The Pathway to Digital Dentures
Eric Kukucka
Windsor, Ontario

Friday, Nov. 4
3:30 – 5:00 p.m. CT

*This time block will feature presentations from Dr. Wendy Auclair Clark and Eric D. Kukucka each offering their perspectives on the topic. There will then be a lively discussion after both presentations.*

Dentistry has fully embraced the digital age and its integration into one of the oldest treatments in dentistry is proof that it is here to stay. Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) of complete dentures was introduced following the success of CAD/CAM in implant and fixed prosthodontics. CAD/CAM complete dentures have seen exponential growth in the dental market with the number of commercially available CAD/CAM denture systems growing every year.

Various digital denture workflows will be covered in depth from the clinical protocols, scanning protocols, and design protocols as well as the various methodologies of manufacturing with additive and subtractive manufacturing. Attendees will see ways to increase efficiency and predictability for the clinician, the technician, and the patient. This presentation will also help attendees understand digital dentures from both a clinical and technical perspective in order to organize and implement a high-quality removable prosthesis.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees should be able to:

• Apply digital communication and efficiency with both analogue clinical records as well as intraoral scanning techniques.
• Describe the utilization of virtual patient simulation.
• Assess current digital denture literature.

Biography: Eric D. Kukucka is a practicing denturist and the president of The Denture Center. He is an alpha and beta tester for major industry development in digital denture technology. Eric lectures and publishes internationally and is a contributing author to industry textbooks, e-books and industry magazines.