Ryan Hamm is the former Editorial Director for Dental Products Report and Digital Esthetics.

Ryan Hamm

The manufacturing world is increasingly turning to 3D printing in an effort to meet the fast pace of today’s competitive marketplace. By answering industry production challenges, lab owners can save costs and move more quickly to digital production.

, part of the Objet Eden™ line of systems. Objet30 OrthoDesk is specially designed for small- to medium-sized labs and clinics. It is reportedly compact, affordable and easy-to-use. With patented PolyJet 3D Printing technology, it offers all of the advantages of a 3D printer in a package created to work with labs of any size.

Within the Objet30 OrthoDesk, the PolyJet jetting head slides back and forth along the X-axis, similar to a line printer, depositing a single, super-thin layer of polymer onto the build tray. After building each layer, UV bulbs alongside the jetting bridge emit UV light, immediately curing and hardening each layer. This step eliminates the additional post curing required by other technologies.

SEE HOW ONE LAB IS USING THE OBJET30 ORTHODESK TO HELP THEIR WORKFLOW:

Avi Cohen, Director of Global Dental at Stratasys, elaborates: “The internal jetting tray moves down with extreme precision and the jet heads continue building, layer by layer, until the model is complete. Sophisticated software tools enable all heads to work in perfect harmony and superb accuracy, to synchronously jet identical amounts of materials on the tray. This results in a perfectly even and smooth surface. Two different materials are used for building: one for the actual model-the VeroDent material, and another gel-like material for support. The geometry of the support structure is pre-programmed to cope with complicated geometries, such as cavities, overhangs, undercuts, delicate features and thin-walled sections.”

Stratasys’ goal with the Objet30 OrthoDesk is that any lab can fabricate stone models, appliances, delivery and positioning trays, models for clear aligners, retainers and surgical guides-right on the benchtop. Stratasys says the advancements in their Objet30 OrthoDesk sets a new standard in 3D Printers.

Information provided by Stratasys. This tech brief orginally appeared in 

 magazine. To get more articles like this, 

Articles

The Objet30 OrthoDesk provides big capability—and a small footprint [VIDEO]

Why MacPractice DDS could be the right practice management system for you.

 Mac OS native client server application that offers Internet connectivity

. It was created to have easy-to-use software designed specifically for Apple computers and the Mac OS X operating system.
	
	

 Most offices require minimal set up and little-to-no regular on-site IT support, which translates to 

Native Apps for iPad and iPhone interoperate with MacPractice

, streamlining registration and operations, reducing errors and increasing productivity.
	
	

Maximize profitability with software that runs on 

OS X, an operating system known for simplicity and reliability

 is designed, developed and supported by 110+ employees in Lincoln, Neb. 

A full two-thirds of those employees are in customer service or are software developers

, demonstrating MacPractice’s commitment to customer service and satisfaction.

5 Reasons to consider MacPractice DDS for your practice

From versatility to gentler treatments, the Photon soft tissue diode laser from Zolar offers many benefits.

The Photon soft tissue diode laser from Zolar

 is a three-watt laser said to be well suited for dental surgery and the improvement of esthetics. The Photon features a 810 nm wavelength, continuous and pulse modes, is completely wireless, has a 3-4 hour battery life and has the ability to program 21 treatment presets and four customized presets.

The Photon works on patients and causes little-to-no pain, depending on the patient

. The laser works with minimal discomfort and bleeding-producing very few incisions requiring stitches-which makes the Photon optimal for dentists who frequently work on sensitive patients. The Photon’s laser also helps with post-op healing and decreases inflammation and patient recovery time. Additionally, the pain-reducing nature of the Photon greatly limits the need for anesthetics.

The laser reportedly can be used for a variety of operations, including removal of diseased, infected, inflamed and necrosed soft tissue within the periodontal pocket; laser periodontal; laser soft tissue curettage; removal of edematous tissue; sulcular debridement; and dental intraoral soft tissue general, oral maxilla-facial and 

The Photon features a touch-screen monitor, reportedly providing easy navigation. It is password protected, meaning a key isn’t needed for operation. The handpiece is flexible and easy-to-use, and the Photon comes with bendable disposable tips for easy maneuverability during procedures.

 The Photon also features a foot-pedal control for easy, hands-free operation.

4 reasons to consider adding Zolar's Photon soft tissue diode laser to your practice

, Carol Pilmer noted the importance of pursuing continuing education opportunities for every lab technician and owner.

With that in mind, here's a list of some of the major upcoming events and meetings that will provide labs with important information about all the trends and coming innovations they need to know. If you know of other events useful to labs, please leave them in a comment and we'll do our best to add them to the list!

29-Oct. 3: Pankey Institute Essentials 2, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

3-5: Society for Color and Appearance in Dentistry, Denver, Colo.
	

4-5: 2013 Oregon Association of Dental Labs Workshop, Portland, Ore.
	

6-10: Pankey Institute Essentials 3, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

9-12: American College of Prosthodontics 2013, Las Vegas, Nev.
	

11-12: Michigan Association of Commercial Dental Labs Midwest Renaissance Conference, Livonia, Mich.
	

11: Washington State Dental Lab Association Lab Owners Roundtable Retreat, Tulalip, Wash.
	

17-19: Pankey Institute Excellence in Bonded Porcelain Restorations, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

20-24: Pankey Institute Essentials 4, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

24-26: Pankey Institute Couples Leadership, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

27-31: Pankey Institute Essentials 1, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

31-Nov. 3: American Dental Association Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Lou.
	

1: Colorado Dental Lab Association Annual Fall Meeting, Denver, Col.
	

3-7: Pankey Institute Essentials 2, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

7-10: Eastern Conference of Dental Labs, North and South Carolina Dental Lab Associations, Concord, N.C.
	

8-12: Pankey Institute Implant Essentials, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

15-17: Dental Lab Owners Association of California CAD/CAM Expo & Symposium, Garden Grove, Cali.
	

21-23: Pankey Institute Utilizing Invisalign to Enhance Restorative Outcomes, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

1-4: Greater New York Dental Meeting Collaboration, New York, N.Y.
	

5-8: Pankey Institute-Unleash the Power of Your Interdisciplinary Team, Key Biscayne, Fla.
	

14: Georgia Dental Lab Association Annual Meeting, Duluth, Georgia
	

10-11: Iowa Dental Lab Association Prairieland EXPO 2014, Riverside, Iowa
	

16-18: 2014 NADL Vision 21 Meeting, Las Vegas, Nev.
	

29-Feb. 2: Yankee Dental Congress, Boston, Mass.
	

20-22: Chicago Dental Society Midwinter Meeting, Chicago, Ill.
	

21-22: LAB Day Chicago 2014, Chicago, Ill.
	

In her September 2013 article for DLP, Carol Pilmer noted the importance of pursuing continuing education opportunities for every lab technician and owner.

Dental laboratory event calendar

In this video sneak peek from the upcoming issue of 

 magazine, Dwain Turner, owner of Turner Dental Lab in Texas, describes how he's incorporated the anaxFORM system and Acryline denture material (both from Anaxform) into his workflow, and how those products have improved his efficiency and provided new, cost-effective solutions.

Watch the video below and make sure you check out our October issue for the full story. To make sure 

In this video sneak peek from the upcoming issue of Dental Lab Product magazine, Dwain Turner, owner of Turner Dental Lab in Texas, describes how he's incorporated the anaxFORM system and Acryline denture material (both from Anaxform) into his workflow, and how those products have improved his efficiency and provided new, cost-effective solutions.

Print Sneak Peek: One lab's experience with anaxFORM and Acryline [VIDEO]

 a Stratasys company, and a manufacturer of high-precision 3D wax printers, today announced the introduction of the 3Z MAX, the newest member of the 3Z Series. 

The 3Z MAX is reportedly Solidscape’s fastest 3D wax printer. The 3Z MAX supports higher throughput and delivers significant production gains when working with bulkier precision designs in jewelry manufacturing, industrial and medical applications. Aimed at the high-precision 3D printer market for direct manufacturing, the 3Z MAX is priced at $49,650.00 USD.

Said to include one-touch simplicity, the fully automated 3Z MAX printer combines the power of 3D high-precision printing with the increased performance that direct manufacturing requires. According to Solidscape, a user-friendly touch screen and software allows operators of any technical level to produce their own high-precision wax parts ready for casting, making the promise of 3D direct manufacturing available to nearly any business.

“The 3Z MAX is the direct product of our Voice of the Customer program which focuses on customer satisfaction and product innovation,” said Fabio Esposito, President of Solidscape. “Our customers said they wanted the precision for which Solidscape is known with increased performance. The 3Z MAX delivers both at a very affordable price.”

Solidscape®, Inc., a Stratasys company, and a manufacturer of high-precision 3D wax printers, today announced the introduction of the 3Z MAX, the newest member of the 3Z Series. 

Solidscape's 3Z MAX Printer intends to make direct manufacturing easier and faster [VIDEO]

For our September 2013 issue, we talked to Dickerman Dental about their experience using Straumann CARES Customized Abutments. The full article will include more about their ROI, the training provided by Straumann and more, but in the meantime, enjoy this EXCLUSIVE video interview with Ira and Brandon Dickerman. 	 	

	 	Make sure you subscribe to DLP for the full article! Click here to subscribe: 

	Find out more about Straumann CARES Customized Abutments: 

http://www.straumann.us/en/professionals/products-and-solutions/digital-solutions/cadcam/prosthetic-solutions/customized-abutments.html

 For our September 2013 issue, we talked to Dickerman Dental about their experience using Straumann CARES Customized Abutments.

Print Sneak Peek: Video Interview with Dickerman Dental on Straumann CARES Customized Abutments

 has announced that Puche Dental Lab, Innova Dental Inc., Magnusen Orthodontic Lab, Michaelangelo Dental Studio, Castable Ceramics, Artistic Dental Design, Inc., Pacific Dental Inc., Brabant Dental Lab, R-dent Dental Laboratory and Biogenic Dental Corp. have completed comprehensive shade training in VITA shade management and communication, earning recognition as official VITA Certified Shade Laboratories.

To achieve this designation, each lab underwent extensive VITA specific training to increase their shade management proficiency. With this new expertise, the labs are able to offer expert advice and case planning support to their customers, while acting as the ultimate resource in shade management and esthetics by minimizing remakes, improving shade accuracy and producing accurate shade communication.

To achieve ideal outcomes, the new VITA Certified Shade Labs can utilize VITA’s shade taking products and materials, including the VITA Easyshade Compact, 

 and VITA Linearguide 3D-Master. As part of their certification, the labs have the ability to provide VITA shade devices directly to their clientele.

For information, call 800-828-3839 or visit Vident’s website at 

Vident has announced that Puche Dental Lab, Innova Dental Inc., Magnusen Orthodontic Lab, Michaelangelo Dental Studio, Castable Ceramics, Artistic Dental Design, Inc., Pacific Dental Inc., Brabant Dental Lab, R-dent Dental Laboratory and Biogenic Dental Corp. have completed comprehensive shade training in VITA shade management and communication, earning recognition as official VITA Certified Shade Laboratories.

New VITA Certified Shade Labs take VITA shades to the next level

Proper handpiece maintenance is crucial to extending the life of your handpieces. Here's 5 reasons to use SciCan's Statmatic for that job in your practice.

Looking for a handpiece maintenance unit? Check out the top 5 benefits of 

 STATMATIC automatic handpiece maintenance unit.
	 

automatically cleans, lubricates and purges up to 3 handpieces

. This ensures that each handpiece is maintained properly every time, prolonging its useful life.
	
	

 Efficiency in the dental office creates a profitable practice. That’s why 

the cycle time of the STATMATIC is 15 seconds per handpiece

Total maintenance of the handpiece is essential for its lifespan. The STATMATIC’s 

 is a crucial component for eliminating debris from the chuck of the handpiece.
	
	

 that’s built to last in your modern practice.
	
	

 so you can feel confident in your purchase.

Want more great product advice? Check out this episode of "Product Review with John and Lou: Tips, Tricks and Truth” with Drs. John Flucke and Lou Graham for advice on choosing the right curing light for your practice:

5 benefits of SciCan USA's STATMATIC Automatic Handpiece Maintenance Unit

Hygienist Shelley Rice RDH, GDH, tells us why she would recommend the DIAGNOdent caries detection tool to any practice.

When dark pits are noted on the first or second molars during the clinical examination, how many doctors will merely instruct the staff to put a monitor or watch on that finding?  Do you really know what is going on with that area enough to diagnose the area correctly?  Is your recommendation for a sealant correct or is decay really the issue? 

That’s where KaVo’s DIAGNOdent comes in

. It helps take the guess work out of your examination. A dental hygienist can easily screen these areas during the hygiene appointment and report findings during the clinical examination to improve accuracy of the diagnosis. 

Why did you decide to incorporate the DIAGNOdent into your practice?

We have used the DIAGNOdent caries detector in my clinic for many years.  We purchased our first unit after having a young 14 year old in the chair with just the tiniest of dark pits but in a lot of pain.

We cautiously and conservatively opened up the pit only to discover decay into the nerve of the tooth from this “stained pit.” The patient proceeded to have a root canal and a crown. I believe if we would have had the DIAGNOdent earlier, it could have been prevented.

What are the main benefits for your practice?

I have found the KaVo DIAGNOdent to be an extremely valuable and easy-to-use tool that helps my doctors perform complete and accurate examinations. 

, our patients immediately think we’re a “high-tech” office. The children are not afraid of the evaluation; I explain it as using a laser light to check their tooth. 

 when we have quantitative findings to back up the diagnosis of decay.  I have the laminate of values on my countertop, so patients can see the recommendations.

The DIAGNOdent not only has a visual reading for patients to co-diagnose their condition, it also has an audible sound to go with the reading. The higher the DIAGNOdent value, the higher pitched the sound. 

We never have been disappointed in our discovery and findings when using the DIAGNOdent. I have been in clinics when they have demo units and the doctor’s schedule is filled with operative dentistry diagnosed with the DIAGNOdent.

What’s the main benefit for the patient?

In many cases the diagnosis of decay can be made early enough to keep the restoration very small or to recommend sealants in areas of non-decay. It has been a valuable asset to our office.  We are and providing better care to our patients. The KaVo DIAGNOdent is a tool I highly recommend for all dental offices.

Want to learn more about KaVo's DIAGNOdent? Check out this how-to video:

How KaVo's DIAGNOdent can benefit your patients and your practice

			Hygienist Shelley Rice RDH, GDH, tells us why she would recommend the DIAGNOdent caries detection tool to any practice.			Written by: Renee Knight and Ryan Hamm			KaVo's DIAGNOdent			Date published: 07/01/2013	5 / 5 stars