A Study on Applying a 3D Printer to Healthcare; Dentistry Area

Background/Objectives: The purpose of this paper is presents various areas where 3D printer can be utilized. It is examine the range of utilizing 3D printer in various areas, and help understand 3D printer through presenting areas where 3D printer can be utilized in dentistry among healthcare areas in particular. Methods/Statistical Analysis: With regard to research method, data were searched for on-line and off-line. Image and papers relating to 3D were searched for and manufacturers were surveyed in Yahoo UK on-line. And cases of use were investigated through calling professionals who actually utilized 3D printer in dental clinic off-line. On the basis of details of on-line and off-line findings, the areas where 3D printers are currently utilized are summarized. Findings: The original purpose of 3D printer was to make a prototype before releasing a product. However, recently, areas where it has been utilized are extended to industry, healthcare and real life areas. In the industry area, a more precise and elaborate process is enabled by using the advantage of 3D printer that stacks one layer on top of another. These characteristics show excellent efficiency that reduces costs and efforts required in product development as the time taken to develop a product is decreased by 5~10 times in comparison with conventional method. In the health care area, 3D prosthesis can be made like that. So, it is possible to make a prosthesis that is more similar to human body part. Cases of applying a 3D printer to health care include prosthetic finger, dental surgery, bioartificial liver, skull, bronchial tube, paranasal sinus cancer surgery, conjoined twins surgery, and model for education. Improvements: In health care areas, an artificial bone, joint or tooth can be manufactured with a structure that best fits a patient's body if a printing technology is utilized by using a 3D printer. So, it is forecasted that dental treatment using this will develop and application scope will become wider in the future.