Aside from replicating the soft and hard tissues of the teeth, these virtual simulators bridge the gap between clinical and pre-clinical training by providing clinical diagnosis and realistic treatment environment that is not present in conventional phantom head simulators.

November 29, 2022 — The University of the Philippines Manila College of Dentistry (UPCD) marked a new era in dental education as it became the first and only school in the country to incorporate computer-based virtual reality (VR) simulation to train future dentists.

Last November 16, 2022, the UPCD opened the Simodont Dental Trainer Simulation Laboratory with three trainer units costing P24 million. These were acquired through a grant from the Commission on Higher Education which was initiated by its former dean, Danilo L. Magtanong, together with UP Manila Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development Michael Tee.

Aside from replicating the soft and hard tissues of the teeth, these virtual simulators bridge the gap between clinical and pre-clinical training by providing clinical diagnosis and realistic treatment environment that is not present in conventional phantom head simulators.

Dean Michelle Segarra spearheaded the preparation of several teaching modules which will be used for the different courses for the new laboratory.

She emphasized how powerful VR simulation-based education is in providing students the psychomotor skills, hand-eye coordination, and manual dexterity. 

“Now, we can look forward to a new generation of dentists in the country, with hands honed by the latest technology and hearts beating for Filipinos needing dental care!”

A team from Nissin Dental Products Inc., Japan conducted a two-day Basis and Advanced System training workshop in managing the Simodont laboratory classes. This was participated by faculty members from different UPCD departments as well as non-academic support staff. 

UP Manila Chancellor Carmencita Padilla congratulated the College for pushing dental education in the Philippines to a higher level. She hopes that the university will be able to acquire more units in the future. “Now, we can look forward to a new generation of dentists in the country, with hands honed by the latest technology and hearts beating for Filipinos needing dental care!”

Anne Marie Alto