Evolution of Dental Podcast

Robert Norton
  • 5.0 (4)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Dive into the latest advancements in digital workflows, innovative materials, and techniques that are redefining dental restorations. Join conversations with leading clinicians, technicians, and innovators driving progress in the field. Gain insights into the digital tools and modern workflows shaping the future of dental care. Hear exclusive stories from the front lines about embracing change and overcoming challenges to deliver better care for patients than ever before.

  1. 4H AGO ·  VIDEO

    #17 - Dr. Jonathan Abenaim: How the Powerball Screw Evolved with Dentistry

    Dr. Jonathan Abenaim shares his journey from an uncertain path in computer science to becoming a leading innovator in full-arch implant dentistry. He dives deep into the evolution of digital workflows, the disconnect between labs and clinicians, and how his hands-on approach led to groundbreaking inventions like advanced scan bodies and the Powerball Screw system. Dr. Abenaim breaks down the real challenges behind modern implant workflows from flawed traditional systems to the hidden risks of photogrammetry and over-engineered restorations. He also opens up about mentorship, innovation, and why dentists need to stop chasing “perfect solutions” and instead focus on understanding systems deeply. This conversation goes beyond technique touching on leadership, education, and the future of dentistry, including the growing impact of litigation, corporate influence, and the importance of staying true to your mission in an evolving industry.

    46 min

  2. MAR 27 ·  VIDEO

    #16 - Seth Potter: Inside the exocad Takeover

    Seth Potter, exocad educator, design expert, and a rising voice in the world of exocad, shares his journey from early exposure to dentistry to building a global presence through education and content creation. Together, Seth and Rob break down the rapid growth of digital dentistry, the increasing adoption of exocad, and how clinicians and technicians can create more efficient, repeatable workflows while also examining the evolving role of AI in dentistry and where it adds value versus where the human touch still matters most. From Smile Creator advancements to underutilized tools and real-world workflow strategies, this episode delivers practical takeaways for anyone looking to level up in digital dentistry. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:50) - Dental Design: Exocad Takes Over(00:08:48) - Newcomers to Digital Dentistry(00:11:22) - Finding the Right Workflow for Exocad(00:15:26) - The Biggest Mistakes Made in Exocad(00:20:05) - Exocad's AI Feature adoption(00:23:14) - Exocad's AI in Dentistry(00:25:37) - XCAD User Experience: The Human Touch(00:28:34) - XCAD Smile Creator 3.3 Update(00:34:57) - TrueSmile Video(00:37:20) - Exocad 2.8: Underutilized Tools(00:42:50) - Exocad CEO: Where Digital Dentistry is headed(00:44:54) - Dental Care: More Options Than Ever(00:45:47) - Dental Technology: Growing interest in the field(00:47:35) - Outro

    53 min

  3. MAR 20 ·  VIDEO

    #15 - Dr. Joshua Austin: Using Scanners for More Than Crowns

    Rob Norton talks with Dr. Josh Austin about how digital dentistry tools like iTero, Invisalign, exocad, and 3D printing are transforming the way dentists diagnose, communicate, and treat patients. From boosting case acceptance through visual scanning to enabling more minimally invasive treatment planning, Dr. Austin breaks down how digital workflows are helping practices deliver better outcomes, stronger patient understanding, and more predictable restorative care. Chapters (00:00:05) - Intro(00:01:31) - Early Digital Dentistry: The Scanner(00:04:32) - Scanners as Communication Tools(00:11:36) - Digital Workflows with Exocad and Evolve(00:29:00) - Visualization & Simplifying Treatment Plans(00:36:01) - Advanced Scanner Technology(00:46:39) - Outro

    49 min

  4. MAR 13 ·  VIDEO

    #14 - Dr. Adamo Notarantonio: What Separates Good Clinicians from Great Clinicians

    The Evolution of Dental Podcast welcomes Dr. Adamo “Elvis” Notarantonio, former President of the AACD, educator, and internationally recognized cosmetic dentist, for a conversation about photography, mentorship, and the fundamentals that shape great dentistry. Dr. Notarantonio explains why a simple digital camera may be the most important tool in a dentist’s practice, sharing how photography improves communication with patients, laboratories, and digital workflows. From smile design and treatment planning to documenting clinical progress, he highlights how proper dental photography supports better outcomes in cosmetic dentistry. The discussion also explores the balance between digital dentistry workflows and traditional analog techniques, and why understanding the fundamentals of occlusion, materials, and hand skills remains essential even as dental technology continues to evolve. Dr. Notarantonio also shares his personal journey from professional soccer to dentistry, the mentors who shaped his career, and the lessons he’s learned through AACD accreditation, teaching, and decades of clinical experience. This conversation offers valuable insight for dentists, dental technicians, and anyone interested in digital dentistry workflows, cosmetic dentistry, and the future of dental technology. Chapters (00:00:06) - Intro(00:00:28) - Why Dental Photography Matters(00:04:14) - Smile Design, Dental Workflows, and Clinical Precision(00:07:11) - Mentorship: Becoming a Better Diagnostician(00:12:08) - Teaching, Education, and Learning Through Failure(00:15:45) - Digital Dentistry vs Analog Fundamentals(00:19:27) - Transformative Cases, Patient Impact, and Clinical Integrity(00:26:03) - Emerging Technology in Dentistry(00:29:01) - Core Clinical Skills, AACD, and Long-Term Growth Mindset(00:33:05) - Composite Artistry, Clinical Skill Development, and ROI(00:41:28) - Advice for the Next Generation of Dentists(00:45:55) - Outro

    47 min

  5. MAR 6 ·  VIDEO

    #13 - Dora Rodrigues: Full Arch Planning, Digital Workflows, and exocad Efficiency

    Full-arch restorations are one of the most complex workflows in modern dentistry, and one of the easiest to get wrong without proper planning. Rob Norton sits down with Dora Rodrigues, President of ID Dental and a certified exocad trainer specializing in full-arch design. With nearly two decades of experience in full-arch restorations, Dora shares how she transitioned from an analog workflow to a fully digital lab environment. The conversation dives into prosthetic-driven planning, the collaboration required between labs and clinicians, and why full-arch cases demand far more than simply placing implants and designing teeth. Explore how the latest exocad tools including saved tooth positioning, Bridge Gap, and the new split-bar workflow in exocad 3.3, are improving efficiency and helping technicians design smarter, not just faster. Along the way, Dora shares insights from teaching full-arch courses, working chairside during surgeries, and even seeing the patient perspective firsthand. This episode offers practical insight for dental technicians, clinicians, and anyone interested in digital workflows shaping the future of modern dentistry.

    41 min

  6. FEB 27 ·  VIDEO

    #12 - Dr. Nate Lawson: Strength, Reliability, Reality: A Materials Science Analysis

    What actually makes one ceramic stronger than another? Are the numbers on the brochure telling the full story? Dr. Nate Lawson joins the Evolution of Dental Podcast to unpack the real science behind modern dental materials. From multilayer pucks, fast sintering, and the rise of 3D printed restorations. This conversation moves beyond surface-level comparisons and into how materials are truly tested: flexural strength vs fracture toughness, static load vs fatigue, crack propagation, and why transformation toughening makes zirconia so unique. Dr. Lawson shares what labs and clinicians should understand about translucency trade-offs, yttria content, multilayer technology, and whether fast-sinter zirconia actually delivers on its promises. Sources: youtube.com/watch?v=FESOpqaVsII&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.drnatelawson.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5yE6jwyrG8E https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-024-05325-z https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Phases-and-its-transformation-of-zirconia-A-monoclinic-B-tetragonal-C-cubic_fig1_372386970 https://www.kuraraynoritake.eu/se/newsroom/what-we-should-know-about-the-strength-of-dental-ceramics https://www.dentistrytoday.com/edge-effect-comparing-the-strength-of-ceramic-materials/ Chapters (00:00:06) - Intro(00:03:05) - The Ceramic Revolution(00:08:25) - Zirconia: Crack Healing & Transformation Toughening(00:17:10) - Measuring Strength and Translucency(00:28:50) - Accelerated Sintering and its Effects(00:31:07) - Dental Material Testing Explained(00:43:30) - 3D Printed Ceramics & Resin Hybrids(00:54:55) - Outro

    56 min

  7. FEB 20 ·  VIDEO

    #11 - John Madden CDT: Defining the Next Generation with AI and Digital Dentures

    AI is no longer a future concept in dentistry. It is actively reshaping how removable prosthetics are designed, manufactured, and delivered. John Madden CDT dives deep into the evolution of digital dentures and partials, unpacking how AI-driven design, automation, and systems thinking are transforming modern dental technology. From monolithic manufacturing and acetal partials to workflow bottlenecks and robotic assembly, this episode explores what it truly means to modernize removable dentistry at scale. John shares powerful insights on technician shortages, insurance-driven economics, digital production efficiency, and why simply mimicking analog workflows in software isn’t enough anymore. The future of dental technology demands smarter systems, better integration, and a willingness to rethink the entire process. Chapters (00:00:00) - Intro(00:01:47) - Committing to Digital Dentures(00:08:00) - Eliminating Clinical Bottlenecks(00:12:22) - The Cost of an Extra Appointment(00:17:40) - The Reality of Digital Partials(00:31:31) - Production Cost Analysis(00:42:52) - The Future of Removables(00:52:36) - Outro

    53 min

  8. FEB 13 ·  VIDEO

    #10 - Björn Zäuner: Decoding Occlusion with AI Dynamic Articulation

    The most advanced intraoral scanners can capture data within microns, but if the bite is wrong, everything downstream suffers. Björn Zäuner, founder of BiteFinder, explains how AI driven occlusion simulation is transforming digital dentistry by calculating maximum intercuspation, analyzing anatomy, and simulating jaw movement before design or production begins. By correcting bite discrepancies at the data stage, labs and clinicians can reduce remakes, shorten insertion times, and minimize chairside adjustments. The conversation explores vertical dimension control for splints and dentures, integration with exocad and intraoral scanners, CBCT driven workflows, and the evolution of patient specific articulators. With thousands of users across nearly 40 countries, BiteFinder is redefining digital occlusion and proving that better data at the beginning changes everything at the end!

    53 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Dive into the latest advancements in digital workflows, innovative materials, and techniques that are redefining dental restorations. Join conversations with leading clinicians, technicians, and innovators driving progress in the field. Gain insights into the digital tools and modern workflows shaping the future of dental care. Hear exclusive stories from the front lines about embracing change and overcoming challenges to deliver better care for patients than ever before.

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