Interactive 3D models expand veterinary learning

The University Libraries and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine have transformed a collection of horse dental specimens into interactive 3D teaching models that students and anyone interested in equine health can study anytime.

Digital technology helps students explore equine anatomy beyond the classroom.

Open a cabinet in the veterinary college, and you’ll find rows of preserved horse teeth used for teaching and research.

The collection, known as dental clackers, might seem unusual.

But for veterinary students, the specimens provide hands-on learning opportunities to study equine dental anatomy, oral health, and the characteristics veterinarians use to estimate a horse’s age.

Students can now continue studying the collection long after they leave the lab.

For generations, veterinary students have relied on physical dental specimens to study equine dental anatomy.

Access to the clackers, however, was limited by class schedules, laboratory sessions, and the number of physical specimens available.

“We have a large number of students, but a limited number of clackers,” said Fawzy Elnady, associate professor of anatomy and embryology.

“So I thought we should have a way to increase accessibility for the students whenever they want.” The faculty wanted a way for students to study the specimens beyond scheduled class time, closely examine dental structures, and revisit key concepts whenever they needed additional practice.

Bring the collection online so that students can access it anytime, anywhere.

The report adds to ongoing university-led research relevant to veterinary medicine, animal health, and clinical decision-making.

Source university website: Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine

https://news.vt.edu/articles/2026/07/univlib-clackers.html