Frontiers in Dentistry

The Center for Innovation and Precision Dentistry

The University of Pennsylvania provides a unique sense of collaboration that fosters cross-discipline partnerships. The Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) is a vibrant community of experts in Penn Dental Medicine and Penn’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences who leverage cutting-edge yet affordable approaches. The CiPD allows for accelerated discovery and translation of new therapies, diagnostics, and devices to address unmet needs in oral health. The CiPD also trains the next generation of leaders in dental, oral, and craniofacial research, and oral healthcare innovation. Several completed and in-progress projects will be highlighted in this week's module in an interview with Dr. Michel Koo, a Professor at the School of Dental Medicine and the co-Director of the Center for Innovation & Precision Dentistry (CiPD) at the University of Pennsylvania.

Treatment of Patients with Disabilities

For the 61 million Americans who have disabilities, going to the dentist can be a harrowing experience. There are many things to consider, including accessibility, finding care, and geographic proximity. Patients with hearing impediments, cognitive impairments, physical challenges, age, or disease-related difficulties need dentists, along with spaces designed for them and their caregivers. Mainstream healthcare providers are not often taught how to take different disabilities into consideration in their practices and treatment planning, which impacts millions of Americans’ access to healthcare every year. Minimally invasive care techniques that might not be typically considered in treatment planning are strong tools when treating patients whose disabilities might prevent them from receiving traditional treatment techniques. The Penn Dental Care Center for Persons with Disabilities is a unique opportunity for both patients and providers. It gives patients a tailored experience, taking into consideration a multitude of accessibility concerns. Students are given direct experience in treating patients with alternative needs as well as a good example of what accessibility looks like when considering their futures beyond Penn Dental Medicine. The ability of academic institutions to train the next generation of dentists who will be capable of treating patients with disabilities while also being cognizant of the various attitudinal, physical, and financial barriers is one of the formidable challenges facing the dental profession. To discuss these and other related issues we have invited one of the experts in this area, Dr. Miriam Robbins.

Innovations in Biomaterials and Artificial Intelligence

This module will discuss the up-to-date clinical and laboratory biomaterials research, focusing on esthetic dentistry, minimally invasive and adhesive dentistry, implant prosthodontics, novel materials, and modern CAD/CAM technologies. Which have improved our diagnostic capabilities and clinical outcomes. Combining advances in adhesive dental materials with advances in digital technologies, such as AI, provides a less invasive and more aesthetic outcome for the patient. These advances make calibration and communication between providers and specialties easier and more cost-effective. As the technology advances, dental professionals can provide more tailored and precise treatment to more patients at a lower cost and in fewer steps. We have invited an expert in this field, Dr. Markus Blatz, to provide more information about this domain.

Digital Dentistry

This module delves deeper into the advances of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technologies and artificial intelligence. One of the most exciting frontiers and innovations in dentistry has been the recent incorporation of computer-controlled components in patients’ diagnostic and clinical procedures. This computer-controlled approach to dental therapeutics is widely known as digital dentistry and it has the potential to increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of clinical treatment resulting in better clinical outcomes. CAD/CAM technology has been around for several decades but has advanced significantly during that time with the addition of artificial intelligence. AI has enabled CAD/CAM technology to extend into the realm of diagnostics, and software is now able to identify potential risk factors in patients. In addition, intraoral scans provide a digital clone of the patient, allowing for better treatment planning and visual communication with the patient and in fewer appointments. These methods also reduce the number of materials required to treat the patient and are more precise than traditional fabrication methods. This technology has become less expensive over time, making this less invasive technology more accessible to a great number of patients. To explain this fascinating area in dentistry is Dr. Conejo who is the Clinical CAD/CAM Director at the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences

Computer Assisted Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the dental specialty dealing with the correction of irregularities of the teeth, such as malocclusion, often by the use of braces. This treatment aims to ensure the proper form and function of the dentition. Like many other medical entities, orthodontic therapy has been undergoing significant changes influenced by the rapidly emerging technology, one of which is the exciting field of clear aligner therapy. In orthodontics, the computer-based three-dimensional image, which shows the current status of teeth and consequently enables a detailed and precise photorealistic 3D model, is indeed a basis for an innovative approach to treatment. This approach has the possibility of making orthodontic therapy available to millions of individuals who have otherwise been unable to afford orthodontic care. We have invited Dr. Sam Kadan to discuss this newly emerging area.