Institute of Digital Dentistry

Institute of Digital Dentistry The Institute of Digital Dentistry is New Zealand’s first CAD/CAM-specific training institute and sta Enter iDD Online.

The Institute of Digital Dentistry (iDD) is New Zealand’s first CAD/CAM and Digital Dentistry specific training centre, and online training platform. iDD stands for advanced, innovative and cutting-edge training in digital dentistry. We want to bring together dental professionals that are passionate about digital dentistry and its possibilities. One of our aims is to promote and teach the many fac

ets of digital dentistry and how it can revolutionize your practice and make dentistry more enjoyable and insightful for you and your patients. The team at iDD are general dentists and multi-practice owners with a passion for digital dentistry. We were early adopters of CAD/CAM and first invested in this technology over 10 years ago. As some of the few in the world with knowledge and experience of all scanners on the market, this gives us a unique position which as been recognized by industry and dental professionals globally. Across our clinics we own and have used a range of scanners including CEREC Primescan, TRIOS, Medit, Itero, Planmeca, Runyes, WOW, Heron and the list goes on and on. We also have advanced experience with all CAD software including CEREC, Inlab, 3Shape Design Studio and exocad. On top of this is our range of milling machines and 3D printers all in-house. All of this technology has been purchased without sponsorship, and we remain unwaveringly committed to being an unbiased and trustworthy source of information. Our goal is to help our colleagues within the dental profession to take the first steps into the digital world. iDD Online has evolved from the Institute of Digital Dentistry. Through our work with dental professionals and our ever-growing global online community, we’ve learned it’s prohibitively difficult to source unbiased, up-to-the-minute information about digital dentistry. What has become clear over the years is that we cannot rely on sales reps and KOL's for objective information. Our mission is to ensure everyone globally, has easy and affordable access to the best digital dentistry training possible. To achieve this, we’re providing dental professionals from all corners of the world with the knowledge and confidence to use digital dentistry effectively and efficiently. The digital workflow is revolutionizing the dentistry profession, and those who embrace these techniques will go far. It’s important to us that our dental colleagues have fair, objective information about scanners and CAD/CAM technology. With this, they can make informed decisions and build knowledge specific to their needs and priorities, without the pressures of sales reps or brand-orientated content.

09/10/2025

Scan caps might be the smartest solution you're not using yet

During my conversation with Jerico from Shining 3D, she dropped some serious knowledge about when to choose scan caps over coded scan bodies.

The scenario: immediate loading cases.
You've got movement. You've got blood. You've got sutures everywhere. And you're trying to capture accurate implant positions with photogrammetry.

Here's the reality - coded scan bodies can struggle in these conditions. Blood residue dulls the photogrammetry dots, making detection nearly impossible. Even "dry" blood leaves a film that interferes with scanning.
The solution? Scan caps.

They're designed specifically for these messy, complex situations. No photogrammetry dots to worry about. No blood interference issues. Just clean, reliable scanning when conditions are less than ideal.

This isn't about one being better than the other. It's about using the right tool for the right situation. Coded scan bodies are fantastic for most cases. But when you're dealing with immediate loading complexity, scan caps give you a reliable backup plan.

Sometimes the best technology isn't the newest - it's the one that actually works when you need it.

Want to hear more clinical insights from Jerico? Listen to the full podcast episode 🎧

https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/podcast/s03-e09-shining-3d-has-done-the-impossible-from-bad-to-market-leader-in-5-years/

08/10/2025

The surgery support that literally no one else offers 🤯

One feature stopped me in my tracks during my conversation with Jerico.
"We offer to be there at TeamViewer on their first surgery."
Wait... what company does that?

Think about it. Most scanner companies give you training, documentation, maybe a support line. But actively offering to join via TeamViewer during your actual first procedure? That's a completely different level of commitment.

This isn't just about technical support. It's about understanding that the jump from training room to real patient can feel massive. Having someone there who knows the system inside and out, watching your workflow in real-time, ready to guide you through any hiccup - that changes everything.
Combined with their responsive tech support, it's no wonder their customers become advocates.

Sometimes it's not the scanner specs that make the difference. It's knowing someone has your back when it matters most.

Want to hear the full conversation with Jerico? Listen to the complete podcast episode 🎧

https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/podcast/s03-e09-shining-3d-has-done-the-impossible-from-bad-to-market-leader-in-5-years/

07/10/2025

DDLP vs LCD: Why Accuracy Still Wins for Complex Cases 🔬

While everyone's jumping on the LCD printer bandwagon, Shining 3D just released a DLP printer - the AccuFab F1. And honestly? The reasoning makes perfect sense.

"The quick answer is accuracy, that's what it came down to," says Jorge from Shining 3D.

The specs:
→ $10,000 USD (competitive for DLP)
→ 25-micron accuracy
→ Crowns printed in 10-11 minutes

Why this matters:
If you've worked with complex All-on-X cases, you know the struggle. Those screw channels at different orientations demand precision that LCD printers can struggle with.

DLP technology still delivers that level of accuracy for challenging geometries where margins matter most.

The bottom line: LCD printers have their place, but for labs and clinicians printing complex restorative work - accuracy can't be compromised for speed alone.

Sometimes choosing the "older" technology is actually the smarter clinical decision.

🎧 Hear the full technical breakdown on our latest podcast episode. https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/podcast/s03-e09-shining-3d-has-done-the-impossible-from-bad-to-market-leader-in-5-years/

What's your experience with DLP vs LCD for complex cases? Drop your thoughts below.

Learn more about digital manufacturing at instituteofdigitaldentistry.com

Can you scan edentulous patients with an intraoral scanner?The short answer is yes - but it requires solid technique to ...
06/10/2025

Can you scan edentulous patients with an intraoral scanner?

The short answer is yes - but it requires solid technique to get it right.
Edentulous scanning has traditionally been challenging. Without teeth as landmarks, scanners would struggle with distorted impressions, inadequate captures, and hours of extra work for technicians trying to fix the files.
But the technology has caught up in a big way.

Modern IOS features making edentulous scanning possible:
▶️ Larger fields of view capture more tissue per pass
▶️ AI-powered stitching algorithms handle complex surfaces better
▶️ Improved soft tissue capture reads mobile tissues more accurately
▶️ Specific edentulous modes optimize scanning for toothless arches
▶️ Faster scanning speeds reduce patient fatigue

The key to success? Technique.

Retraction is critical - you need to manage cheeks and tongue effectively. Keep tissues dry and control saliva properly. Use strategic scanning patterns, starting with stable reference points. Take your time - one to two minutes per arch is normal. And watch your screen while scanning, not the patient's mouth.

Why does this matter?

Studies show digital scans can be as accurate as traditional impressions for edentulous cases. Patients appreciate avoiding the gagging and discomfort of conventional impression materials. Many labs now prefer or even require digital files. Some are refusing physical impressions altogether.

The learning curve exists, but the benefits for speed, precision, and predictability make it worthwhile.

How do you handle edentulous cases?
📱 Digital scans only
🦷 Traditional impressions only
🤝 Hybrid - depends on the case
📚 Still learning/haven't tried yet

Drop your answer in the comments! Read the full blog here - https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/clinical-cases/how-accurate-is-edentulous-scanning-with-intraoral-scanners-a-comparison-with-traditional-impressions/

03/10/2025

The Game Changer That Blindsided Everyone

Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny interviews Jorge Hernandez (National Sales Manager) and Jerico Elomari (Senior Application Engineer) from SHINING 3D about their latest product developments and clinical applications. The discussion covers the Aoralscan Elite's intraoral photogrammetry technology, addressing specific clinical challenges, including blood interference with scanning and proper cleaning protocols for coded scan bodies. The guests detail new releases, including the Elite Wireless, AccuFab F1 DLP printer, MetiSmile MR with jaw tracking capabilities, and a nitrogen curing unit. The conversation explores practical implementation considerations, the importance of team training, current 3D printing applications in clinical practice, and future developments in digital dentistry workflows. Technical specifications, pricing, and troubleshooting methods are discussed throughout.

Watch the full episode here
https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/podcast/s03-e09-shining-3d-has-done-the-impossible-from-bad-to-market-leader-in-5-years/

DS World 2025 just dropped some major announcements, and Dentsply Sirona isn't holding back.We're talking three new mill...
01/10/2025

DS World 2025 just dropped some major announcements, and Dentsply Sirona isn't holding back.

We're talking three new milling machines (including a $25K mill aimed directly at 3D printing), CEREC finally moving to the cloud, and cross-scanner compatibility with TRIOS.

The CEREC Go is particularly interesting - it's DS's direct response to the 3D printing revolution. At $25-30K, it's their most affordable mill ever, designed specifically for composite restorations with 2-3 minute milling times.

But here's the big question: is milling's consistency and proven materials worth the extra cost over printing? Or does the lower entry point of 3D printing still win for most practices?

CEREC on DS Core also changes the game completely. Cloud-based design, STL export capability, and the ability to use TRIOS scans with CEREC software? That's a massive shift after years of being a closed ecosystem.

I've been testing the cloud version for weeks, and the AI design proposals are still some of the best in the industry for chairside work.

So what do you think - are you team milling or team printing for final restorations? And are you ready to move your workflows to the cloud?

Drop your thoughts below 👇
Full breakdown on the blog below or swipe through the carousel for the key highlights.

https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/news/ds-world-las-vegas-2025-all-the-latest-releases-by-dentsply-sirona/

Shining 3D Intraoral Photogrammetry Deep Dive - Clinical Workflows and Common PitfallsWe sat down with Jorge Hernandez a...
30/09/2025

Shining 3D Intraoral Photogrammetry Deep Dive - Clinical Workflows and Common Pitfalls

We sat down with Jorge Hernandez and Jerico Elomari from Shining 3D to discuss their expanding product lineup and real-world clinical applications.
What we covered:

Intraoral photogrammetry with the Aoralscan Elite - how it actually works in practice
Common scanning pitfalls (blood interference, scan body cleaning protocols)
New releases: Elite Wireless, AccuFab F1 DLP printer, MetiSmile MR with jaw tracking
Practical troubleshooting tips you can use tomorrow
Where 3D printing fits into your clinical workflow today

Jorge and Jerico didn't hold back on the technical details - from proper scan body preparation to nitrogen curing protocols. If you're using Shining 3D equipment or considering it, this episode gives you the inside scoop on what works (and what to watch out for).

Listen now: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/zKIXug7v3Wb

Have you dealt with blood interference during implant scans? Drop your workarounds in the comments 👇

30/09/2025

Milling vs 3D Printing: The Ultimate Face-Off

Dentsply Sirona is celebrating CEREC's 40th anniversary with game-changing releases that are shaking up digital dentistry. From the new $ 25,000 CEREC Go milling machine, which directly challenges 3D printing, to CEREC finally moving to the cloud and working with TRIOS scanners - this is huge!

📰 Full written breakdown on our blog:
https://instituteofdigitaldentistry.com/news/ds-world-las-vegas-2025-all-the-latest-releases-by-dentsply-sirona/

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