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Digital technology advances are delivering significant benefits for dental practitioners and patients, but a leading Gold Coast dental technologist warns that the discipline requires more education and industry collaboration to deliver its full potential. By Cameron Cooper
Given his expertise in dental technology, Andrew Cameron has a somewhat frank—and surprising—take on some of the innovations that are reshaping dental procedures.
A dental technologist, clinician and researcher at the School of Medicine and Dentistry at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, Cameron has been engaged in a range of significant research projects in recent years. They include assessing the relative merits of subtractive manufacturing versus 3D printing for the manufacture of dentures; and developing a new technique for designing and manufacturing mandibular dentures with resilient linings.
Nevertheless, Cameron asserts that the digital transition, although mature, is still in a transitional phase. Despite a perception by some that digital equals “better”, he observes that concerns remain over the use and longevity of some new materials, along with the accuracy of some digital techniques.
“I strongly believe we’re in an intermediate phase in terms of where materials are heading in dentistry,” Cameron says. “With some people there’s this idea that everything is good and that all these new manufacturing processes work well, and that can lead to a blasé attitude around improvements. The key is being able to do things in the digital world to the same quality that we did in the conventional analogue world.”
For example, newer materials used in making prostheses such as milled zirconia and 3D-printed resins have pros and cons. Key issues include accuracy of fit, insufficient long-term clinical data, and doubts about whether digital materials can match the durability of legacy metal-ceramic combinations. Some prostheses, such as dentures and occlusal splints, are still difficult to produce at analogue-equivalent quality using purely digital workflows. “And you add on top of that the fact that some 3D printing might not be quite as accurate as old techniques,” says Cameron, who notes that a push for new materials often comes from manufacturers “who want to sell something”.
Research focus
A foundation student of the Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Technology at Griffith University, Cameron now leads the university’s dental technology and dental prosthetics programs.
He has a strong interest in the development of novel surgical-guided techniques for implantology and oral surgery, as well as analysis of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the use of AI to assist with CAD/CAM applications in design and imaging. Other areas of research expertise include metrology, material wear and surface analysis for dental applications.
A prolific researcher, Cameron has been involved in several recent projects that promise to make a difference for dentists and patients alike. They include:
• Digital manufacturing for dentures: CNC milling versus 3D printing
In this in-vitro study, Cameron and his colleagues compared the ‘intaglio’ (internal) surface accuracy of complete maxillary denture bases made using seven different digital workflows—two subtractive computer numerical control (CNC) milling systems and five additive (3D printing) machines. They found that subtractive manufacturing consistently produced denture bases with the highest “trueness”, whereas 3D-printed bases showed greater variability and less precision.
So how we dispose of any waste is something that we all need to be thinking about, as well as the health and safety of employees using these materials.
Andrew Cameron, Griffith University
• A digitalised ‘altered-cast’ technique for removable partial dentures
In this study, Cameron developed and tested a fully digital workflow combining intraoral scanning, polyvinyl siloxane impressions and additive-subtractive manufacturing—eliminating the need for gypsum casts, prefabricated teeth, or physical articulators. This method reduces clinical visits while still achieving functional prosthetic extensions for partial dentures.
• Monitoring student progress with 3D surface analysis
Recognising the growing role of digital technology in dental education, Cameron co-authored a study that used 3D surface scanning to track dental students’ improvement in restoring tooth morphology over the course of a preclinical year. The 3D analysis detected statistically significant improvement between iterations, and correlated positively with tutor scores, indicating that digital scanning can enhance feedback and support self-directed learning.
As mentioned, Cameron has also been working on what he calls a “side project” focusing on a new technique he has developed using readily available CAD/CAM software and 3D-printing technologies. His technique presents a fully digital protocol for designing, fabricating and assembling a mandibular denture with a resilient liner.
This method is an example of how bridging the gap between traditional and digital techniques with additive manufacturing processes can be overcome. Sharing these ideas can benefit the entire profession and public at large.
Training and research in the spotlight
With digital technology advances occurring at breakneck speed, Cameron believes it is crucial to address industry-wide gaps in knowledge, training and research uptake.
He says many dental labs and clinicians are adopting new technologies without fully understanding the research behind them, especially regarding post-processing of 3D-printed parts. There is also significant misinformation from online sources and even from manufacturers’ representatives. As a consequence, the profession needs better awareness, more evidence-based decision-making and broader engagement with current research.
The other big issue that needs urgent attention, according to Cameron, is the environmental impact of some new digital technologies. With 3D printing, for example, the process generates toxic byproducts such as uncured photopolymer resins, fine-metal powders and solvents, while improper disposal practices and an inadequate understanding of washing and curing steps are also points of concern. “So how we dispose of any waste is something that we all need to be thinking about, as well as the health and safety of employees using these materials.”
Collaboration is key
As digital technology advances continue, Cameron is advocating for more open collaboration to ensure that researchers, dentists and patients reap the benefits.
Historically, he believes dental labs guard their innovations to maintain a competitive advantage, but he supports a more collegial approach in which innovations and problems are shared. This should lift quality, reduce errors, and improve practitioner and patient wellbeing. Progress is being made and sharing these ideas will benefit all, according to Cameron. “Collaboration is definitely better than it was 20 years ago, but it could still be improved.”
