This study aimed to develop a novel polymer-infiltrated ceramic network (PICN) composite fabricated via a slip-casting method for a dental training model tooth with machinability compatible to human enamel. A PICN model tooth comprised of silica/acrylic-resin was fabricated via the slip-casting method. A commercial resin-based model tooth and human enamel were used as the control sample. The samples were evaluated based on Vickers hardness, inorganic contents, density, and machinability. The machinability was characterized by a grinding amount obtained from the grinding test using a device equipped with a dental micromotor handpiece with a diamond bur. The properties of the PICN model tooth yielded a silica content of 84.7% and a density of 1.99 g/cm3, and its Vickers hardness (312) was comparable with that of enamel (348). The grinding amount was comparable with that of enamel. The castable PICN model tooth was compatible to enamel in terms of hardness and machinability.
Keywords: Dental education; Enamel; Mechanical properties; Polymer-infiltrated ceramic network; machinability.