The time in which the world has become increasingly digitised is staggering, changing everything from how we listen to music or watch films, to how we shop or talk to people. In dentistry, the growing developments in technology has seen a shift towards non-invasive strategies and superior treatment outcomes.
For Dr Mark Ludlow, Section Head of Implant Dentistry, Digital Dentistry and Removable Prosthodontics at the University of Utah School of Dentistry, embracing the digital workflow is a must. He describes the changes in the digital age:
“The implant landscape has shifted dramatically by going digital. I placed my first implant in 2004 and now, 21 years later, the workflow is completely different. Back then, you would open a case but would be limited; we didn’t know what the bone would be like as only 2D images were available, for instance. It was all free-handed, from lining up the drill to executing the treatment properly.
“Now, new innovations in technology have made implant treatments less stress-filled, more predictable and have yielded better biological outcomes than ever before. We can scan intraorally and use computer guided routes for implant placements and drilling. It’s all more streamlined and accurate whilst from a time-perspective it is faster than anything that came before – I have had cases where a patient has walked in with nothing and then walked out 15 minutes later with an implant.”
Revolutionise the workflow
At the ADI Team Congress 2025, Dr Ludlow will be presenting a talk – “The Fully Digital Implant Patient: The Easy; the Difficult; The Impossible” – to delegates, imparting the knowledge and skills he has accumulated for over two decades. Dr Ludlow hints at its content:
“The digital workflow has changed every single phase for an implant treatment, from planning to prosthetics. The talk will show delegates what’s possible – you don’t know what you don’t know. It will feature different workflows and the nifty tips and tricks that can be integrated into them, providing practical information to take back to the practice for the next day. Everyone is welcome; the talk will revolutionise implant therapy for those with more analogue workflows whilst seasoned digital implantologists will learn some extra flourishes.”
The talk will mark Dr Ludlow’s first time at the ADI Team Congress. He outlines its importance for all dental practitioners with a passion for implants:
“I have visited the UK a number of times over the years but this will be my debut at the Team Congress. Many people have recommended it and it is led by a wealth of reputable dental professionals. Coming from the US, I enjoy and look forward to the cross-talk between the two continents; it allows us to improve together despite some differences in our approaches. Virtual interactions because of the pandemic hampered that unmissable experience of meeting peers or talking to colleagues in breaks or even engaging with speakers when they step off the podium, and events like the Team Congress give you that congeniality and exciting atmosphere.”
Training day
The hands-on workshops are a highlight for many attendees of the event, and Dr Ludlow will be running one, looking at multiple anterior implant placement for an upper tooth case. He clarifies the value of practical training:
“Hands-on workshops are huge. They simplify technically challenging cases and give clinicians that essential experience. Once you have done it once you can do it again and again with greater confidence – no hands-on component increases trepidation when doing something for the first time. With an expert there helping at a hands-on workshop, it’s much easier to learn and apply it.
Dr Ludlow offers some final advice for attendees of the ADI Team Congress:
“One thing that dental professionals should do is come to the event with an open mind. It’s easy to hear exciting new ideas and feel inspired, but attendees must make that commitment to change by Monday. It can be common to regress and lose momentum once you’ve walked away but change is vital to help us treat our patients better, make the practice better and, ultimately, make life better.”
To catch Dr Ludlow’s talk and hands-on workshop, as well as the vast array of other educational sessions on all things implants, book your place at the ADI Team Congress 2025 and be at the forefront of dental implantology.
ADI Team Congress 2025
1-3 May
The Brighton Centre
BOOK NOW
https://www.adi.org.uk/association_dental_implantology_congress/delegates_prices
For more information about the ADI, visit www.adi.org.uk
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