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Adelaide University, dental training device company Fusetec and the Additive Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre (AMCRC) are together developing a new generation of biomimetic dental training models built using multi-material additive manufacturing.
The 18-month project will replicate not only the anatomy of human teeth, jawbone and soft tissue, but also how that tissue responds during surgery.
The models are intended to help dentists plan and practice complex procedures, including wisdom tooth removal, to improve surgical confidence and patient outcomes.
Fusetec and Adelaide University already have an existing relationship and this new project will commercialize an Australian-made medical training platform.
The project will combine clinical imaging, digital modeling and multi-material additive manufacturing to produce patient-specific, biomimetic dental replicas.
Researchers will also develop simulation tools to study fracture force thresholds during surgery, supporting safer, less invasive clinical practice.
Associate Professor Ling Yin from Adelaide University’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, who is leading the research alongside the School of Dentistry and the Future Industries Institute, said realistic surgical training remained one of dentistry’s biggest challenges.
“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 reflected how industry-led research could generate Australian manufacturing opportunities while addressing clinical needs.
“The opportunity starts with industry. Fusetec identified a clear clinical challenge and partnered with Adelaide University to develop an advanced manufacturing solution with strong commercial potential,” Marriott said.
“Projects like this show how additive manufacturing can help Australian companies develop globally competitive medical technologies that improve healthcare while strengthening sovereign manufacturing capability.”