Next Gen Dental Technology - Part 2

In the last issue, we took a close look at the status quo of AI in dental technology. Part two follows today: How can AI be meaningfully integrated in the laboratory? And what does generative AI mean for our future? Specialist journalist Annett Kieschnick accompanies us again with her precise view.

Despite all the digital euphoria, our credo remains: AI should support, not replace. Our experts will help you find the best way forward for your laboratory - because technology works best with human support.

Enjoy reading and discovering!

Quick Takes | What's driving the industry?

🔍 Smart splints: Patent for memory effect

🌱 Sustainability as a success factor

The GREEN DENTAL AWARD 2025 went to Dentalstudio Sankt Augustin in the "Best Lab" category - their new laboratory building combines architecture, energy efficiency and resource conservation. dentona is also setting new trends: the new recycling service for plaster waste closes the material cycle in the laboratory.

🔄 TI connection with financial support

The telematics infrastructure has been open to dental laboratories since July 2024. The GKV-Spitzenverband supports the connection with EUR 192.80 per month for five years. The new "eLABZ" standard enables efficient, paperless data exchange with practices - from order forms to digital scans.

One says so, the other says so... Few topics are currently as polarising as artificial intelligence. While some fear the demise of traditional craftsmanship, others see AI as just another tool in the digital armoury. And as is so often the case, the truth probably lies somewhere in between. In the first part of our AI series, we looked at current applications and challenges. Now it's time to get down to business: How can labs actually realise the potential of AI without getting lost in technological dead ends?

Strategic integration: four approaches to success

So, how do we navigate our way through technological change? Four approaches could be effective:

1. process-orientated thinking instead of point solutions

Added value is created by redesigning overall processes. Intraoral scanners such as the Shining 3D Aoralscan or Elite are designed to be integrated into workflows. It is worth analysing the overall process with product specialists; looking at individual points in isolation is not enough. dentona provides support for intraoral scanning with team workshops and offers comprehensive support for the practice and laboratory.

2. defined interfaces between humans and AI

The ideal application scenarios arise where the interaction between humans and AI is structured. Transparency is particularly crucial for complex AI systems: "Explainable AI" (XAI) makes the typical black box transparent and enables AI decisions to be understood and targeted interventions to be made.

3. forming cross-functional hybrid teams

The future belongs to hybrid teams with diversified skills profiles: traditional dental craftsmanship, digital design and an understanding of AI systems. The combination of different perspectives and skills creates the basis for genuine innovation and differentiated value creation.

4. gradual scaling after successful piloting

AI integration begins with clearly defined use cases whose effectiveness is evaluated. This prevents excessive demands and enables the systematic development of digital competences. Measurable criteria could be the reduction of errors, shorter throughput times or increased customer satisfaction.

Next Frontier: What could be possible in the next few years

The next wave of development is already on the horizon:

Generative AI for dental technology

Similar to image generators (DALL-E, Midjourney), dental AI systems could generate CAD design suggestions from natural language descriptions: "Create a fully anatomical bridge with natural texture and functional occlusion." The first cloud-based solutions demonstrate the potential: they analyse intraoral scans and generate complete crown designs in a pay-per-use model within seconds.

Agentic AI

While current AI systems are limited to isolated tasks, AI agents will be able to coordinate entire work processes. For example, the "digital lab coordinator" could independently recognise the receipt of new scans, determine the optimal production sequence taking into account material availability and patient priority, plan milling and printing jobs and even carry out quality control using image-recognising algorithms.

Adaptive manufacturing systems

Instead of using predefined programmes, CAM manufacturing systems could adapt the production parameters to the specific characteristics of the workpiece in real time. This type of manufacturing promises greater precision, more material efficiency and less waste.

Immersive patient communication

The fusion of VR/AR technologies with AI is likely to change patient communication. Instead of static representations, patients can be involved in the treatment process and the expected outcome can be communicated realistically.

AI and humans: you should remember this efficiency booster!

AI opens up exciting possibilities beyond pure dental technology. Efficient material requirement calculations, intelligent warehouse management systems, AI-supported quotation creation, automatic invoice verification, etc. Even machine maintenance benefits: Algorithms recognise wear patterns and suggest preventive maintenance before expensive breakdowns occur. The examples are many and varied - the efficiency gains are real. Where the journey will take us still seems like a glimpse into a crystal ball. But the specialists at dentona understand this potential - and at the same time know that technology works best when it is accompanied by people. The experts support dental laboratories with their many years of experience - be it in the integration of digital workflows, technical challenges or strategic consulting for your digital transformation.

Conclusion: The new role of dental technology

Dental technology is at the beginning of an exciting development. AI is becoming a partner and changing dental technology expertise: the focus is shifting from manual production to the intelligent control of digital workflows. The success factor here does not lie in an unreflective faith in technology, but in the symbiosis of human expertise with machine intelligence. This may sound challenging - but it is also the greatest opportunity our industry has had in decades.