CEO of Ziemek Laboratories shares his experience moving to digital dentistry.

Can you tell us about why you got into the dental industry originally?

Early on, I wanted to do something to help people feel better about themselves. When I got into the dental lab industry I knew that that was my passion — to actually help people feel better about their smile, to feel better about themselves.

We understand you recently moved your dental lab to become a fully digital dental laboratory. Can you tell us about that shift?

[Moving to digital] can be a very scary moment, and I felt truly in my heart that we could produce better restorations on a daily basis for our clients around the country. At the end of the day, that’s what it’s truly all about.

How have workflows changed for your clients since the move to digital dentistry?

The process with iTero™ scanners is very easy. The doctor does the same preparation, [the same] core packing techniques that he normally does, and then instead of taking a traditional impression, he just takes a scan of that prep, and checks off that prep, and sends it to the laboratory. Then we start our digital manufacturing process, digitally design it, mill it in the CNC machine and then actually ship it out. It’s seamless and it works.

What hurdles have your clients faced in moving to digital?

Early on, I realised that doctors needed a little bit of help getting a digital scanner into their offices. Some doctors would buy a scanner and actually not use it because the team wouldn't be involved in it!  

Realizing that, I’ve developed an integration team who will come out and help them get their office integrated. Once we do an integration for them, we see them move from zero to sixty in one day. It’s night and day.

Have you got any feedback from your clients?

Dr John Walker from Walker Dental Team said that “The one thing that really sold digital on us was the image that it presented for our practice. High-tech, elite, clean, and cutting edge. When we decided to go digital, we looked at a lot of different systems, [and the] one that really stood out was iTero™ scanners, because you’re able to do restorative as well as orthodontic procedures with it. Since we’ve started using iTero™ intraoral dental, we’ve done over a thousand crowns without a single remake, and that’s unheard of!”

Dr Walker also commented on the boost to patient experience. “Any time we can make the experience better for the patient it’s a win for all of us. The patients love seeing the process as it’s unfolding before their eyes. They like being able to blow up the image and see where the margins are, and actually experience part of why they are here and getting their tooth worked on. iTero™ solutions makes a patient experience better, and we all love that.”

We’ve also had positive feedback from other members of the teams. Hygienist Stephani Ross commented on how digital tools can improve hygienists' understanding of what needs to be done. “Hygienists are asked to do a lot in that 60 or 90 minutes. So initially when you ask them to add another piece to that appointment, it can be frustrating, or they can be a little nervous on how they are going to accomplish all of this and still provide the care that we all want to provide to our patients.”

Have you experienced any feedback specifically on the integration with your lab?

This quote from Dr Richard Downing from Integrity Clear Braces says it all. “It’s almost unbelievable that we used to do things the way we used to do them. The technology has come so far in such a short period of time. With the iTero™ Element, the speed, the accuracy… It's unparalleled. When I get something back from the Lab that’s been scanned with the iTero Element™, there will be very little if any adjustment that’s needed. So in terms of the bottom line it’s been absolutely fantastic for us.”

Any final thoughts from you on the move to digital dentistry?

One of the things that we’re seeing with doctors that use iTero™ solutions is that their businesses are growing. Our dental lab is growing with them. We’re growing together. That’s really rewarding to all of us.

Interested in seeing how iTero™ solutions can support your shift to digital dentistry? Get in touch for a demo of iTero™ technology.

The testimonials and statements in this article reflect individual experiences and may not be representative of all users. iTero™ is a medical device. Please refer to the Instructions for Use and consult your local regulatory guidance.