Mr Portal, how did you first get involved in the profession?
I actually wanted to be a dentist—until I saw a surgery video. That’s when I thought maybe this isn’t for me. I’ve always been good with my hands, so when I discovered dental laboratory work, I felt it could be the right fit.

What do you like about exocad software?
For me, the biggest advantage of exocad software is its open architecture. It’s not restricted to specific hardware; you can choose any equipment and still work with exocad. This flexibility has created opportunities for me and supported my professional growth.

What are the advantages of using DentalCAD for your dental design work?
I appreciate that DentalCAD gives me the freedom to be creative. Its open design allows users to find solutions to most challenges. I’ve developed different workflows to simplify certain restoration types, such as hybrid designs where full-contour structures sit on top of bars. While these workflows weren’t originally intended for exocad, the flexibility of its tools makes it possible to create effective solutions.

Do you have any favourite features in DentalCAD 3.2 Elefsina?
I appreciate that I can export tooth positioning, a capability which is especially useful for my aesthetic work. We create wax-ups and then adapt the same design to preparations. Exporting the teeth in their exact agreed-upon position makes the process much more efficient.

What do you find most rewarding about training people on exocad software?
What excites me most is seeing that spark in someone’s eyes when they grasp a concept. The biggest hurdle for many is the initial leap from analogue to digital. However, what attracts people to exocad software is exactly what I mentioned earlier—its open architecture. It allows them to build their own CAD/CAM system based on their budget, without restrictions.

Why are exocad software and digital workflows beneficial for a laboratory technician?
I believe that exocad is essential for staying relevant in digital dentistry. Its open concept makes it future-proof: no matter what new hardware emerges, exocad will continue to export files that can be used across different systems.

The software also enables me to scale my work significantly, particularly with all-on-X workflows, which have become highly popular, at least in the US. The ability to achieve highly predictable results, from pre-surgery design to surgery, feels almost magical.

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