The importance of CAD/CAM technology in the dental industry

23/02/2023

Did you know the tooth is the only part of the body that can’t repair itself?

Technology is changing the world as we know it, and the dental industry is no exception. Today, dental technicians are seeing increased use of computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAD). The industry is seeing a move to what was seen as impossible a few years ago; CAD/CAM technology is creating waves from creating restorations to aiding in treatment planning.

So, will we be able to repair teeth in the future?

Restorations

If you’re wondering how CAD/CAM technology is useful in the creation of restorations, it is often used by dental professionals in the prosthodontics field to improve the design and creation of dental appliances such as dentures and crowns. Technology contributes to increasing the speed of the design and creation of these dental restoration structures, and it can also help the convenience of dental professionals.

CAD/CAM restorations are also more accurate than those made using traditional methods; looking more durable and natural. Restorations fit more tightly than traditional ones too as they are made using digital teeth scans; resulting in a more comfortable fit for the patient.

Treatment Planning

When we refer to what treatment planning means, we are talking about how dentists develop an action plan to address a patient’s individual dental needs. CAD/CAM technology means that these plans can be created quickly and easily. It also means that it is now easier to share treatment plans with other dental professionals, such as orthodontists or periodontists. The traditional nature of teeth being unable to repair themselves places focus on the evolution of technology to be a part of the solution.

Education

The introduction of technology in the dental industry means that those looking to enter the industry need access to the most up-to-date education and training, preparing them for the working environment. We are seeing dental schools increase their use of simulations and Virtual Reality to teach students about aspects of dentistry, such as anatomy or procedure techniques. This allows dental technology students to not only gain a realistic industry experience without putting patients at risk, but it is also enabling them to learn at their own pace and retake simulations until they master the content and are confident.

Study a Master’s in Digital Dental Technology

If you are thinking about pursuing a dental technology career, then studying MSc Digital Dental Technology at the University of Bolton could be a great way to enhance your employment prospects. Our course is approved by the General Dental Council, so it is designed to help you understand and learn the latest advances in dental technology. 

We are also one of only four UK universities to offer a dental technology degree, but we go the extra mile for our students with our postgraduate course; allowing them to gain the skills they need to succeed in a demanding and competitive industry.

You will study in our £4.8 million Centre for Dental Sciences, equipped with purpose-built dental laboratories, dental processing rooms, and a commercially sponsored digital dental laboratory. Our MSc Digital Dental Technology course is ideal if you are a dental technician or clinical professional looking to take their existing dental technology knowledge to the next level. 

Want to find out more? Click here to view our full course details.  

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