. перспективними напрямами further development of digital dentistry include the use of artificial intelligence, teledentistry, 3D-printing technologies, as well as virtual and augmented reality tools.

Conclusions. Digital transformation in dental education is a necessary condition for preparing a modern and competitive dental professional. Effective implementation of digital technologies should be combined with the development of clinical reasoning, professional ethics, and practical competencies. Digital tools do not replace the professional role of a dentist but rather expand the possibilities for improving the quality, safety, and patient-centeredness of dental care.