Dentistry’s game changers – Ian Buckle on CAD

CADTo celebrate 25 years of Dentistry magazine, we’ve asked leading dental professionals for their game-changing innovation that shaped their career. In this article we asked Ian Buckle what his game-changing product is.

Liverpool born, Ian qualified from Liverpool University in 1985.

He has over 30 years’ experience in general practice both in the private sector and with the NHS.

He runs a private practice in the picturesque village of Thornton Hough on the Wirral.

Ian concentrates his time on comprehensive reconstructive, aesthetic and implant dentistry.

He is also director of The Dawson Academy UK and teaches dentists around the world the foundations of ‘complete dentistry’ as taught by The Dawson Academy founder, Pete Dawson.

Ian works on the the hands-on courses of the core curriculum.

He is also involved with the seminars and study clubs and provides continuing education to dental professionals across Europe.

Ian lectures nationally and internationally on functional and aesthetic dentistry.

Computer-aided design (CAD)

There have been many significant product developments in the last quarter of a century making this a difficult choice.

Composites and bonding have developed substantially since I qualified in 1985.

They have gone from very simple single shade, chemically-cured materials to the amazing array of materials, shades and bonding we have today.

However, my choice is another product that I have seen the development of over the last 35 years.

Digital dentistry and, in particular, digital design.

Digital smile design

For many years I have enjoyed (or endured) the pleasures of diagnostic waxing.

This can take several hours, but is essential to understand the solutions available our patients.

Waxing can involve a major investment in time or money (or both) before we can share the results with our patients.

Now with digital smile design we can share a 2D rendering of the potential new smile within minutes.

If the patient shows interest we can easily convert this into a trial smile using bespoke CAD software (eg 3shape).

Then the patient can actually see the potential result in their own mouth.

If this is accepted by the patient it can easily be converted into a full blown diagnostic wax up that drives the final position of the teeth whether restorative, implant or orthodontic options are utilised.

Improving accuracy

CAD has turned a labour intensive, low profit process (analogue wax up) into a simple, efficient, predictable procedure, which enables engagement with the patient as well as increasing productivity and accuracy.

There are many software options available to perform these tasks ranging from the free of charge to bespoke software specifically designed for this task.

When considering which software to use there are a few factors to consider including cost, ease of use, accuracy and the learning curve necessary to utilise the software appropriately.

My preference is the 3shape software.

Although there is a cost involved it is easy to learn and use and provides extremely accurate results.

With the advent of new and improved materials, particularly for printing, the future is very exciting.

Got any questions?

For everything you need to know about intraoral scanning take a look at the new Henry Schein Dental e-book.

What to find out more?

Come along to the Dental Innovation Symposium 2020, (winner of the prestigious Dental Industry Event of the Year Award 2019) where Ian Buckle will be speaking on How digital is impacting on patient treatment. This year’s event will be held at the Pullman, London St Pancras on 1-2 May 2020, and is perfect for dental professionals who want to think and act differently and drive their dental business forward. Featuring a wide range of excellent keynote speakers with dedicated workshops which delve deeper into individual focus areas such as:

  • Digital dentistry
  • Practice management
  • Implants
  • Orthodontics
  • Teamwork
  • Marketing your practice
  • Practice transitions.

The UK’s leading manufacturers will exhibit the latest in digital dental equipment and delegates can have a ‘hands-on’ trial of any equipment with one of our digital specialists. Great entertainment on Friday night, will round off with the famous Dental Circle party, making this a weekend to remember!

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