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With advanced 3D printing, digital workflows and world-class quality systems, Andent is reshaping dental restorations. Backed by Modern Dental Pacific, the operation blends speed, skill and innovation for a competitive edge. By Marina Williams
Across four decades, Andent has grown from a local laboratory into one of Australia’s most respected names in dental restorations.
Managing director Matt Smith credits its reputation for precision and care, strengthened since joining the global Modern Dental Group in 2013. That move positioned Andent at the centre of Modern Dental Pacific’s operations in Australia and New Zealand, with access to international resources spanning the Asia-Pacific, Europe and North America. “Operating multiple brands under one umbrella lets us combine local expertise and trust with global scale,” Smith says. “Andent is a great example of this model in action.”
The laboratory is more than a production site, he says. Dentists who partner with Andent gain access not just to restorations, but to digital workflows, logistics support and chairside training.
“They gain more than just a lab; they tap into a complete system of clinical and digital solutions.” The strength, Smith adds, lies in a connected network with shared platforms, strict quality controls and an exchange of best practice across every site.
Step inside the facility and the first impression is of people and machines working in harmony. Smith describes the team as “the heartbeat of everything we do. Our team blends traditional craftsmanship with digital expertise.”
Operating under ISO 13485:2016 systems, and using TGA-registered materials, ensure quality. The team’s experience ranges from decades at the bench to new skills in CAD/CAM and 3D printing.
“We encourage mentorship within the lab, where experienced technicians share their knowledge with the next generation, and younger team members inspire us with new ideas and energy,” Smith explains. “Every restoration represents a patient’s smile, and our team approaches that responsibility with care and dedication.”
From genuine and non-genuine abutments to custom-milled and stock options, we deliver customised, durable and functional solutions. Progress isn’t just about technology, it’s about outcomes.
Marc Mifsud, laboratory manager, Andent
That culture of care is visible on the laboratory floor, where traditional skills and digital tools combine.
“There’s a blend of artistry and new technology working side by side,” says Marc Mifsud, Andent laboratory manager. “On one hand, there’s the artistry of our technicians, meticulously shaping and finishing restorations by hand. On the other hand, you see the latest in digital dentistry at work: CAD/CAM design stations, high-precision milling machines, 3D printers, and advanced scanners.”
The equipment is designed for both accuracy and efficiency. Automated calibration keeps milling machines precise, reducing the risk of errors that can arise in chairside units. Each restoration undergoes multiple checkpoints, from digital design reviews to final technician inspections, before leaving the building.
“Our investment in advanced 3D printing technology has enabled us to expand into a wide range of product categories such as splints, surgical guides, try-ins, custom trays, temporary and long-term restorations, and digital flexible dentures,” Mifsud explains.
Biocompatible, next-generation printable resins are used to ensure appliances are durable and patient-friendly.
Quality is central to this work. Vincenzo Filippone, quality control and ceramics operation manager, says a dual emphasis on process and pride is what sets the business apart. “Every step, from material selection and equipment calibration to final inspection, is clearly defined, consistently applied, and independently audited.”
Alongside rigorous quality controls, Andent has expanded its implant capabilities in ways that are reshaping the industry. “Complex full-arch cases demand exceptional planning, precision and collaboration—and that’s where we thrive,” Mifsud says. “From genuine and non-genuine abutments to custom-milled and stock options, we deliver customised, durable and functional solutions. Progress isn’t just about technology, it’s about outcomes.”
But as with other laboratories, Andent operates in a sector experiencing rapid change. Chairside milling has given dentists new options, forcing laboratories to demonstrate their added value. In this regard, Andent promises both precision and reliability, Filippone says.
“Unlike chairside units, which often require frequent recalibration, our milling machines auto-calibrate, resulting in improved accuracy and a better fit for restorations,” he says. “This reliability, combined with our scale and precision, means dentists can trust the outcomes they receive from us.”
Another pressure point is workforce availability. Skilled dental technicians are in short supply globally, but Andent is investing in training and mentoring. “The mix of experienced technicians with deep knowledge and younger team members fluent in digital technologies is proving to be a real strength,” Mifsud says.
Economic conditions also pose challenges, yet Andent benefits from the support of Modern Dental Pacific. The group’s buying power, R&D resources and efficiency help keep costs manageable without compromising quality. “We’re navigating broader economic headwinds, rising costs, tighter budgets in practices, and shifting patient expectations, while continuing to innovate locally,” Smith says.
The pace of change in materials, sustainability and digital technology is reshaping the industry. Smith says Andent is helping lead that change locally. “With materials, we’re focusing on next-generation options like ultra-translucent zirconia and advanced polymers that combine strength with lifelike aesthetics,” he says. “On the sustainability side, we’re rethinking packaging, streamlining logistics and reducing our footprint across the group.”
Growth, Smith says, means deepening partnerships with clinics and embedding new processes into everyday practice. “We’re not just a supplier but a long-term collaborator in achieving better patient outcomes.”
Filippone adds, “Digital technology continues to open the door to new possibilities, but what’s most important for us is how it helps dentists simplify their workflows and deliver better outcomes for patients. Our role is to ensure those advancements become part of everyday practice.”
Together, these innovations, workforce investments and sustainability priorities underline Andent’s role as both a pioneer in local practice and a cornerstone of Modern Dental Pacific’s broader vision.
Smith says growth for Modern Dental Pacific is “about more than scale; it’s about deepening the value we bring to dentists and their patients”. He calls Andent central to that vision: “As our fully digital lab, Andent represents the blend of craftsmanship and innovation that sets Modern Dental Pacific apart.”
