You mentioned predictability, efficiency and patient communication—these seem to be key aspects. Do you think that digital workflows allow you to treat more patients in the same amount of time?
Yes, I know what you mean, and theoretically, digital workflows could enable me to treat more patients in the same amount of time. For example, scanning is much faster than taking conventional impressions, and many other steps are also more streamlined. However, that’s not really my goal. I don’t want to give the impression that we’re rushing through treatments just because we can save time. Instead, I use this efficiency to focus more on precision and on the finer details of my work. It makes the experience more comfortable—not only for the patient but also for my team and for me. Ultimately, digital dentistry allows us to provide high-quality care without the stress and time pressure that often come with traditional methods.

Technology is evolving rapidly in the dental field. Which digital tools or systems have had the biggest impact on your daily workflow, and how have they improved efficiency in your practice?
Definitely the intra-oral scanner—it has had the biggest impact on my daily workflow. I always say that everything starts with a scan. We can complete it in just a few minutes, and it can easily be delegated to team members, improving efficiency across the board. For patients, the scanning process is quicker and much more comfortable than conventional impressions. It also enhances the quality of my treatment planning.

On top of that, we now have platforms like DS Core that allow us to work on the cloud. We can store and access all relevant patient data in one place—not just intra-oral scans but also photographs, CBCT scans and radiographs. This integrated approach leads to more-predictable treatments and significantly improves patient communication.

You mentioned this cloud-based system earlier—could you tell us a bit more about DS Core and the advantages of working directly on the cloud?
Yes, I’ll answer this in two parts. First of all, when we talk about working cloud-native, it means that we have a scanner that connects directly to the cloud. That’s incredibly convenient for us because we no longer need locally installed software in the practice. Older systems, like the first-generation scanners, required dedicated software installed on a specific computer. Now, that’s no longer necessary. We scan directly to the cloud using just the scanner and any internet-connected device—whether it’s a laptop, an iPad, a desktop PC or even a device integrated into the treatment centre. It’s all browser-based, so we can use Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge or any other standard browser.

This flexibility allows us to scan from anywhere in the practice. We can perform a scan in one room, move to another for the next and even hand over the scanner to a team member. It makes the workflow smoother and helps us get much more value out of the scanner—more scans, more flexibility and all patient data stored centrally in DS Core.

Now, DS Core itself is more than just a storage platform. What makes it special is that it can bring together data from multiple sources—intra-oral scans, photographs, CBCT scans and radiographs—even from other systems, making it a comprehensive patient information hub. The dentist can use this data to plan treatments—whether single crowns, a bridge or aligner therapy with visualisation tools like the SureSmile Simulator—and to explain treatment plans to patients or to collaborate with colleagues.

Looking ahead, working with cloud technology creates virtually endless possibilities. We’re no longer limited by the storage or processing capacity of a single computer. That means that we can expect even more developments in the future that will make our work in the practice more efficient—and more enjoyable.

AI and CBCT are transforming diagnostics and treatment planning. How do you see these technologies influencing precision and patient outcomes?
I think we’re really talking about two aspects here. First, when it comes to AI in dental practice, I would say that we are still at the beginning. In my own practice, we use AI primarily for radiographic diagnostics. It’s a helpful tool—like having a second opinion on every radiograph. For me, it works as a kind of four-eyes principle. I might miss something—some hidden risk—and the AI can catch it. It gives me an additional layer of confidence and supports better clinical decision-making.

The second aspect is CBCT, which we’ve known and used for quite some time now. When we combine CBCT with other digital tools—like intra-oral scanners—we can see how much dentistry has already evolved. These technologies are extremely valuable in modern dental practice.

When used together, for example in implant planning, they allow us to work with exceptional precision and provide minimally invasive treatment. That means better risk management and more predictable outcomes for our patients, which is always our ultimate goal.

I believe that AI will continue to play a larger role in supporting diagnosis and treatment planning. I know that some of my peers are still hesitant—they’re concerned about data security or simply unsure of how to integrate it into their workflow. I understand that, and of course, it’s important to stay critical and informed, but I personally believe that we need to engage with these technologies, not avoid them. AI is already here, and it’s growing rapidly. The more we learn to use it responsibly, the better we can harness its potential to improve our work and patient care.

You have pursued extensive training in aesthetic and reconstructive dentistry. How does digital technology support or enhance aesthetic treatments in your practice?
Digital tools are incredibly valuable in aesthetic dentistry, especially when we’re working on larger reconstructive cases. One of the key technologies we rely on is digital smile design, which helps make treatment outcomes more predictable for both the patient and the clinician. Before we begin treatment, we use intra-oral scans to create a digital preview of the final result. This serves as a kind of test run—patients can see what their new smile will look like, and even assess how it feels when they speak or chew. This process is helpful because it allows us to plan treatments with greater confidence. We’re not working blindly; we’re planning backwards from the desired outcome, and that level of precision and foresight is only possible through digital dentistry.

What digital innovations or trends excite you the most, and how do you think that they will shape the future of dentistry?
We’ve already touched on it—for me, it’s definitely AI. I believe that we’re only seeing the very beginning of what AI can offer, and there’s so much more to come. These innovations will influence not just treatment and diagnostics but also the way we manage our entire workflow in the dental practice.

In my own practice, I already rely on a wide range of digital tools—not only for clinical work but also for patient communication and practice management. Looking forward, I would really welcome more AI-powered solutions to support those administrative areas, for example helping with appointment reminders or managing tasks when team members are away.

The goal isn’t to replace anyone but to automate repetitive processes so that the team can focus more on what really matters: delivering high-quality care to our patients. If AI can help us manage the day-to-day details, then we as clinicians can dedicate more of our time and energy to what we do best: treating patients. In the end, that’s the real promise of digital dentistry: more precision, more efficiency and more time for meaningful patient care.