Lecture up to 0.75 hours

Operative (Restorative) Dentistry, AGD Subject Code 250

3D printing is currently the fastest growing dental technology. You don’t have to scroll far on social media to see advertising related to this technology and what it can, according to the manufacturers, do for your practice. It’s undeniable that this is an intriguing technology with a tremendous upside for those looking to bring lab production to the practice. But how durable are the materials produced through additive manufacturing and is it really poised to replace milling as the leading in-office production modality? On the main stage, Dr Tony Mennito will separate the reality from the marketing and attempt to convince you that despite this technology not being perfect, it definitely deserves your consideration.

Upon completion of this session, the attendees should be able to:

• Review the evolution of 3D printing and look forward to what’s coming next.

• Recognize the anatomy of a printer to understand how it works.

• Discuss printed material strengths and weaknesses and what needs to change for the materials to improve.

• Review applications of 3D printing that are applicable across dental specialties.

Dr Mennito receives product and/or financial support from Planmeca, Ivoclar, Clinician’s Choice, and Ackuretta.

Dr Anthony Mennito (Tony) is a private practice dentist as well as an adjunct faculty member at the MUSC College of Dental Medicine in Charleston, South Carolina. His dental practice, Expertise Dental, focuses on using technology to comprehensively care for his patients while helping to enhance the esthetics of their smile. He is an experienced user on digital systems made by Planmeca, Dentsply Sirona, 3Shape, and iTero and is heavily reliant on digital design and 3D printing for treatment planning complex cases. He lectures nationally and internationally and currently has 21 published papers on the topics of digital dentistry and dental materials.