Get ready to massively improve your exocad skills…
Here's everything you need to know
Thank your for purchasing Mastering exocad: The Fundamentals Course Bundle.
An email has been sent to you with all the details on how to log in.
You have lifetime access to the course and can go at your own pace.
There are quizzes throughout to test you and ensure you receive a CPD certificate.
If you have any questions at all, please email support@instituteofdigitaldentistry.com
Enjoy Mastering exocad!

Marjorie Andrade
Dental CAD Designer
Meet your educator
Marjorie Andrade is a talented dental CAD designer from Santa Catarina, Brazil.
During her career, Marjorie has worked for several high-end laboratories in Brazil focusing on cosmetic cases, where she honed her skills and developed an eye for detail.
The aesthetic demands of patients in her home country can be very high, so this helped her excel in her craft as a CAD designer, working with several well-known dentists.
Her passion is creating beautiful and functional dental restorations with a focus on exocad software which she has spent several years mastering. Marjorie's commitment to excellence and extensive knowledge of exocad make her the perfect person to teach others how to learn and become proficient in using the software.
What's included in the online exocad training course?
Module 1 - Mastering exocad Fundamentals
Access 29 exocad online training lessons designed for total beginners to exocad. In 3 hours this module will give you the confidence to tackle fundamental restorative exocad designs.
01 - 01 - Introduction to exocad and this Course
- Acquire a comprehensive understanding of exocad, a leading software in digital dentistry, and its diverse features and functions that can streamline your dental design process.
- Appreciate the significance of ongoing learning and skill development in mastering software like exocad, and develop strategies to overcome learning challenges.
- Understand the structure and objectives of this exocad Masterclass, designed in partnership with the Institute of Digital Dentistry.
- Gain insight into the instructor's background and experience in the digital dentistry field, providing context for the teaching and learning process.
- Familiarize with different versions of exocad, such as the 3.0 Galway and Rijeka 3.1 versions, and how to navigate through them.
- Understand the structure of the course, divided into three main modules: basic, intermediate, and advanced, each covering specific topics to facilitate focused learning.
- Recognize the benefits of exocad's large user base, open format, constant development, and customization abilities in boosting productivity in dental labs or clinics.
- Understand the options and procedures for purchasing exocad, including the choices between perpetual and flex licenses, and the implications of each.
- Learn about the pricing structure and available add-on modules for the software, allowing you to tailor the program to your specific needs.
- Understand the role of system integrators and resellers in providing technical support, and consider how to select a reseller based on your specific needs.
- Comprehend the potential advantages and disadvantages of using an integrated system versus a stand-alone dental CAD software, and gain confidence in achieving optimal results with exocad.
01 - 02 - Understanding exocad Hardware Requirements for Optimal Performance
- Gain an essential understanding of the key computer components, including Central Processing Unit (CPU), Random Access Memory (RAM), and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), and how they impact the performance of your software.
- Appreciate the significance of sufficient RAM in improving the speed and efficiency of your computer operations.
- Understand the specific role of the GPU in the processing and rendering of three-dimensional images, and its relevance in running graphics-intensive software.
- Recognize the minimum system requirements (screen resolution, power, and operating system) needed for effective use of software like exocad.
- Evaluate the pros and cons of different configurations based on an example, focusing on factors such as storage space and personal workflow.
- Understand the implications of choosing between a notebook and a desktop computer, and make informed decisions based on your specific needs and work style.
- Understand the software compatibility considerations, particularly the need for a Windows-based system and the restrictions on virtual machine environments.
- Learn about potential solutions for using exocad on a Mac, including the use of Bootcamp to install Windows on an Intel-based Mac, and understand the limitations of technical support for this arrangement.
01 - 03 - Setting Up a Case and Setting Options Creating a Case - Settings, Options, and Project Management
- Understand the impact of proper case setup in dental restoration projects.
Gain a working knowledge of the three main areas in a dental database: the project area, the job definition area, and the action area. - Learn the role of timestamps, deadlines, and user guides in the project area.
Discover how to add new clients, input additional information, and track previous works done for specific clients. - Learn how to manage existing orders, recover deleted projects, and permanently erase files from your hard drive.
- Learn the different formats needed for importing projects from different platforms.
Understand the process of selecting tooth number, restoration type, material, and parameters in the job definition area. - Get acquainted with various types of dental restorations and their specific applications.
Learn how to define missing teeth and adjacent teeth, and how to identify the opposing jaw of your restoration. - Understand the role and flexibility of material selection, and how this affects the subsequent design phase.
Recognize the limitations of manufacturer configurations and their implications on the milling process.
Learn the options available for implant-based reconstructions and understand how to create custom abutments and screw-mounted crowns. - Understand how additional scans can be used to create designs and how tooth models can be adapted to pre-op scans.
- Learn how to design a virtual gingiva and the options for making it mandatory.
- Understand the thimble crown workflow and how it impacts the design process.
- Learn the significance of numeric parameters, how to adjust them, and the consequences of these adjustments.
- Understand the color coding used in the database to indicate changes in parameter values.
- Learn how to set and reset advanced parameters.
- Understand the role of material shade information and how it can be utilized for future reference.
- Learn how to quickly replicate settings across multiple teeth.
- Understand the role and management of connectors between teeth in the design process.
01 - 04 - Different Kinds of Files and 3D Viewers Various File Formats and How to Check Received Scans
- Identify and understand the different file formats used in CAD design, their unique features, and their uses in the dental industry.
- Recognize the utility and significance of STL (Standard Triangle Language) files in describing the surface geometry of a 3D object, and how this feature impacts the design and manufacturing process.
- Learn about PLY and OBJ file formats, how they are similar and different from STL files, and the additional value they bring in providing color and texture information.
- Understand the role of software tools, such as Exocad viewer, in aiding the visualization of 3D files, and their application in the dental CAD process.
- Develop skills in analyzing 3D files prior to initiating a CAD project, including identifying potential errors, and understand the impact of this process on overall workflow efficiency and client communication.
- Realize the importance of setting default 3D file viewers to streamline the design process and improve productivity.
- Understand the benefits of proactive issue detection in the project setup phase, including how it leads to improved client relationships and time management.
01 - 05 - Hotkeys and How to Boost Your Productivity
- Understand the value of using hotkeys in Exocad software, specifically how they contribute to boosting productivity in CAD design tasks.
- Familiarize yourself with common hotkeys in Exocad, how they function, and the benefits they offer in streamlining your design process.
- Learn how to hide and display objects in Exocad using Control and the middle mouse button, and understand the advantages of this feature in managing your workspace.
- Explore the functions of the group selector hotkeys, which control the visibility of various elements, such as antagonist, jaw scan, gingiva mask, pre-op scan, 2D images, and full jaw meshes.
- Become proficient in using the hotkeys for specific tools such as grid options, distance tool, and measurement tool, and understand how these shortcuts can facilitate detailed design work and analysis.
- Recognize the cumulative impact of time saved through using hotkeys on overall project timelines and efficiency, reinforcing the importance of these features in professional CAD design work.
- Appreciate the importance of practice in mastering the use of hotkeys and realizing their full potential in enhancing productivity.
01 - 06 - Wizard Mode or Expert Mode - What’s the Difference and Indications
- Understand the two workflows in Exocad software: Wizard Mode and Expert Mode, their specific functionalities, and how to toggle between them.
- Learn about the characteristics of Wizard Mode, including its guided workflow and the limitations associated with parameter adjustments, specifically understanding when it's beneficial to use this mode.
Gain insight into the Expert Mode's ability to offer individual parameter changes for multiple teeth, and recognize the application scenarios where this mode would be advantageous. - Master the process of selecting and manipulating individual teeth in Expert Mode, including the use of the lower toolbar and context menu.
- Become aware of the visual cues that Exocad provides (like bolded options and color-coded cues), helping you understand the chronological order of operations in Expert Mode.
Comprehend how the design tools' availability in the toolbar changes with the progression of the design in Expert Mode. - Recognize the functions in the right frame toolbar that are consistently available throughout the project regardless of its progress.
- Appreciate the subtle guidance provided by Expert Mode, despite its lack of explicit direction, and learn how to utilize these hints effectively.
02 - 01 - Data Orientation and Fixing Inverted Mesh Issues
- Become proficient in initiating the design phase in exocad, including completing the dentalDB configuration, setting up case indications, and initiating the design process.
- Understand the process of uploading and identifying the required meshes for the project, starting with the selection of the arch for restoration and the antagonist.
- Master the steps to adjust scan data orientation, a crucial initial step in wizard mode, and become capable of identifying incorrect scan orientation.
- Acquire the necessary skills to manipulate 3D models within the software, including techniques for rotation, zooming, dragging, and setting a new rotation point.
Understand how to discern the correct orientation of the mesh triangles, focusing on the color indicators within the software. - Learn the importance of ensuring the arch is oriented with the occlusal side facing upwards, and recognize scenarios when this may not be the case.
- Acquire skills to rectify instances where the triangles are inverted, using the Scan Data Editor in expert mode.
- Master the process of inverting triangle orientation to correct misaligned scans, ensuring optimal scan setup for the rest of the design process.
- Learn to seamlessly switch between wizard and expert modes to perform various tasks, improving overall efficiency in working with exocad.
- Understand the functionality of the 3D data editor and its role in the design process.
02 - 02 - 3D Data Editor - Editing Scans and Adjusting Bite Issues
- Gain familiarity with the 3D data editor and its accessibility through the expert mode in exocad, enhancing flexibility and customization in the design process.
- Understand the importance of scan data cleaning and cropping in the 3D data editor, improving the quality and accuracy of design work.
- Learn to manipulate mesh selection options to target specific areas of interest, improving precision in modifications and corrections.
- Develop proficiency in using various mesh manipulation tools such as Delete, Crop, Cut Out, and Combine, providing more control over the design process.
- Acquire skills to repair physical inconsistencies in the scan data, such as holes or divisions in the mesh, ensuring a complete and accurate representation of the dental structure.
- Understand the implications of scan data intersections and their potential causes, such as bite scan inaccuracies, enhancing problem-solving capabilities during the design process.
- Learn the process of identifying and repairing scan data intersections, promoting the production of accurate and high-quality restorations.
- Understand the decision-making process when dealing with scan data intersections, factoring in client consultation and potential impacts on restoration post-processing.
- Learn to navigate alerts and advisories in the software regarding unaddressed intrusions, ensuring an informed and efficient design process.
02 - 03 - Margin Detection - Tools, Tips & Tricks for Every Type of Preparation
- Understand the significance of margin detection in the dental restoration process and its impact on the longevity and adaptability of the resulting crown.
- Learn to utilize automatic margin detection within the software, streamlining the design process in well-defined cases.
- Develop the skill to manually adjust anchor points for precise control over the margin line, improving the fit of the restoration.
- Learn to manipulate the light source angle within the software to enhance visibility and clarity of the margin, fostering an improved understanding of the dental structure.
- Understand the function of the 'subgingival preparation type' option and when it may be beneficial, allowing for flexibility in dealing with a variety of clinical scenarios.
- Gain proficiency in the manual margin detection process, offering the ability to draw and correct the margin line independently.
- Learn to use the 'adjust light' tool to better illuminate the dental model and more clearly identify the margin line, enhancing precision and accuracy.
- Understand the function of the 'undo' and 'redo' buttons, providing an essential safety net during the design process.
- Learn to utilize the automatic hide feature for adjacent teeth to ensure focus on the relevant area.
- Understand the transition from margin line detection to the 'crown bottom step', moving forward in the restoration design process.
- Appreciate the importance of rotating and viewing the dental model from multiple angles to ensure a comprehensive and accurate margin line.
02 - 04 - Crown Bottom and Achieving Well-Fitting Restorations
- Understand the complexity and significance of parameter adjustment in the restoration design process, and how this impacts the fit and manufacturing method of the final restoration.
- Gain familiarity with the cement gap and 'no cement gap' zones in the design, and learn to adjust these according to the needs of the specific case.
- Learn to utilize the 'Add Another Zone' function to customize the design, enhancing adaptability to individual dental structures.
- Comprehend the role of additional spacing, including axial and radial spacing, in the restoration design, and understand the implications of modifying these parameters.
- Understand the importance of the 'border' parameters, including horizontal, angled, and vertical borders, in the design of the restoration.
- Learn to gradually adjust design parameters to optimize the output of the milling machine or 3D printer, improving efficiency and results over time.
- Gain familiarity with undercut-related options and milling parameters in the design software, and learn to adapt these to individual case requirements.
- Understand the significance of the 'block out' function for dealing with undercuts, and gain knowledge about its proper utilization in the design process.
- Learn about the role of 'untouchable zones' in the design, and understand the potential challenges and solutions related to milling these areas.
- Gain knowledge about the 'anticipate milling' feature and how it impacts the design according to the chosen manufacturing method and tool size.
- Understand the implications of tool shape on the final restoration, and learn to adjust parameters to account for differences in tool shape and size.
- Learn to adapt the design parameters for different types of restorations, such as crowns and veneers, according to the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturing method.
02 - 05 - Insertion Axis and Finding an Ideal Path of Insertion
- Comprehend the use of software in determining an optimal insertion axis for dental restorations and recognize the color indications for ideal or non-ideal axes.
- Develop the ability to manually adjust the insertion direction during the "crown bottom" step when necessary.
- Distinguish between different levels of undercuts using the color scale in the software, and understand their implications on the restoration design.
- Appreciate the importance of minimizing undercuts near the margin of the preparation to ease the compensation process in the "crown bottom" phase.
- Understand the real-time update feature for the crown bottom design in the software, enabling you to see instant changes as you adjust the insertion direction.
- Recognize potential challenges in finding an entirely suitable insertion axis in certain cases, and learn strategies to address these situations, including the communication of potential issues to the client.
02 - 06 - Minimum Thickness and Managing Preparations with Insufficient Reduction
- Understand the significance of defining chrome bottom parameters in dental software.
- Recognize the purpose of creating a minimum thickness layer in dental design.
- Explain the default minimum thickness setting for Zirconia and its relevance.
- Appreciate the importance of evaluating interocclusal space before adjusting default parameters.
- Demonstrate the ability to change the minimum thickness setting for specific teeth in dental software.
- Comprehend the limitations in minimum thickness values based on selected materials.
- Evaluate the advantages of selecting appropriate materials, such as wax, in dental design.
- Acquire the knowledge to adjust the minimum thickness based on specific design requirements.
- Demonstrate proficiency in transitioning between expert and wizard modes in dental software.
- Apply the acquired skills to continue with the dental design process effectively.
02 - 07 - Tooth Placement - Tools and Tips for Choosing the Right Morphology
- Understand the purpose and benefits of the "Place Model Tooth" step in dental design software.
- Learn how to select tooth models using visual previews and navigation options.
- Recognize the key considerations for posterior tooth selection, such as fissure depth, cervical shape, and cusp type.
- Appreciate the importance of selecting anatomically appropriate tooth shapes that fit well with the patient's existing dentition.
- Understand the automatic length calculation feature and how to correct mesial/distal markings.
- Gain proficiency in tooth model placement using basic tools like dragging, rotating, and scaling.
- Explore advanced tooth placement techniques and the advantages of using the "Advanced Placement Tool".
- Learn how to lock tooth placement to specific directions for precise positioning.
- Understand the features and benefits of the "Free-form" tool for selective tooth movement.
- Learn how to adjust the occlusal surface of the tooth model using the slider and mouse wheel.
- Gain knowledge of the "Chain" tab for multi-unit cases (to be covered in a more advanced module).
- Understand the importance and usage of the "Show Distances" tool for evaluating restoration fit.
- Learn how to interpret color-coded intersections between the tooth model and antagonist.
- Understand the various visualization options within the "Show Distances" tool, including intersections with adjacent teeth and healthy arches.
- Recognize the significance of leaving space for occlusion and achieving smooth contact points.
- Gain proficiency in using the transparency feature to visualize contact points and make final adjustments.
- Understand the importance of checking the restoration against the antagonist before proceeding.
02 - 08 - Free-Forming - Tools for Tooth Design and How to Use Them Effectively
- Understand the significance of the "Free", "Atomic", and "Adapt" tabs in the dental design process.
- Learn the various tools available in the "Free" tab for adding, removing, smoothing, and flattening the surface of the restoration.
- Understand the importance of using appropriate tool strength and size for precise restoration sculpting.
- Learn the purpose and applications of the "Anatomic" Free-forming tab presets, including editing cusps, tooth parts, entire teeth, and ridges.
- Gain proficiency in using the "Paint and Pull" tool for selective surface editing.
- Understand the features and options available in the "Adapt" tab for occlusal and approximal adaptations.
- Learn how to set the desired distance for occlusal adaptation and consider individual client needs and manufacturing considerations.
- Understand the functions of "Cut Intersections" and "Shape-Preserving Adaptation" options in the adaptation process.
- Gain proficiency in excluding selected parts from adaptation calculations.
- Explore the options and techniques for approximal adaptation, such as using disc cutters, blocking out adjacent scans, and adjusting contact points.
- Understand the importance of manual adjustments and considerations for gap prevention and glaze layer thickness.
- Recognize the significance of leaving the adaptation step as the final part of the design process.
- Understand the merging process that occurs after completing the design.
02 - 09 - Save and Merge Restorations - Finalizing Designs for Export and Manufacturing
- Understand the final steps of the dental design process, including mesh merging and file creation.
- Recognize the importance of saving and organizing the CAD project directory.
- Understand the implications of making changes to the design after merging the parts and the limitations it imposes.
- Learn how to delete merge parts in order to make changes to the design parameters.
- Gain proficiency in navigating the context menu and selecting appropriate options for modifying the design.
- Understand the significance of optimizing the file for better free-forming and 3D printing.
- Learn the importance of ensuring the output data is a watertight mesh without any flaws or self-intersections for 3D printing.
- Understand the differentiation between the restoration workflow and the implant workflow.
- Gain awareness of the upcoming modules that will cover different types of designs, providing a deeper understanding of specific applications.
- Recognize the purpose of the training course in enhancing basic CAD skills.
- Learn how to check and access the finished STL file for further review.
- Understand the efficient and concise nature of the course in providing clear and straightforward instructions.
03 - 01 - Setup and Creating a Lingual Band Learn how to create a minimum thickness coping using the offset coping technique.
- Understand the concept and purpose of offset coping in dental design.
- Recognize the difference between offset coping and a reduced anatomic crown.
- Understand the process of adding the antagonist and gingiva scans to the design.
- Learn how to align and match meshes to ensure accurate positioning.
- Gain proficiency in assessing the alignment accuracy through the color graphic representation.
- Learn how to load the antagonist scan if not defined in the dentalDB.
- Understand the optional step of designing a lingual band for the coping.
- Recognize the importance of leaving the lingual band hidden from the buccal view.
- Gain proficiency in adjusting the collar angle and height for the lingual band.
- Understand the considerations for surface smoothing and preserving the lingual band edge.
- Recognize the importance of ensuring sufficient space for ceramic layering or future crown design.
- Learn how to finalize the case and locate the final file in the project directory.
04 - 01 - Intaglio Settings and Tips for Predictable Design Results in exocad
- Understand the process of designing inlays and onlays in dental CAD software.
- Recognize the importance of selecting the appropriate material and milling machine for the specific restoration.
- Learn how to navigate and switch between different file types, such as OBJ files with color and texture information and basic STL files.
- Understand the significance of analyzing and selecting the appropriate model tooth anatomy for the restoration.
- Gain proficiency in comparing and evaluating the occlusal side of the model tooth and the jaw scan to make informed decisions.
- Learn how to smooth small scan errors and deformities in the jaw scan data to ensure accurate design and adaptation.
- Understand the purpose and utilization of the "Show Distances" tool to assess the fit and contacts of the model tooth.
- Gain proficiency in adapting the design through free-forming techniques while preserving the morphology details.
- Recognize the significance of minimizing extra volume near the margins and leaving room for manual adjustments.
- Learn how to utilize the TrueSmile tool to render the model tooth and visualize the depth of fissures.
- Understand the process of cutting the occlusal and approximal areas to achieve the desired adaptation.
- Gain proficiency in smoothing the intersection with adjacent teeth to minimize adaptation after glazing.
- Learn how to finalize the design and complete the inlay/onlay restoration.
05 - 01 - Quick Workflow for Symmetrical Results Using the Copy Tooth Function
- Understand the process of designing an anatomic crown for an interior tooth using the "Mirror" tool in dental CAD software.
- Recognize the benefits and implications of using the "Mirror" tool instead of loading a custom model tooth from a library.
- Learn how to copy and mirror a tooth model from the scan data and properly define the boundaries and margins.
- Gain proficiency in using the "Advanced Placement" mode for precise tooth placement and alignment.
- Understand the importance of utilizing custom views and the grid feature for accurate tooth placement and symmetry assessment.
- Learn how to analyze and adjust the mesial/distal length of the mirrored tooth for optimal alignment with adjacent teeth.
- Recognize the significance of visual aids, such as the TruSmile module and background grid, in achieving symmetrical tooth placement.
- Gain proficiency in smoothing and refining the tooth surface during the free-forming step while considering contact points and margin adaptation.
- Understand the limitations and considerations when using the "show distances" tool for adaptation purposes.
- Learn how to cut and shape the occlusal and approximal areas of the tooth to achieve proper contour and contact points.
- Recognize the importance of verifying the crown's fit and contact points from various perspectives, such as inside-out and without the jaw scans.
- Understand the process of merging and saving the restorations to complete the case.
06 - 01 - Case Setup, Insertion Axis and Communicating Path of Insertion Issues
- Understand the process of designing a bridge with anatomic crowns and anatomic pontic using dental CAD software.
- Recognize the significance of margin detection and the implications of starting a case with the margin already detected.
- Understand the importance of setting up the insertion axis correctly for bridge cases to ensure proper fit and seating.
- Learn how to approach cases where the abutment teeth are diverging and the steps to equalize undercuts to both sides.
- Understand the potential challenges and solutions for cases with diverging abutment teeth, including printing 3D models for manual adaptation or digitally simulating reduction for the intaglio of the bridge.
- Recognize the importance of patient involvement and communication in decision-making when facing challenges with diverging abutment teeth.
- Gain familiarity with the process of digitally simulating reduction by resetting the case, deleting reconstructions, and using the "smooth" tool to remove extra volumes on the prep.
- Learn how to utilize the "add/remove mesh" tool to bring the initial jaw scan data and create a transparent mesh for visualizing and communicating the reduction to the client.
- Understand the significance of guiding the client through mimicking the reduction and providing print screens or videos to aid in the process.
- Gain proficiency in continuing the bridge design process after addressing the diverging abutment teeth and reduction simulation.
06 - 02 - Library Tooth Placement for Bridge and Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Understand the process of loading custom model teeth and changing tooth library types in dental CAD software.
- Recognize the significance of selecting appropriate tooth anatomy for a specific case and considering the desired shape and characteristics of the teeth.
- Learn how to use custom views to facilitate the placement of bridge units and save time during the design process.
- Understand the importance of aligning the buccal cusps to the correct smile curve and ensuring the buccal volume is appropriate in relation to adjacent teeth.
- Recognize the value of using background grids to assist with aligning jaw scans and achieving proper tooth placement.
- Understand the use of the "Show Contacts" feature and the relevance of focusing on shape and volume rather than color during the design process.
- Gain familiarity with the process of adapting anchor crowns and transitioning to the free-forming stage.
- Gain proficiency in applying the principles learned in the "Single Crown" module to the placement and adaptation of bridge units.
- Recognize the importance of achieving proper alignment and aesthetics in the design of bridge units for optimal patient outcomes.
- Understand the significance of considering the overall occlusal relationship and adjacent contacts when placing bridge units, while prioritizing alignment and buccal volume.
06 - 03 - Free-Forming Phase and Designing a Hygienic Pontic
- Understand the importance of refining tooth shape and making final adjustments during the free-forming step.
- Learn techniques for aligning the occlusal surface of the restoration with adjacent teeth and achieving proper contact points.
- Recognize the significance of considering the client's preferences for cervical adaptation and the desired type of pontic bottom.
- Understand the implications of adapting the pontic bottom to the gingiva and the importance of avoiding food traps underneath the bridge.
- Gain familiarity with different types of pontic bottoms, such as the modified ridge lap, and understand their impact on patient hygiene.
- Learn the importance of smoothing rough edges and creating a smooth surface before completing the design.
- Understand the benefits of using the disk cutter tool to define embrasures and interproximal areas of each bridge unit.
- Recognize the value of preserving anatomic details while ensuring proper overlap and alignment of the bridge components.
- Gain proficiency in adapting the occlusal surface at the appropriate thickness to achieve optimal occlusion.
- Understand the purpose and significance of the Connectors step in the overall design process.
06 - 04 - Connectors - Various Workflows for Long-Lasting Results
- Understand the process of adding connectors to bridge units and the significance of defining connectors in the dentalDB.
- Learn how to delete and add connectors using the right-click menu and the "Connect to Mesial/distal Neighbor" option.
- Understand the importance of defining a "Unique Insertion Direction for Bridges" when designing crowns as single units and later connecting them.
- Gain knowledge about the factors to consider when determining the minimum size of connectors, such as cross-sectional area and height.
- Recognize the importance of ensuring adequate connector size and shape to withstand occlusal forces and prevent rupture over time.
- Learn how to make adjustments to the position, docking place, and shape of connectors using mouse interactions and keyboard shortcuts.
- Understand the significance of maintaining a minimum cross-sectional area and troubleshooting space restrictions by modifying the positioning or shape of the connector.
- Gain proficiency in free-forming the connectors to achieve desired dimensions and alignment.
- Learn how to assess and ensure the smoothness and thickness of the connectors for optimal strength.
- Understand the process of finalizing the bridge design, including smoothing the connectors and saving the merged design file.
- Recognize the value of free-forming the finished design as a whole to refine the overall aesthetics and strength of the bridge.
07 - 01 - Full Anatomy Reduction and Making Room for Layered Ceramics
- Understand the process of changing the reconstruction type in dental CAD to reduce the anatomy of a bridge design.
- Learn how to delete merged restorations and change reconstruction type to modify the design manually.
- Understand the importance of discussing the desired reduction amount with the person who will finish the case manually after milling.
- Learn how to adjust the reduction depth and exclude specific parts from the reduction process.
- Understand advanced parameters such as "reduce less on lingual side" and "multilevel reduction" and their impact on the reduction process.
- Gain proficiency in adjusting the minimum thickness and basal reduction depth to meet material-specific requirements.
- Learn the importance of applying changes to visualize the effects of reduction and using the free-form tool to smooth the surface if necessary.
- Understand the need to correct connectors that may be too large for the framework and learn how to access the connectors tool to make adjustments.
- Gain proficiency in merging and saving restorations after completing the reduction process.
- Understand how to revert the restoration to a full anatomic bridge by deleting merged and reduced parts and changing the reconstruction type.
07 - 02 - Buccal Reduction or Cutback for Partial Veneering
- Understand the concept and purpose of buccal reduction in dental CAD.
- Learn how to selectively reduce the front of a restoration for ceramic layering or frame design.
- Understand the limitations of using cutback designs from libraries and the importance of manual reduction.
- Learn the recommended range of reduction (0.5 to 0.8 millimeters) for buccal reduction cases.
- Understand the potential consequences of using the "reduced less on lingual side" option and the importance of maintaining contact points with adjacent teeth.
- Learn how to exclude selected parts and manually define the reduction areas by painting them.
- Understand the significance of making the jaw scan transparent to assist in eliminating boundaries and ensure proper reduction.
- Gain proficiency in applying and visualizing the reduction changes and using the free-form tool to smooth rough areas and make adjustments.
- Learn how to utilize cusps or tooth parts to refine the reduced boundaries, if necessary.
- Understand the final steps of the buccal reduction process and how to finish the case in dental CAD.
08 - 01 - Creating a 3D Printed Master Model with Extra Dies
- Understand the different ways to access the Model Creator module in dental CAD.
- Learn the importance of cleaning jaw scans from artifacts before creating models to ensure smooth calculations.
- Gain proficiency in switching to Expert Mode and accessing the Model Alignment window.
- Understand the concept of model types and their significance in optimizing printing and base plate fitting.
- Learn about the plateless model options, including cut-out dies and extra dies.
- Understand the importance of positioning jaw scans and adjusting the height of the model using the slider.
- Learn how to rotate the model to face the front side and distribute the upper and lower jaw model height equally.
- Gain proficiency in creating the model by toggling tooth dies and accessing the Plateless Model Design options.
- Understand the parameters and presets provided in the Plateless Model Design window and the option to access detailed explanations in the exocad Wiki page.
- Learn how to customize settings, disable certain checkboxes, and adjust the pedestal height for a polished finish.
- Gain proficiency in producing the model and dies by clicking "Run" and saving the model.
- Understand the process of creating models for antagonists and the steps involved.
- Learn how to locate and identify the STL files for printing the models in the project folder.
- Understand the significance of having separate files for the full jaw model and individual dies.
08 - 02 - Creating a 3D Printed Model with Removable Cut-out Dies
- Understand the concept of "cut-out dies" in model design and its significance in creating separate dies for the model.
- Learn how to access the Model Alignment window and change the model type to "cut-out dies".
- Gain proficiency in aligning jaw scans to ensure accurate model design.
- Understand the importance of analyzing the parameters and settings in the Model Design window by referring to the exocad Wiki page.
- Learn how the fitting of dies in the model is affected by printer parameters and resin exposure time.
- Gain proficiency in adjusting parameters, such as horizontal and vertical shaft gap, to achieve the desired fitting between the dies and the model.
- Understand the significance of the ditch parameter in removing material around the delimited margin and ensuring proper seating of the crown without gingival interferences.
- Learn how to create a separate gingiva mask by selecting and delimiting the desired area.
- Understand the importance of setting a minimum thickness for printing flexible gingiva and the option to add retention nubs if necessary.
- Gain proficiency in running the calculation and checking the finished files in the project folder.
- Understand the significance of having separate files for the model and individual dies in the project folder and their role in the printing process.
09 - 01 - Improving Communication - Explain Case Issues with Cut View, Annotations and, Screen Shots
- Understand the importance of effective communication with clients in exocad.
- Identify and demonstrate the use of the cut view tool in exocad.
- Utilize the cut view tool to manipulate and navigate the 3D scene for enhanced visualization.
- Explore advanced options within the cut view tool to optimize its functionality.
- Apply the cut view tool to measure distances between surfaces in the 3D scene.
- Comprehend the process of adding annotations to a scene to enhance client understanding.
- Utilize the annotation editor to create and customize annotations in exocad.
- Capture and save screenshots of the scene with annotations for client communication.
- Recognize the value of sending images to clients and engaging in effective case discussions to achieve optimal results in exocad.
09 - 02 - Improving Communication - Sharing Case Screenshots and 3D Case Preview in Browser or exocad Webview
- Understand the advantages of using HTML and PDF file exports for sharing case information in exocad.
- Explore the functionalities of the HTML file export, including the ability to view the case in 3D, manipulate the scene, and control object visibility.
- Demonstrate the process of selecting specific objects for export in the HTML file and saving visible objects only.
- Recognize the option to encrypt HTML files for added security and the importance of creating a password for encrypted files.
- Familiarize oneself with the accessibility and sharing options for HTML files, such as sending them via email or messaging apps.
- Experience the interactive navigation and exploration of cases using HTML files in a web browser.
- Understand the retention period of data in HTML exports and the automatic deletion after 90 days.
- Discover the alternative method of sharing case information through PDF file exports.
- Identify the inclusion of 3D visualization and multiple screenshots in PDF files for comprehensive case representation.
- Learn how to open and enable the 3D content option in PDF files using the Adobe Acrobat Reader app.
- Comprehend the significance of improving communication with clients through effective utilization of HTML and PDF file exports in exocad.
- Recognize the role of sharing information with clients to minimize errors and surprises in dental cases.
09 - 03 - Correctly Installing New Tooth and Implant Libraries
- Understand the advantages of using HTML and PDF file exports for sharing case information in exocad.
- Explore the functionalities of the HTML file export, including the ability to view the case in 3D, manipulate the scene, and control object visibility.
- Demonstrate the process of selecting specific objects for export in the HTML file and saving visible objects only.
- Recognize the option to encrypt HTML files for added security and the importance of creating a password for encrypted files.
- Familiarize oneself with the accessibility and sharing options for HTML files, such as sending them via email or messaging apps.
- Experience the interactive navigation and exploration of cases using HTML files in a web browser.
- Understand the retention period of data in HTML exports and the automatic deletion after 90 days.
- Discover the alternative method of sharing case information through PDF file exports.
- Identify the inclusion of 3D visualization and multiple screenshots in PDF files for comprehensive case representation.
- Learn how to open and enable the 3D content option in PDF files using the Adobe Acrobat Reader app.
- Comprehend the significance of improving communication with clients through effective utilization of HTML and PDF file exports in exocad.
- Recognize the role of sharing information with clients to minimize errors and surprises in dental cases.