The Technology Evangelist Podcast

Hosted by Dr. John Flucke, this weekly podcast delivers practical insights & expert conversations on the latest dental technologies - from AI and digital workflows to 3D printing & practice innovation - helping clinicians elevate care & efficiency.

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Medidenta Dental Solutions

In Episode 6 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, part of Medidenta Digital Solutions’ podcast series, Dr. John Flucke speaks with Dr. Bryan Kariya, a forward-thinking dentist practicing in Huntsville, Alabama at Transcend alongside Dr. Ben Kellum. This episode explores the transition from traditional dentistry to fully integrated digital workflows, including intraoral scanners, 3D printing, and facial scanning technologies.

Dr. Kariya shares how adopting digital dentistry has transformed his clinical efficiency, improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and helped reignite his passion for dentistry through innovation and systems-based care.

Key Takeaways from Episode 6

From Traditional Dentistry to Digital Workflows
Dr. Kariya’s path into dentistry began with an initial interest in emergency medicine before discovering dentistry as a blend of clinical care and practice ownership. His early exposure to digital dentistry came through CEREC same-day crown workflows, which sparked a long-term interest in digital innovation.

Intraoral Scanning for Precision and Feedback
A major focus of the episode is the use of intraoral scanners, which allow for highly detailed digital impressions. Dr. Kariya highlights how real-time feedback improves preparation quality and leads to more accurate restorations, including crowns and dentures.

3D Printing for Affordable, In-House Dentistry
At Transcend, in-house 3D printing is used to produce cost-effective dental solutions such as immediate dentures, sometimes as low as $15–$20 in material cost. This approach improves accessibility while maintaining high clinical quality.

Facial Scanning for Full-Arch and Complex Cases
Facial scanners play a key role in treatment planning for full-arch and implant cases, helping ensure proper occlusion, function, and esthetics in complex restorative workflows.

Stronger Lab Collaboration Through Digital Dentistry
Dr. Kariya emphasizes the importance of seamless communication with dental labs. Digital files allow for faster adjustments, improved accuracy, and better collaboration between clinicians and technicians.

Improving Access to Care Through Technology
A central theme of the episode is using digital dentistry to expand access to care. Transcend serves patients from diverse and often underserved backgrounds, using technology to reduce costs and increase treatment availability, including urgent care needs such as extractions and restorative solutions.

Reigniting Passion Through Innovation
Dr. Kariya reflects on how integrating digital tools has not only improved clinical outcomes but also renewed his enthusiasm for dentistry through greater efficiency, predictability, and creativity in treatment planning.

Discover how digital dentistry is transforming modern practice workflows. Tune in to Episode 6 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast to hear how Medidenta Digital Solutions is supporting clinicians with advanced intraoral scanners, 3D printing systems, and facial scanning technology.

Sponsored by Medidenta