Dental Asia May/June 2020

Behind the Scenes
A collaboration with a software researcher on print removable
partial dentures has also made me excited about the possibilities
that are to come.
When was the digital workflow implemented at Precision Dental
Lab? How was the transition?
Precision transitioned into a digital workflow in 2015. Initially,
doing away with the physical model felt a little strange, as we are
so used to have it on hand to study with. On one hand, it took time
for us to get used to viewing and analysing the model virtually on a
screen. On the other hand, it was exciting to be able to skip some
steps and shorten
the process time
with the design
software.
An implant surgical
guide designed on
software, such as
3Shape’s Implant
Studio, can help
make a surgery
more precise and
accurate. Focusing
on benefits like
this motivates us
Viewing and analysing a model virtually
to put in the time
and effort to master new skills. Besides taking relevant courses
and troubleshooting issues with colleagues, dental technicians
should also give themselves time to play with the software.
When purchasing a new technology from a supplier, what are
your main considerations?
Technical support is important, because we cannot afford the
downtime when the equipment is not working. Time wasted would
mean a delay in the delivery of our products to the clinician who
needs them.
Training from the vendor is also key. Not only will it help the
dental technician, it could also be an avenue for the manufacturer
to understand the difficulties that we face as end-users, and to
incorporate that feedback in future releases.
Despite the advancements in digital dentistry, some technicians
still prefer traditional, or analogue, methods. What are your
views on this?
Being from an era where tradition meets digital, I can understand
how these technicians feel. Over the years, analogue methods
have shown excellent results, so some technicians may wonder
why they should go digital, since excellent prostheses can still be
made using traditional means.
Also, for technicians who are in their silver years and about to
retire, staying analogue would make more sense.
Today, some dentists are printing their own restorations
in-house. Is it feasible or would it better if an experienced
technician did it at the lab?
Dental technicians exist because we free up time for dentists to
focus on their clinical work. It’s best if a dentist works together
with a technician. Having said that, it is only when a dentist tries
his hand at technical work that he gets a sense of the difficulties a
technician faces. So it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Please tell us your thoughts on all-on-4 or immediate bridge
implants. Will they one day take the place of dentures?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution. It would depend on the
treatment plan. For people who have a medical complication,
dentures would remain essential. Also, those who have a medical
history may not be suitable for implant treatment.
What qualities in a dentist would allow the most fruitful working
relationship?
At Precision, we hold monthly luncheon talks with clinicians,
where they describe clinical challenges, and we discuss issues in
the manufacturing process. Through these interactions, we can
help produce a better end product. Dentists are also free to speak
directly to the technician on their requirements.
Conversely, how do you do your best to understand what a
dentist needs?
I would visit the dentist in person. We look at the problems and
find ways to solve them. If I can understand the clinical difficulties
and communicate the technical difficulties, it would be a win-win
situation for both the clinic and the lab.
Is there still a shortage of dental technicians today? What do
you think can encourage young talent to step into this field?
Yes. Locally, there is a shortage of qualified dental technicians.
Thankfully, we are in the era of advanced technology, with a
proliferation of both software and hardware. Hopefully, tech-savvy
youngsters will be drawn to our trade.
Also, I hope that the transfer of knowledge and experience from
this generation to the next will not be broken.
What questions do you receive the most from less experienced
dental technicians?
MAY / JUNE 2020 DENTAL ASIA
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