LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jun 15, 2017) – Since joining the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry 18 months ago, Dean Stephanos Kyrkanides has worked with faculty, students and the community to make his vision for increasing the use of digital dentistry at UKCD a reality. Kyrkanides’s goals are three-pronged; he wants to utilize leading edge technology to educate clinical dentists, reduce wait time for patients and establish UKCD as leaders in the field of dentistry.
The clear vision and reputation of UKCD was one of the reasons a partnership, including a generous gift of equipment such as milling machines, scanners and software, with Straumann USA LLC was possible. Arjan Haverhals, vice president of customer marketing and education at Straumann USA LLC said, “Straumann and the University of Kentucky can work together to educate future clinicians to provide the best care possible. The landscape of dentistry is changing and the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry has set itself apart and will remain on the cutting edge of innovative technology.”
Kyrkanides believes Straumann chose UKCD as a partner because of the clear vision for increasingly incorporating digital workflows. “UKCD has emerged as a leader in dental education and they are impressed by our vision,” he said. "This gift will facilitate the launch of our increased digital dentistry efforts this fall."
Digital dentistry is part of the field of dentistry that utilizes technology in a way that differs from what has been done in the past. According to Dr. Marcus Abboud, associate dean of digital dentistry at UKCD, use of technology not only provides clinicians with more accuracy, it also enables them to use their time and resources more efficiently — an aspect that is beneficial to both provider and patient.
"A new and complete digital workflow for dental restorations can significantly enhance the overall patient experience, shorten the treatment time and deliver consistent quality results compared to the traditional labor intense craftsmanship," Abboud said. “Starting with an intra-oral scan taking pictures of the tooth eliminates any impression material in the mouth of the patient. It delivers accuracy together with time and cost efficiency through the whole restorative procedure.”
The partnership with Straumann USA LLC will enable UKCD to begin providing this leading edge education to current and future dental providers. “The digital initiative at the UK College of Dentistry entails a comprehensive unique model that educates students, residents, faculty and the dental community in new digital health devices and technologies, and explains the value to patients and the health care system," Abboud said. "Digital technology will be included in all different physical spaces of the UK College of Dentistry, covering every aspect of dentistry from diagnosis, computer aided design to manufacturing.”
Kyrkanides is proud Straumann USA LLC wanted to assist UKCD in achieving its goal of leading the nation and providing the best education possible to dental providers — especially those in Kentucky. Abboud, believes the partnership will draw more students to the University of Kentucky. He said, “College students interested in the dental profession will most likely choose the university that can prepare them best for their future profession. As digital dentistry is the future standard of dental offices, this will be a driving force for students to join the UK College of Dentistry.”
