Background and Objectives: The ever more complex modern dental education requires permanent adaptation to expanding medical knowledge and new advancements in digital technologies as well as intensification of interdisciplinary collaboration. Our study presents a newly developed computerized method allowing virtual case simulation on modular digital dental models and 3D-printing of the obtained digital models; additionally, undergraduate dental students’ opinion on the advanced method is investigated in this paper. Materials and Methods: Based on the digitalization of didactic dental models, the proposed method generates modular digital dental models that can be easily converted into different types of partial edentulism scenarios, thus allowing the development of a digital library. Three-dimensionally printed simulated dental models can subsequently be manufactured based on the previously obtained digital models. The opinion of a group of undergraduate dental students (n = 205) on the proposed method was assessed via a questionnaire, administered as a Google form, sent via email. Results: The modular digital models allow students to perform repeated virtual simulations of any possible partial edentulism cases, to project 3D virtual treatment plans and to observe the subtle differences between diverse teeth preparations; the resulting 3D-printed models could be used in students’ practical training. The proposed method received positive feedback from the undergraduate students. Conclusions: The advanced method is adequate for dental students’ training, enabling the gradual design of modular digital dental models with partial edentulism, from simple to complex cases, and the hands-on training on corresponding 3D-printed dental models.

Bone defects remain a significant clinical challenge, creating a severe need for advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration. This study addresses this issue by developing 3D-printed composite hydrogels containing alginate, gelatine, and resorbable calcium phosphates (monetite and brushite) for bone tissue engineering. The scaffolds were fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing and evaluated for their morphology, porosity, mechanical strength, swelling, degradation, and in vitro mineralization, while their cytocompatibility was assessed using LIVE/DEAD cell viability assays. The key findings demonstrate that calcium phosphate incorporation enhanced the mechanical stability by 15–25% compared to the controls, and mineral deposition increased significantly in the composite scaffolds. The developed hydrogels are bioactive and represent promising, customizable scaffolds for bone regeneration. These results support their further investigation as viable alternatives to traditional bone grafts for clinical bone tissue engineering applications.

This research activity proposes to produce composite hydrogel–bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D-printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–Na2O), co-doped with europium and silver was synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass was then combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material was printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds.

Bone defects remain a significant clinical challenge, creating a severe need for advanced biomaterials for tissue regeneration. This study addresses this need by developing and characterizing 3D-printed composite hydrogels composed of alginate, gelatin, and resorbable calcium phosphates (monetite and brushite) for bone tissue engineering. A series of scaffolds was fabricated using extrusion-based 3D printing and systematically evaluated for morphology, porosity, mechanical strength, swelling, degradation, and in vitro mineralization. The inclusion of calcium phosphates enhanced the mechanical stability and promoted mineral deposition within the hydrogel matrix, while cytocompatibility was assessed using LIVE/DEAD cell viability assays. These findings indicate that the developed 3D-printed hydrogels are bioactive, constituting promising, customizable scaffolds suitable for bone regeneration, offering a viable alternative to traditional bone grafts. The results support further investigation of these materials for clinical applications in bone tissue engineering.

The proposal of this research activity is to produce composite hydrogel-bioactive glass. The primary purpose of this research is to develop and optimize 3D printed scaffolds using doped bioglass, aimed at enhancing bone regeneration in bone defects. The bioglass, a bioactive material known for its bone-bonding ability (SiO2–P2O5–CaO–Na2O), co-doped with europium and silver will be synthesized and doped to improve its biological properties. This doped bioglass will then be combined with a biocompatible hydrogel, chosen for its adequate cellular response and printability. The composite material will be printed to form a scaffold, providing a structure that not only supports the damaged bone, but also encourages osteogenesis. A variety of methods were employed to assess the rheological, compositional, structural, and morphological characteristics of the samples: Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Additionally, simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion for bioactivity monitoring, and immunocytochemistry for cell viability were used to evaluate the biological response of the scaffolds.

Digital planning and 3D printing have seen a significant impact in personalised presurgical planning in ENT pathology. However, segmentation and 3D printing of the cranium and especially the sinuses in ENT sinonasal pathologies are still fraught with challenges. This article will provide a comprehensive analysis, from segmentation to 3D printing, to provide insights into the future directions of 3D printing in sinonasal pathology and its implications for patient care.