5 Tech Trends that Will Reshape the Future of Dentistry over the Next 5 Years (am)
Imagine walking into your dental practice five years from now and realizing that nearly every aspect of patient care, from diagnostics to final restorations, has been transformed by technology. That future isn’t as distant as it seems. This is a lecture designed to equip dental professionals with the foresight and tools needed to navigate this exciting new era of innovation. By embracing these advancements strategically and with the support of a skilled team, dentists can position their practices as leaders in the evolving landscape of modern dentistry.
This lecture dives deep into five cutting-edge technologies revolutionizing dentistry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), 3D printing, in-house design technology for both 3D printing and milling, new laser technologies, and advancements in 3D scanning. AI is redefining diagnostics and treatment planning by providing unprecedented precision and predictive insights. Meanwhile, 3D printing is taking restorative and prosthetic dentistry to new heights with unparalleled accuracy, speed, and customization. Coupled with in-house design and milling tools, practices can take full control of their workflows, improving efficiency and patient satisfaction. The advent of next-generation laser technologies offers minimally invasive treatment options for soft and hard tissue procedures, while advanced 3D scanners streamline impressions and digital workflows, bringing unmatched accuracy and ease to every step of care.
Beyond understanding these technologies, the lecture emphasizes the importance of strategic implementation. Integrating change is a practice-wide transformation that hinges on the engagement and collaboration of the entire dental team. Attendees will explore practical approaches to evaluate which technologies align with their practice goals, create a phased plan for adoption, and cultivate a team culture that embraces change. With the right knowledge and preparation, these innovations can drive significant growth, enhance patient outcomes, and future-proof your practice in a rapidly advancing field.
Learning Objectives:
- Discover how AI can enhance diagnostics, treatment planning, and operational efficiency in dentistry.
- Evaluate the benefits of integrating 3D printing and in-house design technologies for restorations and appliances.
- Explore advancements in laser technology for minimally invasive procedures and improved patient outcomes.
- Examine the latest innovations in 3D scanning to optimize digital workflows and treatment precision. Develop a strategic plan to assess, prioritize, and adopt new technologies in your practice.
- Inspire your team to embrace innovation and collaborate on implementing cutting-edge tools effectively.
Make 3D Printing a Big Winner for Your Dental Practice (pm)
With FDA approval of new 3D printing resins that are indicated for use in procedures such as dentures and permanent crowns, dentists have never been in a better position to give time-sensitive and affordable options to their patients. Proper understanding of this emerging technology not only gives money-conscious patients esthetic options not previously possible but also gives general dentists the opportunity to become a hero to patients who might have chosen less than ideal treatment.
The goal of this lecture is to give attending dentists and team members the opportunity to walk away with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to start using 3D printing technology in their practices. 3D printing can be used to facilitate model creation, denture fabrication, surgical implant guide production, and more affordable clear aligner therapy options, plus many more applications that will improve clinical quality and patient satisfaction for general dentists. 3D printing also provides opportunities to provide fast and inexpensive charitable dentistry like never before and Dr. Griffin will share how he routinely prints over 25 partial and immediate dentures per day at events like Mission of Mercy.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore how AI-driven diagnostics can enhance accuracy and early detection of dental issues. Evaluate AI’s role in creating precise, patient-specific treatment plans and restorative designs. Discover ways to use AI to automate routine tasks and improve team efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to enhance patient communication and engagement through AI-powered tools.
- Implement AI solutions to streamline workflows and improve clinical outcomes.
- Inspire a patient-focused approach by leveraging AI to deliver faster, more personalized care.
- Integrate AI technology into practice operations to enhance both clinical precision and operational scalability.
Audience: Dentists, Assistants
About the Speaker:
Chris Griffin, DDS, FAGD, FIDIA
The majority of dentists have similar clinical concerns when deciding if investing in a new piece of dental technology is worth the effort and cost? Is it supported if it breaks? Will my team be onboard with my decision? What will I miss out on if I wait to make a decision later? Dr. Griffin’s presentations help dental professionals gain the skills and understanding to become proactive and early adopters who can realize great gains in their practice’s productivity and efficiency before most dentists realize they have missed out on a great opportunity.
Dr. Chris Griffin graduated dental school in 1998 and has encountered many trials over the years, including the total loss of his practice to fire and the massive effort to rebuild from scratch a decade ago. This has provided invaluable clinical and real-world experience that has shaped his view of patient care and practice management. Dr. Griffin lectures on the subjects of dental technology, restorative dentistry, implant dentistry, clear aligner orthodontics, digital dentures, and team leadership. He serves as the Founder and President of the 3D Printing Association for dentists and is active in Mission of Mercy and other charitable dental organizations.
Dr. Griffin was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Mississippi Dental Association and a Fellow by the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Dental Implant Association. Dr. Griffin received a Certificate in AI in Healthcare from Harvard Medical School Executive Program in 2024, has been peer-reviewed published twice, and is proud to have a couple of “firsts” in dentistry. He delivered the first ever lecture in the world on digital 3D printed dentures in 2015 and delivered the first ever immediate denture at a Mission of Mercy event in 2024. He brings clear, straightforward, down-to-Earth principles and systems that practitioners can understand and implement immediately when they go back to their practices after the event.
Learn from the author of 5 books in dentistry, including “3D Printing in Dentistry: Technology that Transforms Patient Experience to Create the Practice of Tomorrow.”
Dr. Griffin has no financial relationships that are relevant to this presentation to disclose.
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Arrival Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
Departure Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
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