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 23 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke speaks with Kim Solomon, Director of Business Development at Pac-Dent. With more than 40 years of experience spanning dental laboratories, digital dentistry, and leadership roles at companies such as Nobel Biocare and iTero, Kim offers a deep perspective on how 3D printing in dentistry has reshaped both labs and clinical practice.

This episode focuses on the dramatic transformation from traditional wax-ups & lost-wax casting to fully digital workflows powered by scanning, milling, and additive manufacturing.

Key Takeaways from Episode 23

From Traditional Dental Labs to Digital Manufacturing
Kim Solomon shares his journey beginning in a small dental lab in 1982, witnessing firsthand the evolution from plaster-based workflows to advanced digital systems. Over his career, he has seen major material shifts including gold, base metals, palladium, all-ceramics, and zirconia, alongside the rise of fully digital production.

How 3D Printing in Dentistry Transformed Lab Workflows
A central theme is how dental labs adopted digital technology faster than many clinical offices due to necessity. Scanners, mills, and 3D printers have become standard in labs, while some practices are still transitioning away from analog workflows for models and trays.

Pac-Dent and Open-System Resin Innovation
Kim discusses Pac-Dent’s role in developing open-system resins validated across more than 40 printer platforms. These materials support a wide range of applications, including surgical guides, models, and same-day provisionals, improving flexibility across both labs and clinics.

“Purgatory Restorations” and Same-Day Dentistry
The episode explores the growing use of digitally printed interim restorations that serve as functional, esthetic prototypes. These “purgatory restorations” bridge the gap between temporary and final prosthetics while improving efficiency and patient experience.

The Future of AI-Driven Dental Manufacturing
Looking ahead, Kim predicts deeper integration of AI across design, printing, curing, and production workflows. Within the next 12–18 months, systems are expected to become more automated, reducing manual steps and increasing production speed.

The Rise of Hybrid Dental Labs and Practices
The traditional boundary between labs and clinics is expected to continue dissolving. Dental technicians may increasingly function as extended clinical team members, supporting in-office production and design workflows.

Adoption Strategy for Modern Dental Practices
Kim emphasizes starting with simple applications such as models, trays, and guards before advancing to more complex workflows like implant guides and dentures. Strong lab partnerships and open-system technologies are key to successful adoption.

Technology as a Driver of Efficiency and Profitability
Rather than replacing clinicians or technicians, digital dentistry reduces repetitive tasks, increases productivity, and allows dental teams to focus more on patient care and higher-value clinical work.

Explore how modern materials and workflows are reshaping dentistry. Tune in to Episode 23 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast to learn how Medidenta Digital Solutions supports innovation in 3D printing, digital dentistry, and clinical efficiency.

Sponsored by Medidenta