New simulation centre to train next generation of dentists

The University of Sydney has officially opened its state-of-the-art Simulation Clinic designed to provide the next generation of dentistry students and professional clinicians alike with a unique immersive learning experience leveraging the latest in dental simulation technologies

The $9.4m investment located within the Sydney Dental School's Bligh Building serves to enhance Australia’s existing dental workforce.

“The new dental simulation centre will not only give the students in many dental school programs a chance to work in cutting edge teaching spaces, the location of the simulation centre re-integrates dental students with the Camperdown campus and the Susan Wakil Health precinct," said Associate Professor Delyse Leadbeatter, Sydney Dental School’s Director of Academic Education.

Head of School and Dean of the Sydney Dental School, Professor Heiko Spallek was in agreement, noting the new facilities will enhance the student learning experience.

“This new simulation centre reinforces our commitment to providing Australia's best dental education and supports our dedicated educators and students," said Professor Spallek.

“Teaching in an environment that mimics every aspect of a contemporary dental office—from instruments to handpieces to the positioning of the dentist and the (plastic) patient is the best preparation for real practice.”

Our new state-of-the-art facilities allow students to self-learn and receive objective, three-dimensional, audio and written feedback.

“With the opening of this new facility, the Sydney Dental School has the most advanced dental simulation environment in the country," said Professor Spallek.

"Combined with the expertise of our dental educators, we provide an invaluable foundation to prepare our students for their first encounter with real patients.” 

Dental Imaging Equipment

• a dedicated XR training and CAD planning rooms

• upgraded milling/printing and oven rooms

• a CBCT 3D x-ray unit

• nine intraoral x-ray units and seven Vistascan scanners

• two Leica Scope microscopes and 61 dental simulation units.

The Digital Dental Studio is equipped with intra and extraoral scanners as well as high-end computer hard and software for digital planning and design, allowing us to train all our students on the most advanced techniques and products in dentistry.

There are also 3D printing and milling machines located within the digital dentistry manufacturing centre to assist students in hands-on learning and modeling. 

“In addition, our Bachelor of Oral Health students, our Doctor of Clinical Dentistry students and dentists attending Sydney Health Executive Education courses will benefit from the new facility.” says Professor Heiko Spallek.

Part of the Simulation Clinic has been made possible by contributions from the university’s valued donors, including donor Dr Mario J Adamo, (BDS 1968), the first alumnus to donate to the new simulation centre and is photographed with his named plaque.