Dr. Tracey Nguyen didn’t set out to redefine dentistry, but somewhere between cosmetic cases that didn’t last and patients searching for real answers, everything shifted. What starts as a conversation about her journey into dentistry quickly unfolds into something much bigger, a reframing of how we diagnose, treat, and think about the mouth as part of the entire body. From airway focused dentistry to the misunderstood relationship between sleep, TMD, and restorative failure, Dr. Nguyen challenges one of the most common assumptions in modern dentistry, that fixing teeth is enough. Instead, she explores how breathing, anatomy, and skeletal structure quietly shape everything from long term case success to a patient’s overall health. She breaks down why airway dentistry is often confused with sleep appliance therapy and why that distinction matters, how undiagnosed airway issues show up as worn dentition, failed restorations, and chronic discomfort, the connection between sleep disruption, pain perception, and TMJ disorders, why orthodontics and skeletal changes may be the foundation rather than the afterthought of restorative care, and how pediatric airway dysfunction can influence development, behavior, and long term health outcomes. This conversation also dives into the evolution of dentistry itself, where wellness, diagnostics, and full body thinking are starting to replace a purely mechanical approach. Because at the end of the day, teeth don’t fail in isolation, and the future of dentistry may depend on finally treating the whole patient, not just the smile.

Jeffry Tobon, a pioneer in digital dentistry workflows and an early adopter of CAD CAM technology. Jeffry shares his journey from working with early Nobel Procera systems to mastering exocad and helping build CAD CAM departments in some of the largest dental laboratories in New York. What started as hands-on experience quickly evolved into building labs, launching Digital Dental Craftsmen, and shaping how technicians approach digital workflows today. The conversation explores the shift from traditional lab models to modern digital dentistry, including the rise of in house labs, full arch workflows, and the growing role of technology in clinical decision making. Jeffry also breaks down his transition from lab owner to entrepreneur, building Chairside Solutions and launching Regional Implant Centers. We also dive into innovation at the clinical level, including the development of the SegMark workflow and SegScrew, designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and predictability in full arch implant cases.

• (00:00:00) - Jeff Tobin
• (00:00:30) - Teaching Digital Dentistry with Exocad
• (00:05:57) - 3Shape vs. Exocad: What Made The Jump
• (00:13:00) - Chairside Solutions: Restorative Dental Technology Institute
• (00:20:03) - One implant doctor's segue into business
• (00:23:34) - Pediatric implants: The Rosen Screw
• (00:29:33) - How to align implants after the surgery with the X-Cat
• (00:38:25) - The 2 millimeter screw
• (00:43:39) - Jeff Greene on His Final Podcast
• (00:45:42) - Jeffrey Tobin on Facebook and Instagram

Daniel Portal’s path into digital dentistry didn’t follow the rules, and that’s exactly why it worked. From witnessing CAD/CAM transform labs overnight to building a career around exocad training and independent design, his perspective cuts through the hype and focuses on what actually works. This conversation explores the reality behind today’s workflows, including the limitations of intraoral scans, why photogrammetry has become essential for full arch accuracy, and where tools like face scanning and AI still fall short. It also looks ahead at the shift toward additive manufacturing and how evolving technology continues to reshape both clinical outcomes and the role of the technician.

Sources
Revilla León M, Aragoneses R, Arroyo Valverde EM, Gómez Polo M, Kois JC. Classification of scanning errors of digital scans recorded by using intraoral scanners. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry. 2025;37:1363 to 1371. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.13419

Mitrani R. The use of a plaster verification jig to ensure accuracy of the master cast. Spear Education. Published August 12 2019. https://www.speareducation.com/resources/spear-digest/the-use-of-a-plaster-verification-jig-to-ensure-accuracy-of-the-master-cast-jig/

Hossein Bassir, CPO of SprintRay, breaks down how the industry is shifting from hardware-driven innovation to something much bigger: material science, software, and fully connected workflows. What used to take hours can now happen in minutes. But speed isn’t the full story. This conversation unpacks why viscosity changed everything in 3D printing, how new materials are pushing the limits of what’s possible chairside, and what it actually takes to make technology simple enough for any dental team to use. From the “iPhone moment” of dental 3D printing to fully integrated systems that remove friction from the workflow, this episode looks ahead at where digital dentistry is going, and what it means for the next generation of clinicians. If you’re paying attention to where dental technology is heading, this is one of those conversations that connects the dots.

Citations:

Price, R. B. T. (2017). Light curing in dentistry. Dental Clinics of North America, 61(4), 751–778. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.008

“Heartwarming Smile Makeover Reaction | Zirconia Crowns + Root Canals” by Sani Dental Group, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMiz93KpNE, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY).

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:05:02) - Accuracy, Expectations, and Real World Impact
• (00:09:30) - Why Choose 3D Printing for Dentistry
• (00:12:56) - Midas: Concept & Material-Driven Innovation
• (00:17:20) - What Caused 3D Printing to Slow Down
• (00:26:33) - Connecting the Workflow: LabConnect
• (00:34:36) - Making Production Microwave-Easy
• (00:42:57) - What's Next for SprintRay
• (00:51:10) - Outro

Dr. Jonathan Abenaim shares his journey from an uncertain path in computer science to becoming a leading innovator in full-arch implant dentistry. He dives deep into the evolution of digital workflows, the disconnect between labs and clinicians, and how his hands-on approach led to groundbreaking inventions like advanced scan bodies and the Powerball Screw system. Dr. Abenaim breaks down the real challenges behind modern implant workflows from flawed traditional systems to the hidden risks of photogrammetry and over-engineered restorations. He also opens up about mentorship, innovation, and why dentists need to stop chasing “perfect solutions” and instead focus on understanding systems deeply. This conversation goes beyond technique touching on leadership, education, and the future of dentistry, including the growing impact of litigation, corporate influence, and the importance of staying true to your mission in an evolving industry.

Seth Potter, exocad educator, design expert, and a rising voice in the world of exocad, shares his journey from early exposure to dentistry to building a global presence through education and content creation. Together, Seth and Rob break down the rapid growth of digital dentistry, the increasing adoption of exocad, and how clinicians and technicians can create more efficient, repeatable workflows while also examining the evolving role of AI in dentistry and where it adds value versus where the human touch still matters most. From Smile Creator advancements to underutilized tools and real-world workflow strategies, this episode delivers practical takeaways for anyone looking to level up in digital dentistry.

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:02:50) - Dental Design: Exocad Takes Over
• (00:08:48) - Newcomers to Digital Dentistry
• (00:11:22) - Finding the Right Workflow for Exocad
• (00:15:26) - The Biggest Mistakes Made in Exocad
• (00:20:05) - Exocad's AI Feature adoption
• (00:23:14) - Exocad's AI in Dentistry
• (00:25:37) - XCAD User Experience: The Human Touch
• (00:28:34) - XCAD Smile Creator 3.3 Update
• (00:34:57) - TrueSmile Video
• (00:37:20) - Exocad 2.8: Underutilized Tools
• (00:42:50) - Exocad CEO: Where Digital Dentistry is headed
• (00:44:54) - Dental Care: More Options Than Ever
• (00:45:47) - Dental Technology: Growing interest in the field
• (00:47:35) - Outro

Rob Norton talks with Dr. Josh Austin about how digital dentistry tools like iTero, Invisalign, exocad, and 3D printing are transforming the way dentists diagnose, communicate, and treat patients. From boosting case acceptance through visual scanning to enabling more minimally invasive treatment planning, Dr. Austin breaks down how digital workflows are helping practices deliver better outcomes, stronger patient understanding, and more predictable restorative care.

• (00:00:05) - Intro
• (00:01:31) - Early Digital Dentistry: The Scanner
• (00:04:32) - Scanners as Communication Tools
• (00:11:36) - Digital Workflows with Exocad and Evolve
• (00:29:00) - Visualization & Simplifying Treatment Plans
• (00:36:01) - Advanced Scanner Technology
• (00:46:39) - Outro

The Evolution of Dental Podcast welcomes Dr. Adamo “Elvis” Notarantonio, former President of the AACD, educator, and internationally recognized cosmetic dentist, for a conversation about photography, mentorship, and the fundamentals that shape great dentistry. Dr. Notarantonio explains why a simple digital camera may be the most important tool in a dentist’s practice, sharing how photography improves communication with patients, laboratories, and digital workflows. From smile design and treatment planning to documenting clinical progress, he highlights how proper dental photography supports better outcomes in cosmetic dentistry. The discussion also explores the balance between digital dentistry workflows and traditional analog techniques, and why understanding the fundamentals of occlusion, materials, and hand skills remains essential even as dental technology continues to evolve. Dr. Notarantonio also shares his personal journey from professional soccer to dentistry, the mentors who shaped his career, and the lessons he’s learned through AACD accreditation, teaching, and decades of clinical experience. This conversation offers valuable insight for dentists, dental technicians, and anyone interested in digital dentistry workflows, cosmetic dentistry, and the future of dental technology.

• (00:00:06) - Intro
• (00:00:28) - Why Dental Photography Matters
• (00:04:14) - Smile Design, Dental Workflows, and Clinical Precision
• (00:07:11) - Mentorship: Becoming a Better Diagnostician
• (00:12:08) - Teaching, Education, and Learning Through Failure
• (00:15:45) - Digital Dentistry vs Analog Fundamentals
• (00:19:27) - Transformative Cases, Patient Impact, and Clinical Integrity
• (00:26:03) - Emerging Technology in Dentistry
• (00:29:01) - Core Clinical Skills, AACD, and Long-Term Growth Mindset
• (00:33:05) - Composite Artistry, Clinical Skill Development, and ROI
• (00:41:28) - Advice for the Next Generation of Dentists
• (00:45:55) - Outro