Advances in CAD/CAM Dentistry

Clint Stevens, DDS, has been offering one-visit dentistry at his practice since 2007 and doesn't think he could practice any other way. In addition to discussing the emerging technology that one-visit dentistry requires, the panel emphasizes the importance of implementing an open-source system. Valerie McMillan, DDS, MS, notes that "the market has shown that an open-source system is expected now." Brad Haines, DDS, agrees that an open system is critical at his practice due to the cost-effectiveness and ease it provides.

The panel's diverse answers to the question "do you enjoy milling and printing in-office or prefer outsourcing to a laboratory" proves that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to a digital dentistry workflow. "It really just depends on what kind of practice you want," McMillan states.

Stevens, Haines, and McMillan disagree on whether they've already seen the death of analog dentistry during their careers; however, they all agree that human interaction during a digital workflow is vital to guaranteeing a quality product at the end.

The discussion concludes with our experts giving their top three reasons to go digital for colleagues who may be considering adopting the technology at their practices.

Brad Haines, DDS, is a member of the American Dental Society, the Charlotte Dental Society, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He maintains a private practice in Cornelius, North Carolina.

Valerie McMillan, DDS, MS, is a member of the American College of Prosthodontics and the American Dental Association and serves on the board of directors for the Dayton Dental Society. She maintains a private practice in Dayton, Ohio.

Clint Stevens, DDS, is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International College of Oral Implantologists. He maintains a private practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma.