CAD/CAM - international magazine of digital dentistry

I 03 editorial _ CAD/CAM I CAD/CAM 1_2012 Dr Dobrina Mollova _CAD/CAM has revolutionised engineering and manufacture since the 1950s. In the 1980s, such processes were progressively applied and integrated in the field of dentistry. It is no surprise that along with the technological milestones attained within the last decades, computerised dentistry and dental CAD/CAM technology have developed at a rapid rate. The 2011 International Dental Show in Cologne highlighted the unprecedented improvements in CAD/CAM, with exhibitors and attendees indicating that a growing number of manufac- turers are joining the market. ThefastgrowthinCAD/CAMdentistryalongsidenewtechnology,materialsandequipment has seen an increasingly rapid integration into both dental offices and laboratories. Without a doubt, digital technology is pivotal for the operational viability of every dental practice and laboratory.Arewepreparedtokeepuptospeedwiththisgrowingindustry?Canweimplement this pool of information and technology in our practices without the proper expertise? As with all new technologies, education and training are essential. The development rate of computerised technologies is not in sync with the level of training most dental profes- sionals have attained. Evidently, with time, we will have to start implementing such tech- nologies to remain up to date with standards and practices within the field. Companies and professionals specialised in digital dentistry place a great deal of effort and enthusiasm into trainingdentalclinicians,techniciansanddentalassistantsinbasicandadvancedtechniques and procedures. Is this sufficient for the fast-paced and challenging reality they face on a day-to-day basis in their career? Every day, there are questions and uncertainties about approaching diagnostics, treatment plans and the selection of the proper material to obtain thedesiredoutcome.Lastbutnotleast,theinvestmentcostsandtheall-importantreturnon investment have to be taken into consideration. SinceCAPP(CenterforAdvancedProfessionalPractices)startedoutin2006withthefirst CAD/CAM&ComputerizedDentistryInternationalConferenceinDubai,wehaveexperienced a steady increase in the number of the events we hold and the number of participants and visitors.Thisyear,theCAD/CAM&ComputerizedDentistryInternationalConferencewillhave spring and autumn editions: the sixth conference will take place in Dubai from 3 to 4 May 2012andtheseventhconferencewillbeheldinSingaporefrom6to7October2012.Thiswill be the first Asia-Pacific edition of the meeting. We would like to warmly invite all dental professionals to join us for these events. We are very excited to organise events focused entirely on computerised dentistry, aiming to build important bridges between our dental team, dentists, dental technicians and the industry. In2012,theCAD/CAMmagazinewillserveasaplatformforeducationandinformation exchange with a new rubric—digital platforms. Dental schools, societies, associations and companiesareinvitedtoannouncetheircoursescheduleshere.Moreinformationaboutthis exciting project is available inside this issue. Yours faithfully, Dr Dobrina Mollova Managing Director of CAPP Dubai, UAE Dear Reader,