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. Aug 7 ·  Video

    #35 - Dr. Melissa Shotell: Why Every Great Aligner Case Begins with the End

    Clear aligners have transformed orthodontics, but the technology is only as good as the clinician behind it. Dr. Melissa Shotell (aka The Aligner Bee) shares why successful aligner therapy starts with the final restorative outcome. From interdisciplinary treatment planning to in-office 3D printing, this conversation explores how orthodontists, restorative dentists, and dental laboratories can work together to create more predictable results. Dr. Shotell traces the history of clear aligners back to Dr. Henry Nahoum's pioneering vacuum-formed appliances, examines why digital treatment planning should always be guided by biological principles, and explains why AI should assist clinical judgment rather than replace it. Robert and Dr. Shotell analyze hybrid orthodontic workflows, combining braces with aligners, are changing treatment efficiency and patient outcomes. Sources: Nahoum, H. I. The Contour Appliance Revisited: Evolution, Advancements, and Applications in Orthodontics. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Nahoum, H. I. (1964). The Vacuum Formed Dental Contour Appliance. New York State Dental Journal. McCool, C. (2024, February 16). 104 Year-Old Dr. Henry Nahoum Lectures. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. https://dentistry.llu.edu/about/school-news/104-year-old-dr-henry-nahoum-lectures Patankar, K. A. Clear Aligner Treatment [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/clear-aligner-treatment/247483624

  2. Jul 31 ·  Video

    #34 - Dr. Robert Jung: Making Full-Arch More Accessible

    Dr. Robert Jung shares how digital dentistry is reshaping full-arch implant treatment while keeping patient care at the center of every decision. Drawing from years of clinical experience, Dr. Jung discusses the lessons he learned building an in-house digital laboratory, teaching clinicians around the world, and refining workflows that prioritize predictability, efficiency, and long-term success. From the realities of 3D printed restorations and guided surgery to mentorship, treatment planning, and the importance of learning from failures, this conversation offers practical insights for dentists, specialists, and laboratory professionals looking to elevate their approach to full-arch dentistry. This episode explores how thoughtful technology, collaboration, and continuous learning can make full-arch implant dentistry more accessible for both clinicians and patients.

  3. Jul 24 ·  Video

    #33 - Kristina Vaitelyte: Designing New Smiles with exocad

    Kristina Vaitelyte's journey into digital dentistry began with a background in photography. She developed a unique perspective on digital smile design. Blending creativity, anatomy, technology, and patient-centered treatment planning. Kristina shares how digital workflows have transformed the role of the dental technician, why collaboration between clinicians, technicians, and patients is essential, and how tools like CAD, AI, and digital smile design are shaping the future of dentistry. From designing smiles around the individual patient to understanding why a single millimeter can impact long-term treatment decisions, Kristina explains why the future of dentistry requires both artistic vision and technical precision.

  4. Jul 17 ·  Video

    #32 - Dr. Vishtasb Broumand: Restoring Hope Through Digital Innovation

    What happens when modern technology makes the impossible possible? Dr. Vishtasb Broumand, oral and maxillofacial surgeon and educator, shares how digital surgery is transforming the treatment of some of dentistry's most complex cases. From cancer reconstruction and facial trauma to severe bone loss and full-arch rehabilitation, Dr. Broumand explains how innovations like zygomatic implants, patient-specific implants, photogrammetry, and AI are creating new possibilities for patients who once had few treatment options. Rob and Dr. Broumand discuss the evolution of digital workflows, the importance of implant design, collaboration between surgeons and dental laboratories, and how embracing new technology has changed the way complex procedures are planned and executed. The conversation also explores the future of digital dentistry and why continuous innovation is helping clinicians restore function, confidence, and hope for patients around the world.

  5. Jul 10 ·  Video

    #31 – Chris Kabot: Entering the Golden Age of Digital Dentures

    Rob Norton and Chris Kabot, Vice President and Head of Dental at Stratasys, explore the technologies shaping the next generation of digital dentistry. Chris shares his journey from developing some of the earliest digital workflows for guided surgery to leading one of the world's most innovative 3D printing companies. Together, they discuss the evolution of PolyJet technology, the advantages of multi-material and full-color 3D printing, the current state of digital dentures, and why Chris believes dentistry is entering a new era of manufacturing. The conversation also explores AI-driven design, the future of full-arch workflows, advances in dental materials, and how these innovations could reshape both dental laboratories and clinical practices in the years ahead. Whether you're a dentist, laboratory technician, educator, or simply passionate about digital dentistry, this episode offers valuable insight into where dental technology is today and where it's heading next.

  6. Jul 3 ·  Video

    #30 - Dr. Russell Schafer: Digital Dentures and the Secret to Meeting Patient Expectations

    Digital dentures have transformed what's possible in modern dentistry, but technology alone isn't enough. Success also depends on communication, expectations, and understanding the realities of removable prosthetics. Dr. Russell Schafer shares his unconventional journey from mechanical engineering and the oil industry into dentistry before becoming a leader in digital denture workflows. He discusses how digital technology has changed removable dentistry, why dental laboratories deserve more credit for driving innovation, and how AI is shaping the future of digital dentures. Dr. Schafer also shares practical lessons from years of treating denture patients, including how to set realistic expectations, improve patient satisfaction, streamline workflows with intraoral scanning and 3D printing, and why dentists should spend more time learning from laboratory technicians.

  7. Jun 26 ·  Video

    #29 - Dr. Adam Zatcoff: The Missing Piece in Digital Overdenture Workflows

    Digital dentistry continues to reshape implant treatment, but where are today's workflows succeeding and where is there still room for innovation? Dr. Adam Zatcoff joins the Evolution of Dental Podcast to share his experience with photogrammetry, intraoral scanning, implant restorations, and overdenture workflows. Drawing from years of clinical practice, he discusses how digital technology has improved predictability, reduced remakes, and streamlined treatment while also highlighting the workflow challenges that still need solving. From full arch restorations and PMMA provisionals to the future of overdenture workflows, this conversation offers valuable insights for clinicians looking to improve efficiency and deliver better patient outcomes through digital dentistry.

  8. Jun 19 ·  Video

    #28 - Jessica J. Knott: Building Digital Dentistry Workflows and the Future of Dental Technology

    Jessica J. Knott has spent her career exploring nearly every corner of the dental industry. From her early days in the United States Air Force dental laboratory program to evaluating emerging technologies, implementing digital workflows, training clinicians and assistants, and helping shape the adoption of 3D printing in dentistry, her perspective is unlike almost anyone else in the field. This conversation follows Jessica's journey through military training, laboratory education, product evaluation, and digital dentistry innovation. Along the way, she shares lessons learned from researching new technologies, building safer workflows, collaborating with clinicians, and adapting to the rapid evolution of modern dentistry. Robert and Jessica discuss the realities of 3D printing, patient-centered treatment planning, same-day dentistry, laboratory-clinical communication, material safety, and the changing role of dental technicians in an increasingly digital world. They also explore how AI, automation, and new technology may reshape careers across the industry over the next several years. Whether you're a dentist, dental technician, assistant, or digital workflow enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insight into where the profession is headed and what skills will matter most moving forward.

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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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