“Digital dentistry, for me, is everyday dentistry”

Anisha Hall Hoppe, Dental Tribune International

Mon. 28. November 2022

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In preparation for the upcoming Greater New York Dental Meeting (GNYDM) to be held from 25 to 30 November at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, Dental Tribune International spoke with presenter Dr Diana Tadros about her upcoming seminar, titled “3D print your heart out: The digital road to esthetic success”. During the conversation, Dr Tadros outlined some very interesting concepts in 3D printing that she believes many clinicians have never considered.

Dr Diana Tadros. (Image: Diana Tadros)

Dr Tadros, your seminar is sure to appeal to clinicians who are already utilising 3D printing in their practices. What would you say to encourage those GNYDM attendees who have not yet transitioned to 3D printing to attend your seminar?
I have found that many of the hesitations that clinicians have about 3D printing revolve around the unknown: the unknown capabilities of 3D printing, the unknown efficiencies of the digital workflow and the unknown time commitment it may take to incorporate digital methods into their day-to-day practice. This lecture is hopefully a gateway to opening clinicians’ eyes to what the possibilities are with digital designing and 3D printing and to leave them inspired and educated about this exciting new realm of dentistry.

In combination with your overwhelming support of 3D printing, you have a very successful social media presence and following that you use to educate practitioners. What has been the hardest part about building that online presence?
Social media has become a very powerful tool but it’s a double-edged sword at times. It took me a while to really make my page an extension of myself and to be comfortable with what I was sharing in an authentic way. There was a lot of discomfort when I first started doing my own lip art and putting it out there for the world to see, but once I embraced it, it felt as if it became an amazing avenue to connect with others. The artistic components of the page tend to lean towards my cosmetic dentistry, and this has been a huge drawing force to the practice. I am humbled to be able to share what I do professionally and personally and have it received so well.

A design Dr Diana Tadros created digitally and then printed the shell temporaries to be ready for prep day. The ceramist then took the design and replicated into ceramics. (Image: Diana Tadros)

In addition to a thriving practice and a focus on traditional dental treatment, you have some very fascinating sidelines in terms of cosmetic treatments that you offer that also draw attention to your practice. Would you mind describing for our readers some of the unique treatments that you are able to share with patients and clients?
Many don’t realise how much the digital components of the practice have led to its success. We are the go-to practice for specialists in our area when they have patients who are unsure about treatment modalities such as orthodontics and surgery. The specialists will say: “There’s this cosmetic dentist in the area who will digitally mock up what your results will look like so you have a better understanding.” That referral network has been a really unique component of the practice. Digital dentistry, for me, is everyday dentistry. Whether it’s for same-day restorations (printed or milled), digitally showing patients treatment outcomes or even printing back-up nightguards when patients call saying the dog ate theirs! This workflow has reduced turnaround time and cost, and this has led to a win for everyone.

A case digitally designed by Dr Diana Tadros and sent to a ceramist to replicate into porcelain. (Image: Diana Tadros)

Do you have any other takeaways from your presentation or any information regarding your social media presence or practice that you would like our readers to know?
My best advice is to start small, start smart, but just start. Figure out what you want to do with the technology, and seek what you need to do just that. There is this misconception that I got into digital dentistry and printing because I had a surplus of cash to throw into it. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I got into digital dentistry during COVID-19, when my practice took a dive financially and I could not afford to pay to outsource wax-ups, let alone wait three weeks for one to return, when I had holes in my schedule everywhere. I went onto eBay and bought a used printer for US$500 and exocad design software, and the rest is history. You can definitely get into the digital realm without breaking the bank, and I encourage others to do just that. If you find that your technology is outworking you, then great! It’s time to upgrade or expand to more equipment. If it doesn’t, then at least you aren’t staring at an expensive piece of equipment in the corner of your office every day collecting dust.