Pittman Dental Laboratory Blog

Traditional dentures have served their purpose for many years, but dental technology is constantly evolving. Digital dentures are a prime example, offering a cutting-edge approach to denture creation that benefits both dentists and patients.

In the rapidly evolving field of dentistry, technology has brought forth a wave of innovations that have transformed the way dental professionals operate. Among these advancements, Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, coupled with digital printing, have revolutionized the fabrication of dental prosthetics. While these technologies undoubtedly offer numerous benefits, it's crucial to consider whether Dentists should take on the responsibility of mastering them or if they should delegate these tasks to skilled dental lab technicians. Here, we examine why Dentists should prioritize patient care over becoming CAD/CAM and digital printing experts.

1. Focus on Patient Care: Dentists are primarily trained to diagnose and treat oral health issues, focusing on patient care and satisfaction. Learning the intricacies of CAD/CAM and digital printing systems can be a time-consuming and distracting endeavor, diverting their attention from patient needs. By leaving these technical aspects to experienced lab technicians, Dentists can maintain their primary role as healthcare providers.

2. Complex Learning Curve: CAD/CAM software and digital printing technology require a steep learning curve. Dentists already undergo extensive education and training to obtain their degrees. Adding the complexities of these technologies to their already demanding workload can lead to burnout and decreased quality of patient care.

3. Technological Advancements: The dental industry experiences continuous technological advancements, with software and hardware updates occurring frequently. Staying up-to-date with these changes can be overwhelming for Dentists, whereas lab technicians are equipped to adapt and master evolving technologies.

4. Precision and Expertise: Dental lab technicians specialize in crafting precise and aesthetically pleasing dental prosthetics. They possess the artistic skills and technical expertise necessary to create high-quality restorations that meet the unique needs of each patient. Entrusting these experts ensures superior outcomes for patients.

5. Time Efficiency: Dentists have busy schedules, managing patient appointments, diagnoses, and treatments. By outsourcing CAD/CAM and digital printing tasks to dental labs, they can save valuable time, resulting in more efficient patient care and improved patient satisfaction.

6. Reduced Risk of Errors: Mistakes in CAD/CAM design or digital printing can be costly and time-consuming to rectify. Dental technicians are trained to minimize errors and deliver consistently high-quality products, reducing the risk of complications for patients.

7. Regulatory Compliance: Dental labs are well-versed in regulatory compliance related to materials, sanitation, and quality control. Ensuring the accuracy and uptime of these machines is crucial, as proper maintenance is necessary. Dentists may struggle to keep up with these, putting their practices at risk of down time, legal and ethical complications.

In conclusion, while CAD/CAM and digital printing technologies have undeniably transformed the dental industry, it is in the best interest of Dentists and their patients to leave the technical aspects to experienced dental lab technicians. Dentists can better serve their patients by focusing on diagnosis, treatment, and patient care, allowing lab technicians to handle the intricacies of digital design and fabrication. At Pittman Dental Laboratory, we assign a dedicated Account Manager to each Dentist to oversee the work of our technicians handling their cases. This includes managing the CAD/CAM and digital printing functions. By implementing this system, Dentists can guarantee the utmost level of patient satisfaction and uphold their dedication to delivering top-quality oral healthcare.