Ann answers your questions - Should we implement CAD/CAM?

What is your view on CAD/CAM dentistry? We are a very fast-paced & efficient office. We are excellent in our crown preps, impressions, & crown seats. So should we try to go the next step & implement Cerec or stick with what is working so well and so efficiently? Basically, what do you prefer for practices?

Angie in Bixby, Oklahoma


Hello Angie,

Should you stick with what’s working well in your practice or adapt new techniques and materials, particularly CAD/CAM technology? Because of the many choices of new treatment modalities in restorative dentistry, I recommend you choose to make only those changes that meet your comfort level and quality choice. In other words, stick with what is now working well and efficiently as you consider making changes to new techniques and materials in the future. In the meantime, if you want to test the CAD/CAM waters, read every article and research paper available on the subject; attend several CE courses, hopefully with hands-on training; and/or bring an expert representative of CAD/CAM technology into your office for demonstration and training. If you approach such changes slowly, you can adapt new technology of your choice at your pace while bringing your staff up to speed on the new methodologies at the same time. I seldom favor change just for the sake of change or because colleagues are adapting new technologies in their offices.

Thank you,

Ann