On April 27-28, digital advocates from all areas of dentistry gathered in London to talk technology and discuss the latest developments and trends in areas such as predictive treatment, diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention.
This year’s keynote speaker was Dr Bertalan Mesko, ‘medical futurist’ and self-confessed geek physician with a PhD in genomics and an acclaimed author. Bertalan challenged the audience with his predictions on the ways digital heath technologies are set to impact on the future of health care.
Bertalan was joined by a first-class line-up of speakers including Rune Fisker, Sinead McEnhill, Colin Campbell, Adam Nulty and Josef Kunkela, as well as renowned technicians Petr Hajny, Vicken Hatsakordzian, and many more. Topics were wide-ranging and included the importance of retaining the human element in digital dentistry, the rising influence of digital dentistry apps and how dentists can drive patient engagement through the use of digital technology.
Henry Schein ConnectDental was a pivotal part of the two-day event, showcasing a comprehensive range of digital solutions, which can help practitioners harness the efficiencies of digital workflows and benefit from the economic impact of offering single-visit dentistry. The pace of change in digital is already being felt by the profession and improvements in aesthetics, guided implant surgery and digital shade matching is quite breath taking, and the rise in 3D printing and digital dentures are now taking treatment options to a whole new level.
There was much interest in the many innovative digital solutions on show and five in particular caught the profession’s imagination:
The 3Shape Trios Move
This mobile HD touch screen is the ultimate communication tool that enables dentists to involve and engage patients in their treatment. Compatible with all Trios 3 scanners, it has an adjustable arm and swivel screen, enabling the clinician to position it exactly where needed and facilitate vastly improved patient engagement and treatment acceptance.
The 3M True Definition Scanner
Available in mobile or cart edition, this scanner offers excellent accuracy, ease of use and affordability for making fast, precise digital impressions. The 3D-in-motion video technology generates a true replica of the patient’s oral anatomy and improves visibility right from the start. The innovative design ensures fast, comfortable intraoral scanning for greater patient comfort.
The Dentsply Sirona Chairside Solution
The original chair side solution, CEREC makes it possible for dentists to offer patients genuine same-day dentistry – from fast and accurate digital scanning to versatile and intuitive digital design, in-house milling, sintering and glazing. Catering for patients’ increasingly busy lifestyles ,CEREC maintains excellent quality and functionality, but with the speed and precision now so much in demand.
The 3Shape X1 4-in-1 CBCT scanner
This CBCT scanner offers low dose scanning and high image quality with its innovative motion compensation and dynamic field of view (FOV) technology. Its sleek design and no requirement for head fixation provides a comfortable scanning experience for the patient. Ease of operation and intuitive workflows, combined with full integration with 3Shape treatment modules for orthodontics and implant dentistry make this digital equipment extremely versatile.
Formlabs Form 2 3D printer
The Form 2 3D printer, which is now available from Henry Schein Laboratory, provides high-resolution 3D printing, featuring laser-sharp prints and stunning surface finish. It can deliver both large, solid parts, and small intricate detail and has a small desktop footprint. The Form 2 has wireless connectivity and touchscreen control and integrates seamlessly with 3Shape and other dental software systems.
The 2018 Henry Schein Digital Symposium did not disappoint, and delegates went away with their heads full of new ideas and genuine excitement about the possibilities that digital dentistry is opening up.