Evaluating a method of creating artificial caries in typodont teeth for teaching Class III cavity preparations.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to report a step-by-step process of creating artificial caries typodont teeth and to determine the perception and efficacy of their use in preclinical operative training.

Methods: Artificial caries material comprised of commercially available hide glue and chocolate powder for more realistic coloring was embedded into the distolingual of #9 ModuPRO plastic typodont teeth. First-year dental students having no clinical experience in excavating Class III cavity preparations were divided into two groups.