OMU Invests in Dental Simulation, AI-Supported Training and Micro-CT Research

The new facility will support hands-on dental training in a clinical simulation environment, while additional investments in AI-supported haptic simulation and Micro-CT infrastructure are set to further strengthen education and research.

A new Preclinical Simulation (Phantom) Laboratory, where 86 students can receive hands-on training simultaneously, has opened at the Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Faculty of Dentistry.

The opening ceremony was attended by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşe Pınar Sumer, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz, vice-deans, academic and administrative staff, and students.

Equipped with modern simulation technologies, the laboratory forms part of a broader investment program at the Faculty that also includes an AI-Supported Haptic Simulation Laboratory and new Micro-CT research infrastructure.

Completely renovated to strengthen the Faculty’s educational infrastructure, the Preclinical Simulation Laboratory is expected to operate at full capacity during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The facility will enable dentistry students to develop their professional knowledge and manual skills through practical training in an environment designed to replicate clinical conditions as closely as possible.

Three New Investments in Education and Research Infrastructure

In addition to the new Preclinical Simulation Laboratory, two further projects are underway to strengthen education and scientific research at the OMU Faculty of Dentistry.

The procurement process has been completed for the externally funded AI-Supported Haptic Simulation Laboratory.

Using next-generation haptic systems, the laboratory is intended to allow students to perform simulated clinical procedures in a virtual environment. AI-supported analysis will also enable objective and measurable assessment of student performance.

A further step has been taken toward establishing Micro-CT (Micro-Computed Tomography) Research Infrastructure following the approval of a Scientific Research Projects (BAP) project led by Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz.

The planned Micro-CT system will enable non-destructive three-dimensional imaging at micrometre resolution and is expected to support scientific research across multiple disciplines.

Rector Aydın: “We Are Building Infrastructure for the Future, Not Just Meeting Today’s Needs”

Speaking at the ceremony, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın said the investments at the Faculty of Dentistry were designed not only to meet current educational needs but also to strengthen the University’s future scientific and technological capacity.

“We consider it a priority to develop our educational environments in line with contemporary standards and provide our students with high-quality, modern learning opportunities,” Rector Aydın said.

“The 86-student-capacity Simulation Laboratory we have opened at our Faculty of Dentistry is a concrete reflection of this approach.”

She emphasized that the AI-supported haptic laboratory and Micro-CT infrastructure should be viewed as complementary investments.

“Our aim is to strengthen education, technology, and scientific research under the same roof,” she said.

“We do not see these investments as separate initiatives. On one side, we have modern phantom systems that will develop our students’ fundamental manual skills; on another, AI-supported simulation technologies with force feedback; and on another, Micro-CT infrastructure that will enable advanced scientific research.”

Rector Aydın said the Micro-CT system could also contribute to interdisciplinary work beyond dentistry.

“We believe the Micro-CT infrastructure will support interdisciplinary research and university–industry cooperation in fields including engineering, biomedicine, materials science, manufacturing technologies, and the defense industry,” she said.

She thanked the Faculty administration, academics, and staff who contributed to the projects and expressed her hope that the investments would benefit both students and the University.

Prof. Dr. Gündüz: “We Are Strengthening Education and Research Infrastructure Together”

Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Kaan Gündüz said one of the Faculty’s priorities has been to modernize educational environments while simultaneously developing its scientific and technological capacity.

“We have completed and opened our Simulation Laboratory, where 86 students can receive practical training at the same time,” Gündüz said.

“In the next stage, we will add the AI-Supported Haptic Simulation Laboratory to our educational infrastructure. At the same time, under our approved BAP project, we are continuing preparations to establish Micro-CT research infrastructure at the University.”

Gündüz said the Faculty views modern practical training environments, next-generation simulation technologies, and advanced research infrastructure as parts of a single integrated development strategy.

“We will continue working to further strengthen the educational and research capacity of our Faculty, offer our students higher-quality practical learning opportunities, and develop joint scientific studies with other disciplines,” he said.

He also thanked Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, the vice-rectors, academics, and all staff members who contributed to the investments.

New Laboratory Opens to Students

Following the speeches, the new Preclinical Simulation Laboratory was officially opened.

Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın and the accompanying delegation toured the facility and received information about the systems and ongoing work.

The delegation also examined the training units and simulation infrastructure that students will use during their practical education.

The program concluded following the tour of the newly opened laboratory.