A novel ex vivo perfusion-based mandibular pig model for dental product testing and training

Background A translational ex vivo perfusion-based mandibular pig model was developed as an alternative to animal experiments, for initial assessment of biomaterials in dental and maxillofacial surgery and training. This study aimed to assess the face and content validity of the novel perfusion-based model. Methods Cadaveric porcine heads were connected to an organ assist perfusion device for blood circulation and tissue oxygenation. Dental professionals and dental trainees performed a surgical procedure on the mandibula resembling a submandibular extraoral incision to create bone defects. The bone defects were filled and covered with a commercial barrier membrane. All participants completed a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale to assess the face and content validity of the model. Validation data between the two groups of participants were compared with Mann-Whitney U test. Results Ten dental professionals and seven trainees evaluated the model for face and content validity. Participants reported model realism, with a mean face validity score of 3.9 +/- 1.0 and a content validity of 4.1 +/- 0.8. No significant differences were found for overall face and content validity between experts and trainees. Conclusion We established face and content validity in a novel perfusion-based mandibular surgery model. This model can be used as an alternative for animal studies evaluating new biomaterials and related dental and maxillofacial surgical procedural training.