The Dental Hacks Podcast

Kevin and Alan are joined again by Dr. Dhaval Patel to discuss the significant shifts occurring in digital dentistry, moving beyond the traditional CEREC workflow. Dhaval explains that his highly popular online group, "Keep CERECing," was recently renamed "Keep CAD/CAMing" after he consulted with Dentsply Sirona's legal team regarding trademark usage, which prompted him to broaden the group's scope. This change has led to a natural expansion in technology focus, now encompassing the wider CAD/CAM landscape including 3D printing and 5-axis milling. Dhaval details how he uses 3D printing for models, surgical guides, and night guards, and leverages a 5-axis mill for larger, multi-unit cases and zirconia restorations, highlighting the cost efficiency and ability to run large jobs overnight. The conversation also explores the rise of dedicated, outsourced digital designers and the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) to handle design in the near future. Some links from the show: Keep CADCAMing Facebook gro