How Simple is 3D Printing?

 

File this one under "better living through technology".  This post deals with a fun story from my life recently.  One of the great things about how digital our lives have become is a story like this.  Being able to tell you this story wouldn't have been possible a few years ago because it involves a digital photo, web publishing (here on the blog), and 3D printing.

Last Friday and Saturday I was in Las Vegas at Medidenta headquarters.  They had me there to do a two day event about 3D printing.  I really enjoy events like this because it gives attendees a chance to not only learn, but to actually try and experience what 3D printing is all about.  We did some lecturing and teaching, but the majority of the time was spent actually using and trying  the equipment.  Medidenta has a serious emphasis on education for their customers.  Their philosophy is letting doctors "try before you buy".  These events give doctors and teams the experience of actually understanding if something like 3D printing can work in your hands.  The team at Medidenta would rather have customers try before they purchase because they want you to be happy with your decision.  It does no one any good for a doctor to buy something and then regret the purchase.  There are way too many "clothes hangers" in offices that are the result of buying and then being disappointed.  Try before you buy helps keep those numbers low for Medidenta's customers.

Along those lines, one of the staff at Medidenta, Jaymen, was helping me out with the hands-on portion of the meeting.  He's their in-house 3D printing expert.  As I was setting up for the lecture, he brought in some Star Wars themed things he had 3D printed and we put them at the front of the room.  I always lecture with my baseball, which goes everywhere I go.  I asked him if he had a 3D printed dish or something I could use to set the ball in when I wasn't holding it.

He went off to check and see if he had anything.  About 15 minutes later he returned with the little "home plate" baseball stand in the photo above.  I laughed and said, "Jaymen, where did you find this?"  His response was, "I didn't have anything so I just printed that for you."

3D printing allows you to do some amazing things in your office.  However, what I want to make clear is that you aren't just limited to printing things only for patients with these printers.  You can print little giveaways for your pediatric patients and other promotional items.  In fact I highly recommend that when you get your printer, use it to print some things for patients like little teeth, key chain toys, etc.  These are easy to make, help you learn how to print, and let patients know about the things you can do with a printer in your office.  It's great marketing to show patients that you are cutting edge and it can open conversations with patients about how you can help them.  You can also print small instrument trays and other things to actually help make your organization of things better.  There are tons of possibilities outside of dental things for patients.

In about 15 minutes I went from "do you have a dish" to holding in my hand a finished personal baseball stand!  What a great time to be alive.  That's just a small example of the amazing things 3D printing can do.  Note also, how fast this all happened.  Jaymen went online and found a file that someone had designed and shared for free.  He downloaded that file and in 15 minutes handed me the completed item.  Obviously he didn't have to do that for me.  It was a super generous thing to do, but that's one of the reasons I enjoy working with Medidenta.  The team there are just great human beings.  Thanks Jaymen!

ADEX Elects New Leadership at 2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit

 

Workforce issues are often top of mind in the profession.  Access to care is critical to meet the demands of the patient population.  It does little good to have an abundance of professionals in one area, while patient needs go unmet in others.  ADX is working to solve that problem.  Often doctors and hygienists are forced to comply with laws passed decades ago to limit licensure in certain areas.  With NDX being the initial pathway to licensure for 98% of doctors and 85% of dental hygienists, the organization can help make a tremendous impact with workforce issues.  The leadership has recently changed and here's info about the new leaders:

Two leaders with decades of state board and examination experience to guide the national organization that develops dental and dental hygiene licensure examinations

• Dr. Rudy Ramos elected Chair after serving on the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners from 2009 to 2017, including five years as president
• Dr. Gregory Waite elected Vice Chair after 12 years on the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, including six years as president
• Four members elected to the ADEX Board of Directors during the ADEX Annual Meeting, held at the 2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit in National Harbor, Maryland

The American Board of Dental  Examiners (ADEX), the nation's leading organization for dental licensure testing, elected Dr. Rudy Ramos as Chair and Dr. Gregory Waite as Vice Chair during its Annual Meeting, held at the 2026 Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and ADEX Educators Conference. The event took place Oct. 14-18 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center and brought together dental regulators, educators, and examiners from across the country.

ADEX examinations serve as the initial licensure pathway for 98% of dental and 85% of dental hygiene licensure candidates in the United States. Together, Dr. Ramos and Dr. Waite bring more than five decades of combined experience in dental practice, state board regulation, and examination administration to their new roles.

New Leadership

"Serving as president of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and as Vice Chair of ADEX has shown me that sound regulation and rigorous examination standards are the foundation of public trust in our profession," said Dr. Rudy Ramos, Chair, ADEX. "I bring that commitment to this role, and I look forward to continuing our work with state boards to advance fair, reliable clinical assessments that protect the public and support the future of the profession." 

Leadership Profiles

Dr. Ramos earned his dental degree from the University of Texas School of Dentistry in 1990 and has been in private practice since 1991. Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners in 2009, where he served through 2017, including five years as president. His involvement in examination development and administration spans more than 15 years. He served most recently as Vice Chair of the ADEX Board of Directors.

Dr. Waite earned his dental degree from Loyola University Chicago School of Dentistry and has practiced dentistry for 39 years, including 28 years at a Federally Qualified Health Center. He joined San Carlos Apache Healthcare as Dental Director in 2017 and currently serves as Chief of Dental. Dr. Waite served 12 years on the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, including six as president, and previously served as treasurer of ADEX. 

Commitment to Public Protection

"My 39 years in dentistry, including six years as president of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners, have shaped my commitment to public protection," said Dr. Gregory Waite, Vice Chair, ADEX. "I am honored to bring that commitment to ADEX and to work with my fellow board members to uphold the national standards that protect patients across the country." 

ADEX Board of Directors

The General Assembly thanked the outgoing members of the Board of Directors for their service, including outgoing Chair Dr. Mark Armstrong. It also elected four members to the board: Dr. Matthew Miller (IN), Dr. John Lavoie (VT), and Dr. Bruce Spigner (AZ) as Dental Members At Large, and Melissa Barbara, RDH (NM), as a Dental Hygiene Member At Large. ADEX congratulates each of them and looks forward to the expertise and perspective they will bring to the board's work on behalf of state boards, candidates, and the public. 

Along with Dr. Ramos and Dr. Waite, the ADEX Board of Directors includes:

The Dental Testing & Regulatory Summit and ADEX Educators Conference bring together regulators, educators, and examiners to address the profession's most pressing challenges in licensure.

Officers

• Treasurer: Dr. Wesley Thomas (DC)
• Secretary: Diane Klemann, RDH (MT)

Dental Members At Large

• Dr. Matthew Miller (IN)
• Dr. John Lavoie (VT)
• Dr. Bruce Spigner (AZ)
• Dr. Melodie Jones (AL)
• Dr. Merlin Young (NC)

Dental Hygiene Members At Large

• Melissa Barbara, RDH (NM)
• Susan Johnston, RDH (OH) 

Council on Examinations

• Dr. Conrad McVea (LA)
• Dr. Renee McCoy-Collins (DC)

 About the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX):

The American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting dental boards in their mission to protect the public through the licensure of qualified oral health professionals. Established in 1969, ADEX administers independent competency examinations developed and approved by representatives of state dental boards. ADEX examinations are accepted or required by law in 51 U.S. jurisdictions and serve as the initial licensure pathway for 98% of dental and 85% of dental hygiene candidates nationwide. Through ongoing collaboration with dental boards and educators, ADEX continues to advance innovative, evidence-based assessment methods that uphold the highest standards of fairness, clinical competence, and public protection. Learn more at adextesting.org.

Vote for The Technology Evangelist Podcast!

 

🎙️ **I NEED YOUR HELP!!!** 🏆

OK, friends... I'm asking for a favor!

The Dental Podcast Directory is holding a competition to find everyone's favorite dental podcast, and **I'd LOVE to see The Technology Evangelist Podcast come out on top!** 🚀

When I started this podcast, my goal was simple: have great conversations with interesting people, explore the technologies changing dentistry, and share information that helps all of us provide better patient care. Along the way, I've had the privilege of talking with some truly amazing people, and I've had an absolute blast doing it!

Now I'm asking for a little help from YOU...

🗳️ **Please take a moment to vote for The Technology Evangelist Podcast!**

It only takes a moment, but it would mean the world to me. And if you really want to help, please share this post with your dental friends!

**Let's see if we can WIN this thing!!!** 🏆🎙️

Thanks, everyone! I appreciate you more than you know!

You can vote for the The Technology Evangelist Podcast with this link. 

Registration is Now Open for the Chicago Dental Society's 2027 Midwinter Meeting

It's time to get ready for the 2027 Chicago Dental Society's MidWinter Meeting!  Being a Kansas City boy, I try to never miss this meeting since it's fairly close to my hometown.  I'm not sure how many years in a row I've attended, but it's a bunch.  This is always a great event with amazing education and an exhibit hall displaying the latest and greatest the profession has to offer.  I always have a great time at this meeting and I'll for sure be there this year.  If you happen to see me, be sure and say hi.  Links are in the announcement below, but if you're ready right now, you can register here.  Otherwise, read below for the info from the Chicago Dental Society.

The Nation’s Premier Dental Meeting Boasts an Enhanced Scientific Program, Flexible Learning Opportunities, and Improved Convenience for Attendees

The Chicago Dental Society (CDS) announced today that registration is now open for the 2027 Midwinter Meeting, which returns to McCormick Place West in Chicago on February 25-27, 2027.

The Midwinter Meeting is the largest and most renowned scientific dental meeting in North America, attracting tens of thousands of dental professionals every year from around the world. Attendees can look forward to an enhanced scientific program, both in-person and virtual, to help make the most of their three-day experience.

“We are always trying to improve the Midwinter Meeting experience to provide attendees and exhibitors with a highly valuable experience,” said 2027 CDS President Dr. Victoria Ursitti. “I’m super excited to share that we are making even more improvements to this year’s meeting. While last year we focused on enhancing the Exhibit Hall experience, this year we are focused on improving the already excellent scientific program. From a new Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass to new speakers and topics, the 2027 Midwinter Meeting puts the power in the attendee’s hands to build a schedule that advances their career on their terms.”

For the first time ever, the Chicago Dental Society is debuting the Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass to offer unlimited virtual access to recorded lectures. Attendees who purchase the Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass can access and earn up to 94.5 CE credits through eligible on-demand content. The Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass allows attendees to spend more time in hands-on workshops, exploring new innovations in the Exhibit Hall, or attending exclusive networking events without missing out on the premier Midwinter Meeting scientific program. The Digital Pass may also be purchased separately from registration, allowing those who are unable to attend in person a new way to experience the Midwinter Meeting.

The 2027 Midwinter Meeting scientific program boasts more than 240 courses led by 149 dental industry leaders, of which 50% of this year’s speakers are new to the Midwinter Meeting. This year’s program includes over 50 workshops providing experiential learning, curated learning pathways, expanded wellness programming focused on health, ergonomics, and career longevity, and a partnership with The Pankey Institute. The Midwinter Meeting once again provides best-in-class scientific programming that gives every member of the dental team, from hygienists to assistants, the ability to learn what they want when they want it. 

“The Midwinter Meeting is the place to build your career,” said 2027 CDS Early Career Director Dr. Michael Shen. “You never know where or what opportunities you’ll encounter at the Midwinter Meeting. In any given course, networking event, or the Exhibit Hall, you may find a new job opportunity, make connections that lead to future opportunities, find new friends and colleagues, learn something that takes you to the next step of your career, or find something that reignites your passion for dentistry. The world’s best speakers, companies, and professionals are all gathered in one place just for you.”

This year’s Exhibit Hall will continue the enhancements debuted at last year’s Midwinter Meeting, such as Relax and Recharge Lounges stationed throughout the exhibit floor, Hadley’s Pet Park, and more accessible options for food and drinks in the Exhibit Hall. The Early Career Dentist Lounge and Dental Student Lounge will also receive updates this year, featuring a new location and layout.

Keeping attendee health and wellness in mind, the 2027 Midwinter Meeting will include a Quiet and Prayer Room just outside the central Exhibit Hall, as well as afternoon yoga sessions. Other events returning to the Midwinter Meeting include the Dental Student Reception, the Smile and Shine Hygienist Luncheon, Pop-In for Popcorn, the Sips, Suds, & Sales Happy Hour, Midwinter Live! (formerly known as Beats, Bites, & Bash), and the Keynote Session, featuring iconic figure skating champions and Olympic broadcasters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir. Outside of McCormick Place, CDS offers brand-new Dine-Arounds that blend the tastes of local Chicago restaurants with the unmatched networking opportunities of the Midwinter Meeting.

Attendees can register now for the 2027 Midwinter Meeting at www.cds.org/register. Visit www.cds.org/mwm for more information on this year’s events, registration fees, Midwinter Meeting Digital Pass pricing and details, course program, list of exhibitors, and additional Midwinter Meeting information. 

About the Chicago Dental Society  

Trust a Chicago Dental Society (CDS) dentist with more than just your smile. Talk with them and you'll see their work is an investment in not just your oral health, but your overall health. They are current on the dental trends and technology through extensive CDS continuing education programs, including the Midwinter Meeting. Ranking among Chicago’s top 20 conventions, the CDS Midwinter Meeting – one of North America’s largest exhibits of dental products and professional dentistry – typically welcomes nearly 25,000 dental professionals each year and generates more than $32 million for the local economy (according to Choose Chicago). The largest local component of the American Dental Association, the non-profit Chicago Dental Society represents dentists across the Chicago region. They're your neighbors, friends and community anchors. Connect with the Chicago Dental Society at cds.org, where you’ll find our easy-to-navigate Find-a-CDS Dentist search tool. 

DMG Introduces Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP to Simplify Whitening Workflows and Support Patient Comfort

 

DMG is a well known manufacturer that makes some pretty incredible products.  The science of tooth whitening continues to grow and expand.  Along those lines, here's a new product announcement from DMG America.  I have not had a chance to try this one yet, but I'd sure like to.  Details below:

New solution completes minimally invasive workflow for whitening and treating enamel opacities

DMG America, the  manufacturer of Icon Smooth Surface Infiltration Concept for minimally invasive treatment of enamel opacities, is pleased to announce the U.S. commercial launch of its Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP line of professional, carbamide peroxide-based take-home medical bleaching solutions formulated to deliver effective whitening for both young and adult patients with reduced sensitivity.

The medical device, Flairesse line comprises three innovative products. Intended for use with patients under age 18, Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP 5% and Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP 10% are designed to gently improve the appearance of developmental enamel opacities associated with fluorosis, trauma and enamel defects as part of a medical treatment. They also comfortably treat discolorations of permanent teeth caused by medical treatments. Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP 10% and 16% formulations are additionally indicated for adult patients to gently whiten intrinsic and extrinsic discolorations without the need for an overhead light. 

The Flairesse bleaching solution is a critical step in the Icon infiltration procedure, developed as a medical device to for the treatment of enamel opacities. Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP 5% and Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP 10% used prior to resin infiltration helps white spot lesions blend more seamlessly with surrounding enamel and create a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing tooth shade. For optimal results with this application, DMG recommends the patients use its DentaMile 3D printed bleaching trays for a flexible, precision-fit tray that will prevent gel leakage on gingiva and provide a more comfortable fit for the patient. 

“With Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP, we’re bringing whitening, Icon resin infiltration and DentaMile bleaching trays together in a streamlined, minimally invasive workflow. This launch reflects our commitment to giving dental professionals practical solutions that support patient comfort while helping them address discoloration and enamel opacities with confidence,” said Mark Trimmer, General Manager of DMG America.

DMG took a very intentional approach to ensure that the Flairesse line would exhibit an exceptional ability to minimize tooth sensitivity. The carbamide peroxide formulation delivers gradual, even whitening, with an extended application time that promotes a gentler whitening process. The formulation also contains potassium nitrate, which prevents the whitening agents from irritating the tooth’s nerves through its potassium ions that diffuse through the dentinal tubules toward the dental pulp.

The take-home treatment protocol for all three products achieves the material properties required by DIN EN ISO 28399 with a minimum application time of just one hour per day over a 10-day period that requires only a single, resealable, 5 ml syringe.The Flairesse Bleaching Gel CP, Icon and DentaMile solutions are available from leading dental product distributors and partner labs throughout the United States.

About DMG

DMG manufactures and distributes dental materials and equipment recognized internationally for quality and innovation. Its portfolio includes Luxatemp®, LuxaCore® Z Dual, Icon® caries infiltrant, and the DentaMile® 3D printing solution, including software, hardware and resins. Through innovation and collaboration, DMG provides integrated solutions that help dental and laboratory professionals streamline workflows, meet their clinical needs and improve patient outcomes. For more information about DMG products, visit www.dmg-america.com or call 800-662-6383

Vote for your Favorite Podcast at Dental Podcast Directory

 

It's that time of year again folks!  Every year, The Dental Podcast Directory holds a poll where you can vote for your favorite dental podcast.  Might I suggest (or beg for) The Technology Evangelist Podcast as your selection this year?  For the last 18 months we've been doing our very best to try and bring you stories from around the dental industry.  Since last year's voting we've put out interviews with Dr. Gordon Christensen, Dr. Ed Zuckerberg, and Dr. Jeremy Krell, just to name a few.  Your vote will help bring more attention to the podcast, get us in front of more listeners, and allow me to bring on more guests.

You can cast your vote here.  

Our effort is to bring you information from every aspect of the dental industry with a focus on technology.  You can expect more info and guests in the coming year.  I'd be truly honored if you'd cast your vote for us.  We finished at #7 last year and we would love to finish even higher this time around.  The podcast team and I are trying every week to bring you the best effort we can.  If you'd like to suggest a guest or offer any suggestions, please leave them in the comments below.

Here's the info from The Dental Podcast Directory:

Every year we ask dental podcast host and fans to vote for their favorite dental podcasts. Fans can vote for the next 2 months from November 1st until December 31st. The 25 podcasts with the most votes are awarded our top 25 badge and featured on our website.

 

The Frightening Part of "Big AI"

 

I've written a lot about AI here and why I'm a fan.  I'm a fan because dentistry is based on relationships and often the amount of 'stuff' we have to do gets in the way of connecting with patients.  If a system can do the busy work, we can better connect with our patients.

However, using AI Agents is a completely different thing.  Letting autonomous systems run things for us is one thing, but letting those systems run things when no one can really tell you what they are doing or how they are doing it?  That's a completely different thing to me.

A friend that I respect sent me the video above yesterday.  I was concerned about where the big AI companies were headed before I watched it... I'm a lot more concerned now.  The video is about 30 minutes long, but I *highly* recommend you watch it.  It does the best job I've seen of explaining all these rogue AIs we've seen lately and it is chilling.  I love tech, but this is going way too far...  Be sure to watch the video.

You can watch it directly on YouTube here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYUo0ZmK-A