Dental News - “I’m hoping for an even more innovative IDS than in 2023”

OEMUS MEDIA AG

Tue. 25. March 2025

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As the leading trade fair in the dental industry, the International Dental Show (IDS) raises the bar every two years. What is now considered the new standard, and what potential and innovations are driving developments in dentistry? Answers to these questions can be found in seven halls at Koelnmesse. In this interview, Robert Nicic, master dental technician and laboratory manager at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany, shares his views on past achievements and new opportunities in the field.

Mr Nicic, how would you describe the key milestones in the history of dental technology?
The history of dental technology goes back a long way. As early as pre-Christian times, removable dentures made of bone or ivory were fastened with gold wires, showing that aesthetics and function already played an important role. The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw significant milestones, such as porcelain production by Friedrich Böttger (1710), the seminal book on dentistry by Pierre Fauchard (1728) and the introduction of the Richmond crown (1880). The twentieth century brought major advancements, including the first IDS in 1923, as well as the development of veneering ceramics (1932) and metal– ceramic restorations (1945), both of which revolutionised the field.

To what extent do modern technologies shape dental technology today?
Modern technology plays a decisive role. For example, CBCT allows for more precise diagnosis with lower radiation exposure, and CAD/CAM technology ensures highly accurate and efficient production of prosthetic restorations. 3D printing significantly reduces the production time for dental models, surgical guides and prostheses. Advanced materials such as zirconia improve durability and biocompatibility. Additionally, digital impression taking has streamlined the process of intra-oral data acquisition, leading to enhanced treatment quality. All these innovations contribute to greater accuracy of fit, improved quality and better reproducibility.

Is dental technology still considered a craft, or has it become a high-tech profession?
The profession is referred to as the dental technician’s trade. However, with digitalisation, there were dire predictions that CAD/CAM systems would make dental technicians obsolete because restorations could be produced at the push of a button. The dental industry reinforced this view by introducing innovations such as ceramic furnaces for dental practices.

At IDS 2017, a statement suggesting that dentists could increase revenue through digital manufacturing—without needing a dental lab—sparked controversy. However, years later, we see that the opposite is true: dental technology has evolved and remains an indispensable part of modern dentistry.

Today, dental technicians are not only craftspersons but also experts in CAD/CAM, materials science and prosthetic restoration techniques. Their expertise plays a crucial role in determining the success or failure of prosthetic work.

In my view, dental technology is much more than a traditional craft. We bear significant responsibility for the quality and functionality of dental restorations and have a major influence on modern prosthetics.

What are your expectations for this year’s IDS?
I’m hoping for an even more innovative IDS than in 2023. I’m particularly excited about the continued development of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, especially in radiographic image analysis. Intra-oral and facial scanners will further improve digital planning, and AI-supported implant planning could significantly enhance precision and efficiency.

3D manufacturing will continue to gain importance and create new opportunities in dental technology. Additionally, new materials—especially for minimally invasive and non-invasive treatment—will play a key role.

I am also looking forward to reconnecting with former colleagues, students and industry experts. The interdisciplinary dialogue between dental technology, dentistry and industry remains essential for the progress of the field.

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