EADT eV – Status quo and dilemmas in dentistry and dental technology
Freshly back from IDS 2025, EADT e.V. looks back on an inspiring week at the trade fair. While we're still overwhelmed by the wealth of impressions, we're primarily taking away positive experiences and a fantastic trade fair atmosphere. In our "IDS Special" TEAM Talk, four experts analyzed trends and developments from various perspectives. Dentistry, dental technology, materials science, and dental technology – our team of experts put their heads together and distilled the essence of the trade fair days.
The expert panel of the EADT eV
Dr. Gertrud Fabel (Dentistry), Martina Schmitz (Dental Technology), Dr. Adham Elsayed (Science/Dental Industry), and Sebastian Spintzyk MSc. (Science/Dental Technology) discussed current developments and took a differentiated look at the changes in digital dentistry and their impact on everyday practice and laboratory work.
Four key statements
1. The balance between digital efficiency and patient-centered treatment is crucial
A central theme was the Optimization of workflows, especially with regard to the single-visit dentistry approach. Gertrud Fabel spoke about chairside manufacturing and emphasized the importance of all-ceramic materials. This involves designing treatment steps such as preparation, scanning, and insertion in such a way that the patient ideally does not have to leave the treatment room. The challenge is to To shorten processing times. Faster grinding times for ceramics, 3D printed crowns with promising Process times of only 20 to 25 minutes and materials that no longer require firing in post-processing contribute to this increase in efficiency. However, the dentist emphasized that the mere reduction in treatment minutes reaches its limits when administrative processes take up unnecessary time: "There are more and more programs, which complicates our processes." Up to 20 different software programs in an average practice pose a serious problem. holistic, leaner processes to establish that benefit the patient without jeopardising economic efficiency.
2. Despite digital transformation, analogue knowledge remains indispensable
Digitalization in dental practices and dental laboratories is unstoppable and has supplemented or replaced many traditional treatment concepts. Martina Schmitz addressed the role of dental technology in the digital age and, with her 35 years of experience as a dental technician a valuable perspective. Although she appreciates the benefits of digitalization, she is convinced that Without analogue knowledge, the best digital technology is of no use. She also emphasized that three-dimensional understandingthat can only be developed when working with a physical model in hand. With ceramic veneering, the manual layering technique allows for individualization with characteristics that are more difficult to achieve digitally. Costs She noted that faster manufacturing processes could potentially be reflected in the price, but pointed out that technological Purchases are expensive and the question arises as to how these costs can be passed on. Here, a possible dichotomy between laboratories that operate very simply and those that use expensive tools. Finally, she emphasized the Need for a good foundation, A perfect Impression, whether analogue or digital, remains essential for high-quality restorations.
3. The rapid development of materials and technologies
The speed with which new materials and technologies are coming to market is enormous. This also applies to adhesive fixationAdham Elsayed focused on universal products and coordinated workflows. In the area of adhesive cementation, he presented the possibilities offered by zirconium oxide and universal adhesives. A key point in his presentation was the trend toward single-bottle systems. AlthoughUniversal adhesives Even if they promise simplification, not all of them work equally well and must be tested for their performance. Choosing the "right" innovations requires a balance between Features and actual benefits for patientsSebastian Spintzyk complemented this perspective with his insights into 3D PrintHe reported on fully automated processes, from printing to cleaning to light curing, advances in powder bed metallurgy, hybrid manufacturing for removable dentures and the expanded variety of materials. An important topic was how standardization and validated protocols for Quality Control beitragen.
4. The pace of innovation as a key challenge
Given the high investment costs for new technologies and the need to train staff, the question arises as to the economic feasibility. In addition, the problem was addressed that users with the rapid innovation cycles can hardly keep pace. In the field of materials, there is hardly any time to familiarize oneself with a new technology and establish internal standards before the next innovation comes to market. Disruptivity, familiar from the IT industry, forces users to make decisions. They can't try out every innovation because, ultimately, business processes are paramount. One should choose a specific topic and master it firmly, rather than blindly following the motto "higher, faster, further." The question isn't always what will change in the next three years, but rather what one can rely on during this time. Ultimately, it's not the hype but the practical benefit that determines the success of an innovation.
Conclusion of the EADT TEAM Talk
The key messages of the discussion highlighted the areas of tension in which dentistry and dental technology operate: the balance between efficiency and patient orientation, the interplay of digital and analogue skills, and the challenges posed by rapid material and technological development.
The EADT TEAM Talk at IDS 2025 painted a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities in dentistry. The integration of digital technologies is advancing, offering immense opportunities for increased efficiency and improved patient care. At the same time, this transformation requires a careful balance between innovation and tried-and-tested practices, continuous training, and user-friendly solutions that meet the needs of users and, above all, patients.
We at EADT e. V. thank Amann Girrbach Thank you very much for the fantastic stage and technical support! The complete recording of the TEAM Talk "IDS Special 2025" is available on our website.