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Primescan 2 is the first cloud-native intra-oral solution. (All images: Dentsply Sirona)

Wed. 18. December 2024

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During Dentsply Sirona World in Las Vegas in the US this year, Dental Tribune International had the opportunity to speak with Max Milz, group vice president of connected technology solutions, and Kevin Boyle, senior vice president and chief technology officer, about the company’s innovative Primescan 2 intra-oral scanner. Designed as the first cloud-native intra-oral scanning solution, Primescan 2 integrates with DS Core, a robust cloud platform, enhancing workflows and enabling seamless data access across devices. In this interview, Milz and Boyle discuss the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud technology in advancing clinical outcomes and efficiency, as well as patient care. They also explain how Primescan 2 facilitates in-house fabrication and optimises decision-making between 3D printing and milling. As digital transformation accelerates in dentistry, this interview highlights Dentsply Sirona’s commitment to connected dentistry and its vision for the future of patient-centric care.

How do you see Primescan 2 shaping the future of digital dentistry as the first cloud-native intra-oral scanning solution, and what sets it apart from other scanners on the market?
Milz: The launch of Primescan 2 signals a new era of digital patient care. Powered by the direct integration with our cloud platform DS Core, Primescan 2 is the first intra-oral scanning solution that can scan to any internet-connected device and does not need a dedicated computer. I believe that, with the rise of cloud solutions such as Primescan 2, we are moving beyond digital dentistry into an era of connected dentistry, an era driven by precision, collaboration and patient-centred care.

Without question, the market for intra-oral scanners is very dynamic. For us, our customers’ satisfaction is the deciding factor: what do they need in order to achieve excellent clinical outcomes in their daily practice while also making their practice efficient? This gives rise to new requirements from dentists, and we incorporate these into our development processes. In creating Primescan 2, we did not want to simply follow current market trends by launching another wireless scanner. We wanted an innovative scanning solution that would make full use of the possibilities of digital dentistry and cloud scanning to help our customers confidently do their best for their patients and practice.

Max Milz, group vice president of connected technology solutions at Dentsply Sirona.

Max Milz, group vice president of connected technology solutions at Dentsply Sirona.

Our cloud platform stands out with a comprehensive set of capabilities. In DS Core, all cases, orders, files and messages to labs can be managed from one central place. Dentists and staff can also flexibly use DS Core for a wide range of clinical workflows, not just to facilitate data transfer to labs.

For this, DS Core also integrates a broader set of data in one place, including X-rays, Dentsply Sirona and third-party intra-oral scans, and other media files. This enables enhanced patient consultations that utilise more than just the intra-oral scan, meaningfully supporting patient communication and treatment acceptance.

Furthermore, DS Core seamlessly connects to the large Dentsply Sirona equipment ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud technology, DS Core is driving a new era of cloud-connected solutions such as Primescan 2. 

One of the key advantages of digital solutions is the optimisation of workflows in dental offices and laboratories. How does Primescan 2 specifically help save staff time and increase efficiency, and what impact do you expect it to have on daily clinical operations?
Milz: With the wireless and cloud-native capabilities of Primescan 2, it’s possible to turn any room into a scanning room. Scanned data is automatically processed and stored on DS Core so that the scanner is immediately ready for use with the next patient. All the following steps, including patient consultations, lab ordering and treatment planning, can take place on any internet-connected device in the practice. The whole workflow is designed to improve practice efficiency. It also allows for easy delegation to other dental professionals in the practice team, freeing up dentists’ time for patient consultations and ensuring that they have access to the relevant patient data as soon as they enter the room.

Overall, Primescan 2’s integration with DS Core streamlines the entire workflow, all further steps being initiated from the platform. However, dentists are free to choose which lab they want to work with for each case. They can also decide to produce appliances and models directly in the practice. Users can employ Primescan 2 in the way that suits them best for each case. 

The role of cloud platforms in dentistry is becoming increasingly significant. Could you explain the benefits of a cloud-based approach, particularly in relation to DS Core and Primescan 2?
Boyle: DS Core is the driving force behind all our connected solutions, cloud technology being at the heart of this new era of modern dental care. The DS Core cloud platform delivers a fully integrated ecosystem where devices, software, practices and labs are all seamlessly connected. Software updates are automatic, data transfer happens in seconds, all communication can take place via one channel and the complexities of modern practice management are greatly simplified. Because scans are directly captured in the cloud using Primescan 2, data can be managed on DS Core and accessed anytime, anywhere.

Furthermore, because all data is stored remotely in the cloud with Primescan 2, it reduces the need for additional expenses associated with storing scan data on local systems or devices within the practice. 

The presence of AI in dental offices is growing. How does Primescan 2 utilise AI to improve accuracy and clinical outcomes?
Milz: We’re certainly seeing the rise of AI in the dental industry and some incredible examples of how it can be used to enhance dentists’ expertise. At Dentsply Sirona, we’re actively working on providing our customers with AI-assisted solutions. For Primescan 2, for example, we use AI in many areas. The scanning process itself (e.g. the intelligent rotation of the model to show the user where holes in the model are), the prep margin and the model orientation are just a few examples.

Dentsply Sirona has deployed machine learning and other AI technologies in our offerings to create customer value since 2007, and it is our goal to empower our customers with these along the entire patient journey—covering patient engagement, diagnosis, treatment planning, manufacturing and patient follow-up. We have been using AI for over a decade in areas such as CEREC.

“Primescan 2 is the first intra-oral scanning solution that can scan to any internet-connected device and does not need a dedicated computer. ”

Max Milz, Dentsply Sirona

By analysing vast amounts of data at great speed, AI—or assisted intelligence as I like to call it—can help predict outcomes, identify potential issues early, optimise treatment plans and drive design and fabrication processes with precision. We are still unlocking the vast potential that digital dentistry and AI have for professionals and patients alike, but without a doubt, AI-supported solutions can make treatments easier, safer and better in terms of accuracy and patient satisfaction.

With the ongoing debate between printing and milling in dentistry, how does Primescan 2 influence the decision-making process? In what scenarios do you see it playing a pivotal role in choosing between these two fabrication methods?
Milz: We hear plenty of debate about whether practices should invest in 3D printing or chairside milling, and our answer is that they are better together. The technologies complement each other excellently in a digital practice environment. 3D printing is most suitable for the production of removable appliances, such as surgical guides, dentures, guards and splints, as well as for models, whereas milling is the go-to manufacturing solution for fixed restorations, such as crowns, bridges, inlays and onlays.

Primescan 2 provides very high flexibility when it comes to workflows, and this can help practices expand the services they offer to patients and grow their businesses. It is an excellent starting point for in-house fabrication using milling or 3D printing—or both. Indeed, after scanning, practices can choose to design and manufacture appliances in-house using the 3D-printing Primeprint Solution or CEREC Primemill, use DS Core Create to outsource design or securely send files to partner labs via DS Core. 

Kevin Boyle, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Dentsply Sirona.

Kevin Boyle, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Dentsply Sirona.

Primescan 2 represents a significant leap in intra-oral scanning technology. Could you share insights into the research and development efforts that went into creating this solution and the key innovations that differentiate it from its predecessors?
Boyle: Primescan 2 is based on many years of careful research, development and testing, along with close collaboration with customers and technological innovators. It was a long time in the making, but we are proud to have delivered the first cloud-native intra-oral scanning solution.

Primescan 2 features the same patented scanning technology and well-loved speed and accuracy of Primescan, plus the excellent new cloud capabilities made possible through the integration with DS Core. The scanner is now wireless and hardware-independent for improved versatility and flexibility—allowing scanning to take place on any internet-connected device—and a redesigned scanner tip offers improved comfort for patients. 

Looking ahead, how does Primescan 2 fit into Dentsply Sirona’s broader vision for the future of digital dentistry? What can dental professionals expect in terms of upcoming innovations or advancements in digital tools and technologies from Dentsply Sirona?
Boyle: As we move into a new era of connected dentistry, our innovations such as Primescan 2 will continue to be powered by DS Core, offering seamless integrations that greatly simplify day-to-day workflows, foster collaboration between practices and labs, and allow for a patient-centred approach to care. New, advanced materials are allowing for highly personalised restorations when combined with digital workflows, and dental-dedicated MRI, which we are developing together with Siemens Healthineers, has the potential to further advance diagnostic imaging.

The advancement of dental care has consistently been shaped by innovative technologies and methods. By staying curious and open to change, prioritising lifelong learning and consistently focusing on patient needs, dental professionals can fully embrace the opportunities presented by connected dentistry and confidently move forwards into the digital age of patient care.

We are now entering the era of connected dentistry, thanks to the merging of cloud technology, AI and other exciting advancements. Cloud computing enables practices and labs to work together on treatment planning and design from any location, allowing for smooth data exchange and effortless communication. At the same time, AI can process vast amounts of information at great speed to help dental professionals anticipate and enhance treatment outcomes.

How does the introduction of Primescan 2 align with Dentsply Sirona’s overall strategy to drive digital transformation in dental practices and labs? What are the primary goals and challenges in advancing this digital shift within the industry?
Boyle: At Dentsply Sirona, we have consistently been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the beginnings of digital dentistry with CEREC back in 1985, introducing the first digital X-ray unit, launching DS Core, continuing to develop the first dental-dedicated MRI—and now creating the first cloud-native intra-oral scanning solution. Primescan 2 marks the beginning of a new era in digital patient care, and we see it as an exciting start to a future full of opportunities to bring other cloud-native solutions to the market.

We are committed to this new era of dentistry and are embracing connected technologies with open arms. We envision a future where technology acts as both a tool and a bridge to connect dentists, labs and patients in ways never seen before. As with any transformation, the industry needs to be willing to adapt and evolve by remaining curious and committed to lifelong learning. It’s a time of rapid change and possibilities, but I am excited for what the future has in store.

Editorial note:

This article was published in digital—international magazine of digital dentisty vol. 5, issue 4/2024.

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