Dental Simulator Market Trends

Growth Drivers

• Utilization of virtual reality (VR) in dental simulators: Virtual reality transforms how dental professionals are trained. VR-based dental simulators have underscored their usefulness and appeal in education settings. For example, in September 2021, Virteasy Dental developed a VR simulator that allows users to engage in several dental procedures to provide real-time feedback on performance. This interactivity not only helps in skill acquisition but also enhances critical thinking and decision-making abilities through simulated procedures. The immersive nature of VR, assists students in visualizing the procedure from various angles, understanding the anatomy and mechanics involved more deeply.

• Growing number of training centers and dental schools: The demand for well-trained dental professionals has resulted in increased focus on improving dental healthcare standards internationally. Stimulators offer consistent, safe, and repeatable training environments important for honing practical skills without the risk of patient harm. As the number of dental programs increases particularly in emerging markets, training centers and dental schools are gradually investing in innovative simulators to meet the needs of modern dental education. In August 2023, UT Health San Antonio launched a Dental Hygiene program at UT Center in Laredo, addressing substantial gaps in oral health care needs within the community while increasing local job opportunities in a high-demand field.

Challenges

• Regulatory problems: The U.S. FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) regulate medical simulators and mandate manufacturers to validate their technology thoroughly before entering the market. These regulatory challenges not only extend the time to market but can also pose entry blocks for smaller companies with restricted resources. Moreover, regional differences in regulations create an uneven playing field making it tough for manufacturers to launch universal complaint simulators, particularly in developing markets where regulatory infrastructure may vary.