Sascha Hein is a colour scientist and Master Dental Technician, currently based at the University of Leeds as a postgraduate researcher in the School of Design. Drawing on his extensive work in the field, Sascha has closely examined the challenges of digital shade matching and notes:
“There has been an exponential increase in digital solutions within dentistry in recent years, aimed either at fully replacing the manual workflow through increased automation, or at digitally assisting and complementing it. In other words, these digital developments are rapidly transforming the dental industry – and the breathtaking pace of change can feel overwhelming at times. The technology is making a meaningful impact where it can be easily deployed, but there are also areas, such as custom shade matching, where it can only play a supporting role. Shade matching remains an exercise that depends heavily on the skill, knowledge, and experience of the dental ceramist, and this is unlikely to change in the near future.
One particular challenge lies in the ongoing transformation of the dental laboratory workforce, which is undergoing significant demographic change. Experienced colleagues with highly developed manual skill sets are retiring rapidly, and they are being replaced by a smaller number of younger dental technicians who are often highly proficient with digital tools but may lack the manual experience of the older generation.
This may also help explain the growing interest in traditional craftsmanship among a new generation of dental ceramists. In recent years, small groups of ceramists studied the art of tooth carving: sculpting life-sized natural teeth from blocks of plaster using carving knives. A similar revival has been seen with platinum foil veneers, an equally classic technique for creating ultra-thin, highly aesthetic restorations. These developments contrast to the mainstream adoption of largely automated digital workflows, where technicians can select tooth morphologies from extensive digital libraries at the click of a button.”
The science behind tooth colour appearance
Sascha Hein will speak at the BACD 21st Annual Conference with his lecture, “The Truth About Tooth Colour: Measuring, Perceiving and Restoring with Science.” He sets the scene:
“As both a colour scientist and dental technician, I’ve developed a deep interest in understanding how measured tooth colour relates to what we actually perceive. While digital shade matching and intraoral scanning have brought exciting advancements, it’s important to explore their limitations and understand where discrepancies may arise.
“This lecture will look at how light interacts with teeth and restorative materials, and how various shade-matching technologies, such as spectrophotometers, colorimeters, cameras, and scanners, perform in practice. We’ll also examine the perceived differences between ceramics and composites, and whether these distinctions are as clear-cut as often assumed.
“The aim is to equip attendees with a strong foundation in colour science, helping them make informed choices about materials and measurement tools, and ultimately achieve more predictable and aesthetic outcomes.”
Grow your skills, hone your clinical identity
The BACD 21st Annual Conference isn’t Sascha’s first foray with the association. He shares the value of being a part of the network:
The BACD offers a wealth of educational opportunities. Last year, I ran a workshop on digital photography and its value in documenting treatment and improving shade communication. Events like these are a great way to connect with others in the profession and build on the foundations taught at dental school. While undergraduate training tends to focus on core clinical skills , private practice often involves elective treatments that call for a very different skill set. These include aesthetic considerations like managing tooth proportions, soft tissue harmony, shade matching, and effective communication with the dental laboratory. The BACD provides a platform for exploring these more advanced aspects of dentistry, where science, technology, and artistry come together.
“I’m looking forward to the Annual Conference – not just to learn and reconnect with colleagues, but also to see how the industry is evolving. With so many innovations in cosmetic dentistry, it’s important that we each maintain our individuality. Technology is a powerful tool, but it should support, not replace, the personal touch that defines our work. Staying true to your own style is key to delivering meaningful, patient-focused results.”
To catch Sascha in action and engage with an unmissable trade show, informative workshops and exciting social events, book your place at the BACD 21st Annual Conference today.
BACD 21st Annual Conference
6-8 November 2025
The Lowry Arts Centre, Salford Quays, Manchester
Pre-sale tickets available at bacd.com
