It's more than a machine

Last week, I had the privilege of introducing a group of dentists to the clinical use of the CEREC system. What began as a session filled with anxiety and uncertainty about new technology evolved into a transformative experience. By the end of the week, the group had embraced a paradigm shift—not just in their understanding of IDS and bonding but also in how they approached tooth preparation for indirect restorations.

I promised the group at the start that they’d experience lightbulb moments, and they certainly did. During our debrief, we reflected on what they had learned and discussed the broader impacts of adopting this technology. Beyond clinical outcomes, here’s what stood out:

• Teamwork: The dental assistants (DAs) were actively involved in the training, utilising their four-handed skills and renewing their commitment to this collaborative approach. Their enthusiasm for training others was infectious.

• Curiosity and Motivation: The technology sparked curiosity, not just among the dentists but across the entire team. Receptionists, DAs, and dentists not directly involved in the training stopped by to see the system in action, igniting a sense of wonder and possibility.

• Renewed Passion for Learning: For the dentists, the experience rekindled a thirst for knowledge, motivating them to explore this aspect of dentistry further.

• Enhanced Patient Experience: Patients were captivated by the process, particularly by the ability to complete treatment in a single day. They appreciated seeing how much tooth structure was preserved thanks to the precision of the technology.

A critical factor in the week’s success was integrating the training into the practice. Having the dental team present—especially the DAs—ensured a smoother transition. They weren’t just observing; they were leading the change, instilling confidence, and actively supporting their dentists. This collaborative dynamic created a foundation of mutual accountability that will help sustain the new protocols.

Contrast this with the usual model of off-site training: dentists often return to their practices and face the challenge of convincing a sceptical team to adopt new methods. By conducting training in-house, we avoided this hurdle. The DAs now have the skills and confidence to support the dentists next week when I’m not there, ensuring continuity and success.

This experience underscored the value of involving the entire team in professional development. When everyone is invested, change becomes not just possible but sustainable.

The takeaway is simple: involving the whole team makes introducing new technology much easier and more successful. When everyone—dentists, dental assistants, and even receptionists—gets a chance to learn and be part of the change, it builds excitement, teamwork, and confidence. Training in the practice rather than off-site meant the team could hit the ground running, fully supporting each other from day one. This approach didn’t just improve clinical outcomes—it reignited enthusiasm for learning and left everyone feeling energised and motivated.

Rosie