UB dental students embrace digital dentistry with VR, 3D printing, and AI

BUFFALO, N.Y.: The messy molds of the past are rapidly becoming obsolete as University at Buffalo (UB) dental students dive into the digital revolution in dentistry. With technologies like 3D printing, AI-driven imaging, and virtual reality, UB’s School of Dental Medicine is preparing its students to lead the future of the profession with unmatched precision and confidence.

“If you're not using digital tools in your practice, you're falling behind,” says Dr. Joseph DeLuca, DDS, clinical associate professor of restorative dentistry and director of UB’s Pre-Clinical Simulation Laboratory. From day one, students at UB are trained in both analog and advanced digital dentistry techniques, giving them a dual edge in a rapidly evolving field.

Digital-first learning from year one

Students are introduced to digital workflows as early as their first year through two foundational courses: Introduction to Digital Dentistry and Clinical Dentistry II. They learn to take both analog and digital impressions, master dental injections, and plan surgical procedures using CBCT scans and AI-guided tools.

By their third year, students are proficient in designing implant surgical guides, crowns, and dentures using intraoral scanners, 3D mapping software, and CAD/CAM technologies—ensuring precise, patient-specific treatments.

Immersive education using AR and VR

Dr. Lucila Piasecki and Dr. Mohini Ratakonda, from UB’s Department of Periodontics and Endodontics, are redefining dental anatomy education with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Through a collaborative pilot project with UB librarian Cynthia Tysick, students use Meta Quest 3 VR headsets to explore realistic tooth structures in 3D environments.

These immersive models help students better understand complex internal tooth anatomy, which is critical for root canals, post placements, and other intricate procedures. “Students respond far better to interactive models than static textbook images,” says Piasecki.

Some students even noted that 3D-printed models provided essential tactile feedback, offering a hands-on complement to their virtual learning experiences.

Why digital dentistry matters for professionals

The shift to digital dentistry is not just about education—it’s transforming the profession at large. According to Dr. DeLuca, while initial equipment costs are high, the long-term savings in impression materials, lab fees, and chair time are substantial.

“I can scan, design, and mill a crown in-house within two hours,” DeLuca explains. “The patient comes in and walks out the same day with a permanent crown.”

Today’s digital workflows also surpass traditional methods in accuracy, ensuring better patient outcomes and reduced follow-up appointments.

A balance of innovation and fundamentals

Despite this tech-forward focus, UB ensures that students are also grounded in traditional techniques. “You can’t rely blindly on technology,” DeLuca emphasizes. “If something goes wrong with a digital design, a well-trained dentist must recognize and correct it.”

By balancing analog fundamentals with emerging digital tools, UB is producing well-rounded dental professionals ready to innovate, adapt, and lead in any clinical environment.