Why a Dual Approach Is Key in Dental Technology Today

Digital dentistry is transforming the landscape of dental technology, offering new efficiencies and opportunities for both students and professionals. Eboni-Rose Williams, a dental technician, shares her insights into the field—a journey that began during her university years—in an article published on Dentistry.co.uk.

A Journey into Digital Dentistry

Eboni-Rose Williams’ interest in digital dentistry was sparked during her first year at university. Struggling with the challenges of creating special trays and bite blocks manually, she discovered that 3D printing could revolutionise this process. “When a teacher told me that special trays could be made with a 3D printer, this sounded like magic to me!” she shared. The frustration of issues like undercuts and bur-burned thumbs drove her to explore digital alternatives.

Determined to master this new approach, she began her digital journey with minimal resources—an old 2012 MacBook. Through persistence and experimentation, she succeeded in creating digital special trays by her second year of university. With the guidance of industry experts like Michael Gregory, she gained confidence and skills that would shape her future career.

The Practical Benefits of Digital Dentistry

According to Williams, one of the greatest advantages of digital dentistry lies in its efficiency. “Due to digital design time being significantly quicker than analogue, I find it easier to practise and improve,” she notes. This speed allows for iterative learning and skill enhancement, bridging the gap between technical and hands-on analogue methods.

For Williams, digital tools like CAD and 3D printing serve as both learning aids and productivity enhancers. “I have utilised CAD and 3D printing to make learning materials for myself to practise my analogue skills,” she explained. Beyond individual benefits, these tools streamline workflows for dental technicians, handling repetitive tasks like casting models and creating whitening trays, which frees up time for more intricate work.

A Positive Impact on Education and Recruitment

Williams emphasizes the advantages of learning digital techniques early in a dental career. By integrating digital skills alongside traditional methods, students face less of a learning curve when transitioning between the two. “Students have the advantage of becoming skilled in more than one specialism due to the large range of CAD applications,” she observed. This accessibility is encouraging more students to pursue dental technology as a career.

Moreover, the potential for career growth in digital dentistry is attracting new talent to the field. “I have noticed that the majority of my peers are excited to use CAD and want to excel in it,” Williams reported. The enthusiasm for digital skills is reshaping the industry, offering promising opportunities for aspiring technicians.

Preserving the Value of Analogue Techniques

While digital tools offer numerous advantages, Williams believes analogue methods remain indispensable. “If digital equipment breaks, analogue methods or outsourcing as a back-up plan is essential,” she explained. Experienced technicians with a foundation in traditional methods often excel in digital applications, as their knowledge of anatomical landmarks and artistic details enhances their work.

For instance, while digital software can rapidly design dentures, quality control and aesthetic refinements require human expertise. “The art of customising a digital denture with composite or stains, as well as matching the colour of a crown to the existing teeth, requires our technical skills,” Williams stated. Digital and analogue methods, therefore, complement each other in achieving optimal results.

A Balanced Approach for the Future

Looking ahead, Williams advocates for a dual approach that combines the strengths of both digital and analogue techniques. “Digital dentistry is there to complement and aid workflow, not replace us,” she said. While digital tools simplify and expedite certain processes, the artistic and technical skills honed through analogue methods ensure high-quality outcomes.

“I believe that digital dentistry is exciting and essential to embrace,” Williams concluded. By adopting a balanced methodology, the dental industry can leverage the best of both worlds, paving the way for innovation and excellence in patient care.