Integration of Digital Dentistry Into a Predoctoral Implant Program: Program Description, Rationale, and Utilization Trends Fatemeh S

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Integration of Digital Dentistry Into a Predoctoral Implant Program: Program Description, Rationale, and Utilization Trends Fatemeh S Use of Technology in Dental Education Integration of Digital Dentistry into a Predoctoral Implant Program: Program Description, Rationale, and Utilization Trends Fatemeh S. Afshari, DMD, MS; Cortino Sukotjo, DDS, MMSc, PhD; Maria F. Alfaro, DDS; Jeri McCombs, DDS; Stephen D. Campbell, DDS, MMSc; Kent L. Knoernschild, DMD, MS; Judy Chia-Chun Yuan, DDS, MS Abstract: A recently revised predoctoral implant curriculum at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry integrat- ed digital dentistry into both the preclinical dental implant course and clinical activities. Traditionally, competence in the didactic and clinical parts of predoctoral education in single tooth implant restorations has emphasized the analog impression technique and subsequent mounting of soft tissue working casts. However, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/ CAM) implant restorations can play a significant role in predoctoral dental education utilizing digital technologies.The goal of the curriculum expansion is to transition from analog to partially digital and, finally, complete digital workflow. The aim of this article is to describe the specific components, implementation, and rationale for the new digitally integrated implant curriculum and present short-term clinical utilization trends. Dr. Afshari is Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Sukotjo is Associate Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Alfaro is a prosthodontics resident, Department of Biological and Materials Sciences and Division of Prosthodon- tics, School of Dentistry, University of Michigan; Dr. McCombs is a dental graduate of the College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Campbell is Professor and Head, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dr. Knoernschild is Professor and Program Director of Advanced Prosthodontics, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago; and Dr. Yuan is Associate Professor and Predoctoral Implant Program Director, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago. Direct correspon- dence to Dr. Judy Chia-Chun Yuan, Department of Restorative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, 801 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612; 312-355-4027; [email protected]. Keywords: dental education, dental implant, digital dentistry, educational methodologies, educational technologies, CAD/CAM Submitted for publication 8/26/16; accepted 12/26/16 doi: 10.21815/JDE.017.050 ore than 20 years ago, the first commer- reduced treatment cost.5 These efficiencies support cially viable computer-assisted design and cost-effectiveness with savings estimated at 60% to manufacturing (CAD/CAM) system was 70%, along with better quality control and improved M 2,3 introduced to the dental profession. Chairside CAD/ patient experiences. This breakthrough technology CAM systems typically consist of three main com- thus holds the potential to profoundly impact the ponents: 1) a chairside optical scanner that captures future of oral health care and revolutionize dentistry. the geometry of a prepared tooth, transforming it into The use of CAD/CAM systems in dentistry has three-dimensional digital data; 2) computer software increased as new materials and improved hardware that allows the user to design a dental prosthesis; and and software have been introduced to the market. In 3) an additive or subtractive manufacturing process 2011, Davidowitz and Kotick estimated that 10,000 that transforms the data into a final prosthesis.1-3 units were being used in North America, which CAD/CAM technology combined with advances in translates to 15% of dental practices in the U.S.2 In material technology allows for a reduction in labor, that year, according to Davidowitz and Kotick, Wil- reduced clinical and laboratory work steps,4 and liam Blair and Company estimated that sales would 986 Journal of Dental Education ■ Volume 81, Number 8 further expand with an increase of 9,100 units per future.13,14 The aim of this article is to describe the year as of 2017. Nevertheless, the adoption of this specific components, implementation, and rationale revolutionizing technology has been gradual. In U.S. for the new digitally integrated implant curriculum dental schools, training in CAD/CAM indirect res- and present short-term clinical utilization trends. torations occurs in a majority of preclinical didactic settings (76%), but only about half of responding schools reported incorporating it in the preclinical Key Components of the laboratory and clinical patient experience.6 However, both students and faculty members have expressed Implant Curriculum enthusiasm and given positive feedback regarding 7,8 Descriptions of the college’s predoctoral learning about and using this technology. implant program, competency categories, pedago- In light of Iacopino’s observation that most new gies, and assessments for implant-supported, single practitioners use technologies they were exposed to 9 unit digital restorations have been previously pub- in their dental training, the University of Illinois at lished15-17 and are summarized in Table 1. Briefly, Chicago College of Dentistry introduced CAD/CAM the predoctoral implant curriculum starts in the technologies to its four-year predoctoral curriculum. spring semester (beginning in January) of the sec- Since 2014, the college has used CAD/CAM technol- ond year. Approximately 104 students participate ogy in both its predoctoral and postdoctoral student in the pre-patient didactic and hands-on laboratory clinics, so that graduates are competent in providing sessions. During this four-month period, they re- both tooth- and implant-supported digital restora- ceive an extensive 24 hours of lectures presented tions. The college introduced a competency statement by multidisciplinary faculty members, followed by with learning objectives, acquired multiple hardware 30.5 hours of pre-patient laboratory exercises. In the and software units, trained the faculty, employed a third year, students matriculate into the clinic for im- digital design technician (DDT), and established a plant patient care until graduation. The competency, digital center that consists of a training center and a teaching pedagogy, and assessment tools vary based centralized clinic that allow for in-house fabrication on the year. Digital implant dentistry instruction is of provisionals and all-ceramic inlays, onlays, single integrated into the core implant curriculum, which crowns, veneers, and fixed dental prostheses. consists of lectures and hands-on preclinical and Traditionally, digital dentistry relative to dental clinical experiences. implants focused more on the surgical placement of the implant.10 On the other hand, most predoctoral implant clinical curricula focus on the restorative Assessment and Learning aspect.11 Today, digital technologies can be incor- Objectives porated and taught as part of implant planning and Formal competency statements, learning objec- restoration. The University of Illinois at Chicago Col- tives, and performance exams were established for lege of Dentistry has incorporated digital dentistry as implant-supported, single unit digital restorations. an integral part of the predoctoral implant program The competency statement reads: “Students must as it potentially provides significant advantages in be competent in the assessment, diagnosis, treat- time efficiency and esthetics over traditional crown ment planning, and application of digital technolo- fabrication procedures. Patient experiences may be gies with implant-supported single unit restorations transformed relative to comfort and time as digital for partially edentulous patients.” The intent is for technologies have been found to be patient-pre- students to receive the instruction and experience ferred.12 Student education may be further enhanced necessary to become competent in providing care relative to assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, using digital technologies to restore single tooth and treatment of patients who require single tooth implants (STIs). Students should also be able to implant-supported restorations. As today’s patients describe available digital techniques for single unit are more knowledgeable about dental technologies restorations, collaborate with a DDT for these types and seek state-of-the-science dental care, graduating of restorations, and properly implement the referral practitioners must be properly trained. The millennial process for more complex patient scenarios. At the generation of dental students quickly adapt and fre- end of their clinical training, all students are expected quently use emerging technology, so exposing them to complete their first implant-supported restora- to digital dentistry will better prepare them for the tions using the conventional or analog approach via August 2017 ■ Journal of Dental Education 987 a partial digital workflow and all other restorations and delivery of a custom abutment and all-ceramic using the complete digital workflow. Furthermore, a restoration. This exam will ensure that students are performance exam has been formulated for intraoral competent in providing single tooth implant digital scanning of implant fixtures followed by fabrication restorations. Table 1.
Recommended publications
  • Digital Revolution in Periodontology
    IOSR Journal of Dental and Medical Sciences (IOSR-JDMS) e-ISSN: 2279-0853, p-ISSN: 2279-0861.Volume 19, Issue 11 Ser.9 (November. 2020), PP 52-56 www.iosrjournals.org Digital Revolution in Periodontology Dr. Noveena Dhanalakshmi S, Dr. Prem Blaisie Rajula M, Dr. PL Ravishankar, Dr. Rajarajeswari S (Department of Periodontics, SRM Kattankulathur Dental college and Hospital, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, India.) Abstract Change towards the digital era is an irreversible global trend. With technology developing at a faster pace, the Digital Revolution has now fully entered the world of dentistry and has become more user-friendly allowing dental professionals to work in smarter ways than before. Diagnostic precision reduces errors and 3D planning for therapies opens the way toward a novel, minimally invasive dentistry that uses compatible and aesthetic materials. Virtual planning ensures predictable aesthetic and functional rehabilitation, painless postoperative recovery, and better communication with patients, thus meeting their expectations. Digital techniques are always superior and will surely become the future of dentistry. So, the need of the hour is to incorporate more digitization into our practice for the comfort of both dentist as well as the patient. The purpose of this article is to explore around the application of digital dentistry in diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Keywords: AI Technology, Conventional neural network, T Scan, Digital Imaging, Compudent, 3D Bioprinting. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- Date of Submission: 10-11-2020 Date of Acceptance: 25-11-2020 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- I. Introduction Dentistry has evolved from a very long time. In 1723 Fauchard was accepted as being the Father of Modern Dentistry because his book was the first to define an extensive framework for the practice of dentistry.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Digital Devices in Dentistry: Clinical Trends and Scientific Evidences
    Journal of Clinical Medicine Editorial The Role of Digital Devices in Dentistry: Clinical Trends and Scientific Evidences Gianrico Spagnuolo * and Roberto Sorrentino Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Oral Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected] Received: 23 May 2020; Accepted: 24 May 2020; Published: 2 June 2020 Abstract: In recent years, digital technologies have significantlychanged the clinical approach to medicine and dentistry. Innovative operative techniques and restorative materials have paved the way to a significant active boost towards full digital workflows. Particularly, novel dental materials offer undeniable advantages such as optimal mechanical resistance, excellent esthetic and optical properties, and reliable accuracy and precision, widening the clinical scenario and allowing for innovative and less invasive restorative solutions. Keywords: digital dentistry; digital tools; technology; computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM); 3D printing; polyether–ether–ketone (PEEK); digital smile design; guided implant surgery; implant dentistry; restorative dentistry Over the past few years, the development of innovative production technologies, performing restorative materials, and novel clinical techniques have pioneered the so-called digital dentistry, broadening treatment options and operative approaches in all branches of dentistry [1–3]. Modern technologies have significantly modified our ways of living and working; digital tools have entered our ordinariness powerfully, changing and enhancing the processes of communication, sharing, acquisition, design, and production, with undeniable advantages not only in our working routine [4,5]. As regards the professional perspective and particularly the medical field, such benefits have to be considered in two ways: operator-related and patient-related.
    [Show full text]
  • Clinical Relevance of Digital Dentistry During COVID-19 Outbreak: A
    Original Article Volume 19 2020 e200201 Clinical relevance of Digital Dentistry during COVID-19 outbreak: a scoped review Roberto Adrian Markarian1 , Renan Lucio Berbel da Silva2 , Shaban Burgoa3 , Otavio Henrique Pinhata-Baptista2 , Juliana No-Cortes4 , Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez Cortes5 ,* 1 São Leopoldo Mandic School, Campinas, Brazil. Aim: To perform a scoped literature review on advantages of 2 Department of Stomatology, School of Dentistry, University of digital workflows in dentistry that could be widely adopted São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. to address safety issues raised during the coronavirus 3 GoBeyond Institution, Curitiba, (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: Recent studies on Brazil. Department of Dentistry, any advantages of digital dentistry – as compared to Universidade Positivo. Curitiba, Brazil. conventional methods – that could help addressing the new 4 Department of Oral Rehabilitation safety demands for dental treatments that emerged due to and Community Care, Faculty of the current pandemic were included. PUBMED, Embase, and Dental Surgery, University of Malta, Web of Knowledge databases were searched for eligible Msida, Malta. articles published in the last five years. The guidelines of 5 Department of Dental Surgery, Faculty of Dental Surgery, University PRISMA statement were followed during data extraction of Malta, Msida, Malta. and evaluation. Results: The present search strategy yielded 181 publications. After application of exclusion criteria, a total *Corresponding author: of 34 studies were finally considered eligible to be discussed. Dr. Arthur Rodriguez Gonzalez Among the most important advantages of digital dentistry Cortes Department of Dental Surgery – that contribute to safety during the current pandemic are: Faculty of Dental Surgery reduced number of clinical appointments required, shorter University of Malta chairside time, less invasive surgeries and safer procedures.
    [Show full text]
  • An Overview of Digital Intraoral Scanners: Past, Present and Future- from an Orthodontic Perspective
    Volume 30 Issue 3 Article 3 2018 An Overview of Digital Intraoral Scanners: Past, Present and Future- From an Orthodontic Perspective Henry Hann-Min Hwang Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Chi-Wei Chou Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Yi-Jane Chen Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Chung-Chen Jane Yao Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://www.tjo.org.tw/tjo Part of the Orthodontics and Orthodontology Commons Recommended Citation Hwang, Henry Hann-Min; Chou, Chi-Wei; Chen, Yi-Jane; and Yao, Chung-Chen Jane (2018) "An Overview of Digital Intraoral Scanners: Past, Present and Future- From an Orthodontic Perspective," Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics: Vol. 30 : Iss. 3 , Article 3. DOI: 10.30036/TJO.201810_31(3).0003 Available at: https://www.tjo.org.tw/tjo/vol30/iss3/3 This Review Article is brought to you for free and open access by Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics. It has been accepted for inclusion in Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics by an authorized editor of Taiwanese Journal of Orthodontics. Review Article AN OVERVIEW OF DIGITAL INTRAORAL SCANNERS: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - FROM AN ORTHODONTIC PERSPECTIVE 1,2 1 1,2 1,2 Henry Hann-Min Hwang, Chi-Wei Chou, Yi-Jane Chen, Chung-Chen Jane Yao 1 Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University 2 Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Digital intraoral scanners(IOSs) have become the ongoing trend in contemporary digital orthodontics.
    [Show full text]
  • 573-8791 [email protected]
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Carolyn Barth April 14, 2016 (312) 573-8791 [email protected] Where to Go When You Chip a Tooth? A Prosthodontist Go to a Digital Dentistry Specialist – Find a Prosthodontist on GoToAPro.org CHICAGO – Dental dentistry technology is revolutionizing dentistry, and prosthodontists are poised to lead the way. It is estimated that there are 4,000 prosthodontists in the United States today. The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) believes digital solutions can significantly improve workflow efficiencies and enhance patient experience, as seen in this NBC News Chicago segment featuring ACP President Carl F. Driscoll, DMD, FACP. With advancements in digital dentistry, getting teeth replaced is even quicker and easier than ever. If a patient chips a tooth before breakfast, they can have a new one before lunch! They’ll be able to eat a salad at lunch and even a steak by dinner. “Patients are starting to see how digital dentistry is revolutionizing dental care by giving prosthodontists the technology to make dental treatment faster and more precise," said Dr. Driscoll. He and Radi M. Masri, DDS, MS, PhD, FACP, are co- editors of a recent textbook on the topic and co-authors of a CE article on the topic for Inside Dentistry’s Jan 2016 issue. The ACP is poised to introduce even more dentists to digital dentistry technology since the ACP Education Foundation in 2015 received a $1.25 million commitment from Henry Schein, Inc., to fund the development of a digital dentistry curriculum at dental schools. Pilot programs are expected to launch in several dental schools in 2017.
    [Show full text]
  • BECAUSE DIPLOMACY IS ALSO a MATTER of SMILING, YOU DESERVE the BEST CARE. “ Only Those Who Are Crazy Enough to Think They Can Change the World Can Do It.”
    BECAUSE DIPLOMACY IS ALSO A MATTER OF SMILING, YOU DESERVE THE BEST CARE. “ Only those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world can do it.” Henry Dunant, Founder of the Red Cross In our dental clinic, we believe that a healthy smile is the key to feeling good about yourself and having a successful professional life. We believe that smiling enriches the relationship with We create synergies between specialists and the people around you: it opens doors, calms tensions doctors to serve our patients. Each person is and comforts your loved ones. viewed by us holistically, which means we approach your needs from both a medical and a socio-professional point of view. Our treatments and expertise have proven to positively impact the lives of our patients, especially in their We use all the latest digital technologies and working environment. They communicate easier, their equipment, this allowing our treatments to be more have more charm in negotiations and say they achieve accurate, more comfortable and faster for you. overall better results in their career after a smile makeover. Dr.Eduardo de la Torre Founder & CEO The team of specialists Dr. Eduardo de la Torre Dr. Paul Cunnac Dr. Manuel Nuñez Esthetic Dentistry, Oral Orthodontist, Esthetic Dentistry, General Surgery and Smile Prosthetics and General Dentistry and Smile Designer Dentistry Designer Dr. Eduardo De La Torre Graduated in Dental surgery from the Alfonso X El Sabio University, Madrid. Masters in Implantology and Oral Rehabilitation from ESI University Barcelona and Loma Linda University California. Specialised in Esthetic Dentistry after courses with some of the best specialists in the world, Dr.
    [Show full text]
  • The Complete Digital Workflow in Interdisciplinary Dentistry
    pyri Co gh CLINICAL RESEARCH Not for Publicationt b y Q u i N n o t t r f e o The complete digital workflow in ssence interdisciplinary dentistry Christian Coachman, DDS, CDT Private Practice, Sao Paulo, Brazil Adjunct Professor, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Newton Sesma, DDS, MS, PhD Assistant Professor, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil Markus B. Blatz, Prof Dr med dent Professor of Restorative Dentistry, Chairman, Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences, and Assistant Dean for Digital Innovation and Professional Development, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Correspondence to: Prof M. B. Blatz Robert Schattner Center, University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine, 240 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; Tel: +1 215 573 3959, Fax: +1 215 898 9981; Email: [email protected] 2 | The International Journal of Esthetic Dentistry | Volume 16 | Number 1 | Spring 2021 pyri Co gh COACHNotMA forN PublicationET ALt b y Q u i N n o t t r f e o Abstract integrating these systems into a feasible, realistic,ssenc e and practical workflow. Creating a simple complete New digital tools facilitating data acquisition, team digital workflow is key to taking advantage of these communication, computer-assisted diagnostics, and digital opportunities and offering their benefits to all treatment planning as well as the design and fabrica- patients. Making digital workflows the routine rather tion of restorations, guides, stents and devices in gen- than the exception is fundamentally important in or- eral have fundamentally altered key clinical and lab- der to grow a dental practice in this new environment.
    [Show full text]
  • [email protected] 312.573.1260, Ext
    CONTACT: Carolyn Barth [email protected] 312.573.1260, ext. 8791 GoToAPro.org Dr. Nicholas L. Egbert Wins the American College of Prosthodontists Region 4 Private Practice Award Honors Presented at AS13 Annual Awards & President's Dinner LAS VEGAS—The American College of Prosthodontists, through its awards program, formally recognizes individuals whose contributions to the specialty or to the College are outstanding and substantial. These individuals were recognized on Friday, Oct. 11 during its Annual Session 2013 Annual Awards and President's Dinner held at Caesars Palace. More than 1,200 dental professionals attended, including prosthodontists and dental technicians. The ACP is proud to announce the following recipient: Region 4 Private Practice Award Dr. Nicholas L. Egbert received his Bachelors of Science in Medical Biology at the University of Utah. He then completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Fascinated with complex, reconstructive implant dentistry, he then pursued a full time three‐year residency in Advanced Surgical Prosthodontics at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. During his residency, Dr. Egbert earned his Masters of Dental Science verifying the accuracy of CT generated implant guides and the efficacy of different bone grafting materials. Dr. Egbert maintains a private practice limited to surgical prosthodontics in Salt Lake City Utah. Dr. Egbert is currently the only board certified specialist in the state of Utah providing start‐to‐finish implant dentistry. Dr. Egbert currently serves as the president of the Utah College of Prosthodontics. His emphasis and passion in dentistry is in the following: sedation, image‐guided, dental implant treatment planning and surgery, and complex dental implant restoration.
    [Show full text]
  • Digital Technology in Fixed Implant Prosthodontics
    This is a repository copy of Digital technology in fixed implant prosthodontics. White Rose Research Online URL for this paper: http://eprints.whiterose.ac.uk/112396/ Version: Accepted Version Article: Joda, T, Ferrari, M, Gallucci, GO et al. (2 more authors) (2017) Digital technology in fixed implant prosthodontics. Periodontology 2000, 73 (1). pp. 178-192. ISSN 0906-6713 https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12164 (c) 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: "Joda, T, Ferrari, M, Gallucci, GO et al (2017) Digital technology in fixed implant prosthodontics. Periodontology 2000, 73 (1). pp. 178-192," which has been published in final form at [https://doi.org/10.1111/prd.12164]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving. Reuse Unless indicated otherwise, fulltext items are protected by copyright with all rights reserved. The copyright exception in section 29 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 allows the making of a single copy solely for the purpose of non-commercial research or private study within the limits of fair dealing. The publisher or other rights-holder may allow further reproduction and re-use of this version - refer to the White Rose Research Online record for this item. Where records identify the publisher as the copyright holder, users can verify any specific terms of use on the publisher’s website. Takedown If you consider content in White Rose Research Online to be in breach of UK law, please notify us by emailing [email protected] including the URL of the record and the reason for the withdrawal request.
    [Show full text]
  • How Technology from Other Industries Can Transform Dentistry
    How technology from other industries can transform dentistry There is a long history of technology migration between dentistry and other branches of medicine. In this article we review recent technology advances in dentistry and predict the new advances which are set to be driven through technology transfer from other industries. Competition in the dental market, and the desire to Digital dentistry and on-site manufacturing improve patient care, requires dentists to adopt differentiated, patient-centric approaches and to Intraoral scanning is a highly developed and effective selectively adopt new technology as it emerges. To gain method for creating digital impressions, and has adoption, new technology must pass robust economic gained mainstream adoption in recent years. Images tests considered either at the level of the sole are stitched together to provide a 3D reconstruction of practitioner or the dental group. The technology must surface profile. Continued improvements in image offer distinct advantages by enabling faster procedural capture and image processing will enable smaller hand workflow, better outcomes or an improved patient pieces, faster scan times and more accurate data sets. experience. Intraoral cameras have improved the patient experience but the more radical changes in care are We predict next-generation dentistry will continue to still set to come, as the availability of digital data is see new innovations in digital dentistry, the ability to used more frequently in combination with CAD/CAM manufacture on site and the ability to image using in the dental office. non-ionizing radiation. The dental office of tomorrow will rely more heavily on connected devices, and Rob Morgan, VP Medical, Sagentia expands: “In office patients will use this technology to exert more control CAD/CAM has been introduced in recent years and over their dental care.
    [Show full text]
  • DIGITAL IMPLANT THERAPY: from SIMPLE to COMPLEX
    DIGITAL IMPLANT THERAPY: From SIMPLE to COMPLEX Digital technology in the dental profession has been advancing at a rapid pace, becoming an integral component in our everyday practice. Digital technology allows for better communication between the clinician, laboratory, dental team and patient. Virtual planning and assessment also permit more predictable treatment outcomes, often in a more efficient manner. 1,2 The integration of digital technology in implant dentistry has been a game changer in many ways. Virtual study models (intraoral scanning) and 3D imaging (CBCT) allow us to digitize our patients and enhance how we diagnose and treatment-plan. Virtual implant planning and guided surgical protocols have improved the precision and accuracy when placing dental implants. The restorative procedure utilizing scan bodies, intraoral scanners, virtual smile design and CAD/CAM technology allows for accuracy and flexibility when proper protocols are followed.3 This article will demonstrate how a complete digital workflow can be used to plan, place and restore dental implants in simple and complex cases. by Dr. Bobby Birdi with Drs. Faraj Edher, Sundeep Rawal and Sajid Jivraj and Angus Barrie, RDT Dr. Bobby Birdi earned his dental degree from the University of Saskatchewan and postgraduate specialty training in both periodontics and prosthodontics from the University of Minnesota. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, and a diplomate of both the American Board of Periodontology and the American Board of Prosthodontics. Birdi is one of the few board-certified dual specialists in periodontics and prosthodontics in North America, and the first and only specialist in the world to attain board certification in these two specialties in both the USA and Canada.
    [Show full text]
  • Dental Public Health Landscape: Challenges, Technological Innovation and Opportunities in the 21St Century and COVID-19 Pandemic
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Editorial Dental Public Health Landscape: Challenges, Technological Innovation and Opportunities in the 21st Century and COVID-19 Pandemic Marco Mascitti 1,* and Giuseppina Campisi 2,* 1 Department of Clinical Specialistic and Dental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60126 Ancona, Italy 2 Department of Surgical, Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy * Correspondence: [email protected] (M.M.); [email protected] (G.C.); Tel.: +39-071-2206226 (M.M.); +39-091-6552236 (G.C.) Received: 18 May 2020; Accepted: 20 May 2020; Published: 21 May 2020 In response to the 2008 economic and financial crisis and to its effects on healthcare systems, dental care has become unaffordable for many people, and a huge number of patients worldwide are avoiding or skipping necessary dental treatments. Furthermore, the progressive aging of the global population and the associated increase in general and dental care needs contribute to concerns regarding the sustainability of healthcare systems. These trends highlight the urgent need for a new sustainable and efficient model of dental care [1]. In this regard, the adoption of modern technology in dentistry, also called by many as “digital dentistry”, is the most promising strategy for reshaping the landscape of oral healthcare. The tumultuous technological progress that we have been experiencing in recent years, in particular since the onset of the Web 2.0 in 2004, has now pervaded every aspect of daily living. Several promising digital technologies, such as the augmented reality, virtual reality, and internet of things are only the most recent and striking examples of this revolution, which goes far beyond purely technological upheavals.
    [Show full text]