At the Institute of Digital Dentistry, we're committed to keeping you at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of digital dentistry. Our podcast, Digital Dentistry Decoded, is one way we bring you insights directly from the industry's top minds and innovators.
In line with our mission to simplify the transition to modern dental workflows, each episode of Digital Dentistry Decoded serves as your guide through the complex landscape of digital dentistry. We sit down with leaders who are shaping the future of our field, asking the questions you want answered and decoding the latest trends and technologies.
In our first episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Max Milz, Group Vice President for Connected Technology Solutions at Dentsply Sirona. As a global leader in dental technology, Dentsply Sirona's vision for the future of digital dentistry carries significant weight in the industry.
Max shared some fascinating perspectives on where digital dentistry is headed. Have a listen to the podcast below or keep reading to learn his key takeaways below.
Unified Digital Workflows Are the Future
One of the biggest challenges dentists face today is integrating all the disconnected digital technologies into their practices. Max emphasized that Dentsply Sirona's vision is to create a unified digital ecosystem through their DS Core cloud platform.
"DS Core for us is really kind of the engine to drive, let's call it the great simplification of digital dentistry," Max explained. The goal is to centralize all patient data, streamline workflows, and enable seamless collaboration between practices, labs, and specialists.
Max elaborated on the benefits: "It connects equipment, right? So uploading the data from a scanner or a CBCT. And from there, it's really the starting point for workflows, and that starts with integrating data in a single digital media file, storing that securely and also making it accessible from anywhere so that you become less device dependent."
Cloud Technology Will Transform Practice Management
Max predicts that cloud platforms like DS Core will dramatically reduce the need for local servers and workstations in dental practices. By moving everything to the cloud, dentists will be able to access patient data and manage their practice from anywhere.
"Every machine that goes into a dental practice essentially comes with a computer," Max noted. "The great thing about cloud technology is that it's not just software. It's basically software and unlimited computing power. So when we think about the future, we think about how can we get all of those PCs out of the practices because they age, they need updates, they cost extra money."
This shift to cloud-based practice management also opens up exciting possibilities for AI-assisted diagnostics and treatment planning.
3D Printing and Milling Will Co-Exist
While 3D printing generates a lot of buzz, Max believes it won't fully replace milling anytime soon. Each technology has its strengths - milling for strong, permanent restorations and printing for surgical guides, models, and temporary restorations.
"If you think about an implant procedure, you might print the surgical guide, and then you might print a temporary crown, and then you would mill the permanent crown," Max explained. "So it's actually bringing the complete process in-house into the dental practice."
Dentsply Sirona's CEREC Primemill
The key is leveraging both technologies appropriately to provide comprehensive in-house production capabilities.
Materials Science Continues to Advance
Dentsply Sirona is investing heavily in developing new materials for milling and 3D printing. Max hinted at some exciting innovations in the pipeline that will expand the applications for chairside restoration production.
Dentsply Sirona's catalog of materials for milling.
Dentsply Sirona's catalog of materials for 3D printing.
"I think there's still technologies that will make milling better, and I would look at the complete workflow of milling rather than just what the mill can do," Max shared. He emphasized that advances in materials and design software will continue to improve the quality and efficiency of milled restorations.
AI Will Enhance, Not Replace, Dentists
Artificial intelligence and automation will increasingly play roles in diagnosis and treatment planning. However, Max stressed that the goal is to augment and assist dentists, not replace clinical judgment.
"I prefer to actually call it assisted intelligence and not artificial intelligence," Max clarified. "AI is fundamentally about automation of steps that you're doing manually at the moment, right? And giving you an assistance to say, okay, I can help you do this faster."
He added, "It's really about aids. It's not about replacing anything. It's giving you tools that help you work better. That's what this is all about."
The Importance of Education and Integration
Max emphasized that the key to successfully adopting digital technologies is proper education and integration into existing workflows. "The single biggest concern the people have is I don't have enough staff, my staff is not well trained enough, they spent their time on all sorts of admin stuff and technical things," he noted.
This is why solutions that simplify workflows and are easy to delegate are crucial. Max explained, "For us, it's really about increasing the efficiency of all the different pieces coming together so you can free up people's time. To work on the most important topic, and that's the patient's health at the end of the day."
Looking Ahead
The pace of innovation in digital dentistry is accelerating rapidly. While this creates exciting opportunities, it can also be overwhelming for practitioners. Max's insights remind us of the importance of taking a strategic, patient-centered approach to adopting new technologies.
As Max put it, "People are not excited about technology because of technology. They are thinking about, okay, how can I gain more efficiency? How can I grow my practice?"
At iDD, we're committed to helping you navigate the digital transition and leverage these tools to elevate your practice. Stay tuned for expert interviews and in-depth technology reviews to keep you at the forefront of digital dentistry!
To dive deeper on DS Core capabilities and outlook with Dentsply Sirona’s Max Milz, check out the full podcast episode here.
What potential do you see for cloud integration advancing digital transformation across dental practice?
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