Welcome back to Digital Dentistry Decoded! We're thrilled to kick off Season 2 with an episode that's sure to excite and inform.
In this premiere, Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny sits down with Rune Fisker, VP of Product Strategy at 3Shape, for a comprehensive discussion on the latest innovations, market trends, and the future of digital dentistry.
As we embark on this new season, we're diving deep into how industry leaders like 3Shape are not just adapting to the rapidly evolving digital landscape, but actively shaping its future.
From anticipated product launches to the integration of AI in dental workflows, this episode offers an insider's look at where digital dentistry is headed.
Listen to our first episode for Season 2 below or continue scrolling to read the highlights.
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3Shape's Recent Product Launches
Rune Fisker shares insights on what he calls "one of the biggest launches in 3Shape history." The company has introduced several new products, including an updated TRIOS 3 and the new TRIOS Core.
Fisker notes the positive market reception: "The market perception has been very, very positive. If we start with TRIOS 3, we're actually surprised of the interest in this."
He explains that the revision of TRIOS 3, including the addition of USB-C and updates to the hardware design, has driven a lot of interest and shown 3Shape's commitment to the platform.
Updated TRIOS 3
The TRIOS Core, priced at $12,400, represents "the most affordable 3Shape scanner in 3Shape history." Fisker states, "There has been a very solid uptake. Of course, it takes longer time in the channel to build new products there, but it has been very well received."
TRIOS Core
The Evolving Scanner Market
Fisker provides a candid assessment of the current intraoral scanner market, highlighting its dynamic nature. He mentions, "We see a lot of dynamics in the market and it's, I think it's great for consumers and I mean, I honestly love it, because it gives dynamic, it gives motion that you need to wake up early to be sure you are competitive."
He discusses the competition, noting struggles for some companies and strong performances for others. Fisker also touches on the emergence of Chinese players in the market, particularly mentioning Shining 3D.
When asked about the future of the scanner market, Fisker predicts consolidation: "I think it will consolidate to these three to five, maybe seven main players, simply because you need to have a very significant innovation spend to stay in the business."
iDD's extensive line-up of intraoral scanners
Cloud Technology in Digital Dentistry
The podcast delves into the importance of cloud technology in digital dentistry. Fisker explains, "There's no doubt that cloud is a massive underlying technology trend." He discusses 3Shape's Unite platform, which allows for case synchronization to the cloud and improved communication between dental professionals.
Fisker notes, "We have rolled out to several thousand customers already, what really are mainly in the US, but really good reception where all cases are synchronized to the cloud."
He also mentions the Unite Cloud app, which allows instant viewing of cases and easy communication.
The Role of AI in Dental Workflows
Artificial Intelligence emerges as a major topic of discussion. Fisker shares impressive statistics about 3Shape's AI-powered design tool, Automate: "We do more than a hundred thousand cases. I think it's actually close to 150,000 cases per month now."
Rune adds, "There's one lab in the US that uploads more than a thousand cases a day. All AI generated and we are up at an acceptance rate now at 92%."
Fisker envisions AI playing a crucial role in various aspects of dental practice. He mentions AI applications in x-ray analysis, CAD design, and even practice management.
He states, "I think we are only scratching, I would say the most obvious surface today. But I think there'll be very significant impact, you can say, across the whole clinic where we are still only taking the first steps."
The Future of Chairside CAD/CAM
When discussing the future of chairside CAD/CAM, Fisker provides a realistic assessment of the market. He suggests that AI could potentially drive chairside CAD/CAM forward, but also notes that many dentists still prefer to work with labs for various reasons.
Fisker estimates the current chairside milling penetration at around 10-15%, lower than some might expect. He observes, "What we have really seen now is people buying printers. We see actually people buying less mills, but a lot of printers."
3D Printing in Dentistry
The conversation touches on the growing role of 3D printing in dental practices and labs. Fisker observes, "Every serious lab today have one or two printers, right. That prints exactly models, but also surgical guides."
He's particularly excited about the potential for 3D printed dentures: "Full dentures are really moving into being printed, we see the first companies trending that at scale."
However, when it comes to 3D-printed crowns, Fisker is more cautious, noting that while there's a lot of interest and investment in this area, "the jury is still out here, in my opinion."
Conclusion
As we wrap up this enlightening conversation with Rune Fisker, it's clear that the world of digital dentistry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. From AI-powered design tools to cloud-based workflows, the innovations discussed in this episode paint an exciting picture of the future of our profession.
Fisker's insights provide a valuable perspective on where the industry is heading. As he puts it, "I'm not afraid. I think it will just be tools that will help us."
This optimistic yet realistic view of the future of digital dentistry sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season of Digital Dentistry Decoded.
Stay tuned for more episodes where we'll continue bringing insights from industry leaders and keep you at the forefront of digital dentistry innovations.
Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast. Until next time, keep embracing the digital revolution in dentistry!