The Faculty of Dental Medicine of the Portuguese Catholic University (FMD-UCP) has introduced SimToCare simulators into its teaching model, becoming one of the first higher education institutions in Portugal to adopt this virtual reality technology with haptic feedback. The system allows future dentists to train in an immersive and realistic environment.
The two simulators are used by around 140 second – and third – year students to practice procedures such as cavity removal, anesthesia, and tooth extraction. The technology also enables real clinical cases to be introduced into the system, displaying different scenarios and potential outcomes to support clinical decision-making. This approach represents a pedagogically significant method for clinical teaching, extending also to fourth- and fifth-year students in the Integrated Master’s Degree in Dental Medicine (MIMD). In parallel, virtual training reduces the need for physical materials such as plastic teeth, aligning with best practices in sustainability.
According to Nuno Rosa, professor and member of the FMD-UCP Board, “these simulators are an essential tool for developing technical and clinical skills in a controlled environment, allowing our students to practice dental procedures with a high degree of precision and safety before moving on to real patients.” He also adds that with these simulators it is possible “to strengthen our innovation strategy in health education, providing students with technological tools that revolutionize their preparation for clinical practice and align with international best practices.”
Pedro Campos Lopes, dentist and professor at FMD-UCP, notes that “virtual reality enables our students to repeat complex procedures as many times as necessary, without pressure or risk to real patients. This intensive practice leads to greater confidence and competence when they begin clinical contact.”
The use of simulation in teaching is part of the strategic vision of the Center for Digital Teaching in Dental Medicine (CED-MeD), a faculty infrastructure dedicated to research and development of new digital tools and strategies for dental education. Working in synergy with the University Dental Clinic of the Catholic University, CED-MeD is a key pillar in both the practical training of students and the delivery of oral health care to the community. Equipped with cutting-edge technology and guided by highly experienced faculty members, the clinic offers treatments in areas such as dentistry, oral hygiene, prosthodontics, and specialized dental care, ensuring high-quality service at socially responsible prices.
The simulators were acquired with the support of the Digital4Health Portugal Project (D4H-PT), funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) – Impulso Mais Digital Program, Submeasure: Reform and Modernization of Medicine.
