Technical note: A clinical skills teaching‐aid for paediatric minor oral surgery

Aim To describe the preparation of a cost‐effective teaching model for paediatric minor surgical procedures. Material and methods A surgical simulator for paediatric minor oral surgery for supernumerary‐/canine removal, incisor‐/canine exposure and bonding was created using an impression of a KaVo model in to which Formula Dentsone was poured following the positioning of plastic teeth in to ectopic positions. To simulate soft tissue, a layer of Dentsply Aquasil™ Ultra Monophase Smart Wetting ® Impression Material of medium‐body consistency was injected around the gingival margins of the teeth and over the labial/buccal stone and palatal regions. Results The cost/model for the surgical simulator approximated €10, a considerable saving on the commercially available products. Conclusions Such a surgical simulator can be readily constructed by institutional Laboratory Services to provide a relatively inexpensive teaching aid for paediatric minor oral surgical procedures.