Facing the Future

Digital innovation continues to change the landscape of dental technology

Every summer, Inside Dental Technology publishes an issue highlighting the newest innovations and cutting-edge technology that is being introduced into the laboratory industry. This year, the July/August Tech Issue of IDT looks toward the future of dental laboratory technology in the age of artificial intelligence (AI), automation, 3D printing, and expanded digital communication and collaboration. The featured experts include Jesse Flor, MBA, CDT, John Madden, CDT, and Stijn Hanssen.

Flor is a second-generation dental technician, laboratory owner, educator, and digital dentistry specialist known for innovation. In his Q&A, he discusses the present and future of automation in both milling and 3D printing.

Read Automation Has Arrived in Full Force by Jesse Flor, MBA, CDT

Madden is a laboratory owner as well as an allied healthcare professional at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where he is involved in numerous projects on the cutting edge of innovation, particularly in removable prosthetics. His Q&A shines light on current research in denture technology and the potential of multijet and polyjet printing to re-imagine denture fabrication.

Read An Inevitable Paradigm Shift? by John Madden

Hanssen is the director of Dental Applications & Business Development for 3D Systems, and his column provides insights on the evolution of the in-house dental technician as 3D printing is integrated into more dental practices.

Read The Integration of Laboratory Technicians Into Clinical Practice by Stijn Hanssen

As the landscape of dental technology continues to evolve, we hope the perspectives of these industry leaders will help keep you up to date on the future of the laboratory market, prepare you for the impact that these innovations might have on your laboratory, and help give you an idea of where the research will be moving in the future.