The Technology Evangelist Podcast
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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Episode 54: Dr. Nate Lawson on Dental Materials Research and the Future of Biomaterials

Episode 54: Dr. Nate Lawson on Dental Materials Research and the Future of Biomaterials

9/10/2026 9:00:00 AM   |   Comments: 0   |   Views: 48
Dental materials research rarely gets the spotlight, but it influences nearly every restorative and preventive decision made in dentistry. In Episode 54 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, host Dr. John Flucke sits down with Dr. Nate Lawson, Director of the Division of Biomaterials at the UAB School of Dentistry, to explore the science behind modern dental materials, how researchers evaluate new products, and where biomaterials science is headed next.

From composite wear and zirconia to 3D-printed materials, remineralization, and salivary diagnostics, Dr. Lawson offers a practical look at what happens behind the scenes before a material reaches the operatory—and why clinicians should look beyond marketing claims when evaluating new technology.

From an Early Interest in Dentistry to a Career in Research
Dr. Lawson's interest in dentistry started remarkably early. Growing up surrounded by dentists, he developed an interest in the profession as a child. That interest evolved into a passion for research during college after attending a scientific presentation on dental materials testing.

Inspired to explore the subject further, Lawson approached renowned dental materials researcher Dr. John Burgess at LSU and began working in his laboratory. That experience established the foundation for a career that would eventually combine clinical dentistry, teaching, and biomaterials research.

His journey eventually took him to UAB, where he completed a combined DMD and PhD program and later joined the faculty. Today, he leads research focused on understanding how dental materials perform under conditions that more closely resemble real clinical environments.

What Does Dental Materials Research Actually Involve?
One of the most interesting aspects of the conversation is Dr. Lawson's explanation of how dental materials research works.

Many studies rely on established testing methods that can be applied to new materials or clinical questions. The challenge is making those laboratory tests meaningful.

A material can perform exceptionally well under perfectly controlled laboratory conditions but behave differently in the mouth. That's why Lawson emphasizes testing methods that better replicate clinical reality, including specimens shaped like teeth and testing environments that account for factors such as artificial saliva and real-world wear.

The goal isn't simply to generate laboratory data. It's to understand what that data might mean for actual patients.

Looking Beyond Marketing Claims
For clinicians, one of the most important lessons from the episode is the need to critically evaluate claims made about dental materials.

Dr. Lawson distinguishes between the scientists developing products and the marketing messages that ultimately reach clinicians. While he has tremendous respect for the researchers working inside dental companies, he believes clinicians should always examine whether promotional claims are supported by independent evidence.

The same principle applies to social media. Influencers and key opinion leaders can introduce dentists to interesting new products, but enthusiasm is not a substitute for research.

Before adopting a new material, clinicians should consider independent testing, published research, clinical longevity, and whether the available evidence actually supports the manufacturer's claims.

What Zirconia Research Taught Us About Dental Materials
One of Dr. Lawson's most influential research projects involved full-contour zirconia and the question of how it affects opposing enamel.

When monolithic zirconia became increasingly popular, concerns arose about whether it could cause excessive wear to opposing teeth. Lawson's research compared enamel wear against zirconia and other restorative materials.

The findings demonstrated the importance of surface characteristics and polishing, showing that polished zirconia could be surprisingly friendly to opposing enamel.

The project also illustrates an important concept in biomaterials research: the same fundamental testing methods can continue to provide useful information as new generations of materials emerge.

The Promise—and Challenges—of 3D-Printed Zirconia
One of the most forward-looking topics discussed in the episode is 3D-printed zirconia.

While the technology has enormous potential, Lawson explains that significant challenges remain. Current processes typically involve printing zirconia particles suspended in a resin binder, followed by debinding and sintering.

Controlling shrinkage and maintaining dimensional accuracy are major technical challenges. Optical properties are another concern, with current printed zirconia systems sometimes producing restorations that are more opaque than clinicians and patients would prefer.

The technology is still developing, however, and Lawson believes improvements in manufacturing processes could eventually make 3D-printed zirconia a much more practical restorative option.

Where Biomaterials Science Could Make the Biggest Difference
Perhaps the most exciting part of the conversation focuses on prevention.

Lawson and Flucke discuss the opportunity to address dental disease before treatment reaches the point of surgical intervention. Areas such as resin infiltration, remineralization, salivary diagnostics, targeted bacterial management, and other preventive technologies could fundamentally change how dentists manage early disease.

Research into remineralization peptides is particularly interesting because it represents a potential shift toward pharmacological treatment of early lesions rather than simply monitoring them until restorative intervention becomes necessary.

Emerging diagnostic technologies, including optical coherence tomography, could also provide clinicians with better ways to identify changes beneath the tooth surface.

Why Clinical Trials Take So Long
Dental materials research also faces a significant practical challenge: the pace of clinical research does not always match the pace of technological innovation.

A well-designed clinical trial can require years of follow-up, significant funding, and extensive regulatory preparation. By the time the results are published, newer generations of the material may already be available.

This creates an important tension in modern dentistry. Clinicians want evidence before adopting new technologies, but the technology itself can evolve faster than traditional research models can evaluate it.

Understanding that limitation makes independent research and long-term clinical observation even more important.

What Dentists Should Take Away
Dr. Lawson's central message is valuable for any clinician evaluating a new material or technology: don't confuse innovation with evidence.

New products can offer tremendous possibilities, but clinicians should look beyond promotional claims and consider how materials perform under realistic conditions. Independent research, long-term data, and thoughtful clinical evaluation remain essential.

At the same time, the episode makes clear that biomaterials science is entering an exciting period. Advances in 3D printing, preventive materials, diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and personalized treatment could significantly expand what dentists can accomplish in the coming years.

For dentists interested in understanding the science behind the materials they use every day, Episode 54 with Dr. Nate Lawson offers a valuable look inside the research process—and a reminder that better dentistry begins with better evidence.

Listen to Episode 54 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast to hear Dr. Nate Lawson and Dr. John Flucke discuss dental materials research, biomaterials science, 3D-printed zirconia, preventive dentistry, and the future of clinical innovation.

Episode 1: Sean Ryan & John Flucke on the Future of Digital Dentistry

Sponsored by Medidenta 

Medidenta has been helping dentists deliver better care for over 80 years. As the home of CR-rated Prophy Magic—and your go-to for Prophy Magic bulk deals—we’re also your trusted source for digital dentistry and 3D Printing solutions. We’re proud to support innovation in practices everywhere. And don’t forget—this is also home of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, featuring Dr. John Flucke.
Category: CAD-CAM, Cosmetic Dentistry, Health, Wellness and Ergonomics, Oral Pathology, Pharmacology, and Cariology, Restorative Dentistry
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