In recent issues, we have looked at decisions; at who modern dental technology reaches. This time, we are taking it a step further: much of what appears to be an individual decision in the laboratory – choice of materials, pricing, workflow – is part of a wider context. Global markets, international partnerships, regional relationships: all of this has an impact on day-to-day operations. Together with specialist journalist Annett Kieschnick, we are focusing our attention precisely on this level.

Quick Takes | What’s driving the industry?

• 60% expansion of production: dentona is scaling capacity for the milled discs optimill memosplint and optimill memopink in Lippendorf (Leipzig) – to ensure greater availability in rail and interim supply. more
• 3D printing under the microscope: Recent studies show that the long-term stability of printed objects depends significantly on validated process steps such as post-curing and cleaning. In this interview, Matthias Mohr explains what this means for everyday laboratory work. Read more
• d.connect 2026: On 26 June, dentona invites you to a future-oriented dialogue at Dortmund: How is change transforming dental technology and what does this mean for everyday life? Capacity is limited. more

Deep Dive | Background and Perspectives

Ah, how simple it used to be. A glance at the product page, a quick price comparison, and the purchase decision was made. The selection was manageable. Anyone wishing to assess a material had reliable criteria. Origin was one of them. Today, the selection is significantly greater, the differences more subtle and the boundaries more fluid. New suppliers are entering the market, existing ones are evolving, and materials perform to a high standard. Yet, right in the middle of it all, one notion often persists with surprising tenacity: that quality is a question of origin. “Made in Germany” – it sounds familiar, reliable, a little reassuring. And if we’re honest, there’s sometimes a touch of habit in there too.

The laboratory as a decision-maker

Origin alone no longer answers the question of quality. Materials and technologies are developed within global networks. Research, production and application are intertwined, often spanning continents. A new market has emerged between global suppliers, established manufacturers and new players. The challenge lies not only in accessing products, but in making the right choice – which systems work within one’s own workflow, which results are reproducible and where the risks lie. Not every decision can be derived from data sheets.

Local anchoring and global connectivity

At the same time, our understanding of partnership is changing. In the past, proximity was defined geographically. Today, it is functional. It is no longer just a question of where a manufacturer is ‘based’, but how well the collaboration works.

dentona, too, operates within this dynamic environment. On the one hand, there is in-house development and production: 3D printing resins from the optiprint series in Dortmund, dental plasters and polymer-based milling blanks from the optimill series at the Lippendorf site near Leipzig. Here, geographical proximity and reliable supply chains are integral to quality.

On the other hand, there are established partnerships. As a distributor, dentona brings together different technologies and systems - ranging from specialised high-end solutions from Germany, such as those from Rapid Shape or imes-icore, to global innovation leaders. One example is the collaboration with Aidite (China). A customer trip organised by dentona to Qinhuangdao in April demonstrated the speed and technological maturity with which this global player operates.

Globalisation 2.0: between efficiency and resilience

We have learnt how vulnerable systems become when they are geared solely towards efficiency. Current developments underscore this. Supply chains, inventory availability, pricing trends - many aspects have proved to be fragile. Globalisation now functions differently than it did just a few years ago. It is no longer just about optimisation, but about striking a balance and aggregating diverse sources while managing dependencies.

For businesses, this means that decisions are less a question of price and more a question of reliability. Laboratories, too, do not opt for an either/or approach, but rather a both/and approach: global innovative strength where it arises, and stable structures and reliable service where they are needed.

Local responsibility

There is another dimension to the truth. Dental laboratories are part of value chains, and every decision made here has knock-on effects there. Decisions regarding materials, raw materials and production sites have an impact beyond the individual order. They shape regional structures and long-term stability. The question of where materials and products are manufactured also has implications: manufacturers who produce in Germany contribute to security of supply - as suppliers, partners, employers and as part of regional networks.

dentona-Club: From product to relationship

As products become more comparable, the focus shifts. Differences emerge in the wider context: in support, in availability, and in how well a system integrates into existing processes. Partnership is not evident in the catalogue, but in everyday life.

This gives rise to models that go beyond the traditional understanding of a supplier. The dentona Club is an example of this. This is not a traditional loyalty scheme, but a shift in perspective: away from the product, towards support throughout the entire process. The focus is on how reliably day-to-day operations in the laboratory function - through support, training and dedicated contact persons.

Finally

A dental laboratory is not defined by the postcode of its suppliers, but by the quality of its decisions. Drawing on global expertise is not at odds with its location, but rather an expression of professional mastery. At the same time, origin remains a factor in these decisions – for instance, with regard to availability, structures and regional responsibility. It is no longer possible to give a clear-cut answer. This is where the new quality of decision-making lies.

Meet & Learn | Dates & Training

• d.connect 2026 – 26 June 2026, Dortmund (dentona AG)
  The dentona Future Dialogue with Dr Steffi Burkhart (futurist), ZTM Christian Lang, ZTM Jannick Bade and ZT Noah Ziga. For laboratory owners, laboratory managers, dental technicians, young professionals and everyone committed to modern dental technology.
  Registration until 5 June 2026 | Information & Registration
• Bike & Mill: 15 June 2026, Naturhotel Hochheide, Willingen
  A day combining technology and adventure! Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or a mountain bike nerd – there’s something for everyone! Featuring specialists from imes-icore, CIMSystem Deutschland and dentona AG. more
• Digital Telescope Technology 2.0: 30 September 2026, Dortmund
  Designed digitally, manufactured digitally: primary and secondary telescopic crowns in a single operation. more