New dental simulator for microsurgical training preliminary overview.
OBJECTIVE
To present a new simulator designed at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre (Cáceres) which offers an integral, effective and viable training system that can be used for learning microsurgical techniques.


METHODS
A square methacrylate block was used. Animal jaws were fixed to the sides by means of butterfly screws. This block also has a drainage tube to facilitate the escape of fluids.


RESULTS
Excellent results were obtained using this simulator in microsurgical suturing training in Dental, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that this simulator is an essential component in microsurgical training. It is an ethically and morally valid training method with which various suturing techniques can be practised before using live animals and before applying these to daily clinical practice.
Microsurgery Unit, Minimally Invasive Surgery Centre, Cáceres, Spain.
Jesús Usón
JU
Gargallo
Elena Abellán
EA
Rubio
José Luis Gutiérrez
JL
Pérez
Daniel Torres
DT
Lagares
Carmen Calles
CC
Vázquez
D000818:Animals; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000193:education*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000193:education*