That was d.connect 2026: Anything is possible. So what next?

Dental technology has probably never been as advanced as it is today. That is precisely why d.connect 2026 did not focus on the technology itself – but rather on the question of what we make of it.

The response was overwhelming: the event was fully booked. At the end of June, dental technicians from all over Germany gathered at the dentona headquarters in Dortmund to discuss the future of their profession. Not about ‘the future’ as a buzzword, but about the specific issues facing laboratories: How can digitalisation be successfully implemented in collaboration with the people in the laboratory? Which technologies really make a difference in day-to-day work? How is collaboration changing? And what role do the expectations of the next generation play? 

More options do not automatically mean better guidance 

Digital workflows, artificial intelligence, 3D printing – the options are growing rapidly. At the same time, the pressure to make decisions is mounting. After all, not every new technology automatically represents progress; what matters is which solutions actually improve day-to-day life in the laboratory. This is precisely where d.connect came in: not by asking what is technically feasible, but what makes sense.

It’s about more than just work-life balance

Dr Steffi Burkhardt, a futurologist, took to the d.connect stage. She deliberately looked beyond the world of dentistry. Many developments that have been shaping other sectors for years are now reaching dental laboratories. Young people bring with them different expectations regarding work, development and purpose. At the same time, digitalisation and AI are transforming tasks, collaboration and leadership. Future-proofing does not arise solely from new technologies, but rather where people are prepared to shape change together.

Digitalisation is not just changing processes

Christian Lang demonstrated how these changes are having a tangible impact on day-to-day laboratory work. His focus was not on individual devices, but on the question of how digital processes are structuring everyday work: Who will take on which tasks in future? How is communication changing? What new interfaces are emerging between the laboratory, the practice and production? And how can quality, cost-effectiveness and efficiency be meaningfully combined? Digitalisation was not viewed here as an end in itself, but as a tool that supports people.

Technology doesn’t explain itself

The ‘Meet the Expert’ sessions demonstrated that d.connect is more than just a series of lectures. In small groups, participants discussed matters directly with the speakers. Jannick Bade provided insights into cost-effective 3D printing workflows – from try-ins through digitally fabricated interim prostheses to printed bite splints. Noah Ziga showcased modern digital denture concepts and discussed which steps can already be efficiently implemented digitally and where dental laboratory expertise remains indispensable. It was precisely this blend of technical depth and direct exchange that defined the character of the format.

The future is shaped through dialogue

Another highlight was the fishbowl discussion. Young dental technicians debated expectations and the future of the profession with experienced laboratory owners. The aim was not to determine who was right, but to highlight different perspectives. After all, the challenges affect almost every laboratory – regardless of its size or specialisation.

A format that strikes a chord

dentona’s headquarters in Dortmund provided the perfect setting for this. Amidst material development, production, training facilities and open communal areas, it became clear what d.connect stands for: experiencing modern dental technology, sharing knowledge and engaging in conversation with one another. The enthusiastic response demonstrates just how great the interest is in such formats – not as a traditional product launch, but as a place for guidance and new perspectives.

Anything is possible. And now?
Now is the right time to talk about it together.
That’s exactly what d.connect is for.