Adelaide University announced a new $800,000 research project will use advanced manufacturing to develop highly realistic 3D dental models designed to help clinicians prepare for complex procedures such as wisdom tooth removal.
The 18-month collaborative project involving Fusetec, Adelaide University and the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) will develop biomimetic dental models that replicate the anatomy of teeth, jawbone and soft tissue, as well as their response during surgery.
Fusetec CEO Mark Roe said the project could help translate Australian advanced manufacturing research into clinical applications.
“This collaboration allows us to turn years of research into a commercially viable product with real clinical value,” Roe said.
The project will combine clinical imaging, digital modelling and multi-material additive manufacturing to produce patient-specific dental replicas. Researchers will also develop simulation tools to examine fracture force thresholds during surgical procedures.
Associate Professor Ling Yin from Adelaide University’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, who leads the research with the university’s School of Dentistry and Future Industries Institute, said realistic surgical training remained a challenge in dentistry.
“Every patient presents differently, yet existing training models cannot accurately replicate the feel and behaviour of human dental tissue,” Yin said.
“By combining advanced clinical imaging with additive manufacturing, we can create dental models that better mimic real anatomy and help clinicians understand the forces involved in complex tooth removal procedures.”
AMCRC Managing Director Simon Marriott said the project demonstrated how industry-led research could link advanced manufacturing with healthcare applications.
“Fusetec identified a clear clinical challenge and partnered with Adelaide University to develop an advanced manufacturing solution with strong commercial potential,” Marriott said.
The project is intended to support the development and commercialisation of an Australian-made medical training platform, with the partners also identifying potential opportunities for advanced medical technology manufacturing and exports.
