Dental technician of the future

The new technologies in the field of dental science have not only changed the way in which dentists run their practice but have also dramatically changed the procedures carried out in dental laboratories. Mechanical engineering, incorporated CMM, laser milling, 3D printing and 3D design in a mechanical tool shop are a few of the fields in which novel dental technologies are emerging. There has been a tremendous shift towards digital approaches in the dental environment, which has subsequently changed the way of thinking and the daily procedures of all those involved in dental treatment. The aim of this article is to compare the traditional laboratory workflows with currently applied techniques and explain the latest digital developments determining the future role of the dental technician.