Rob Norton sits down with Dr. Ben Kellum to explore the evolution of a dental practice from a minimally equipped community clinic to a predominantly digital, in-house, full-arch workflow. Dr. Kellum shares firsthand insights into building a clinic-based laboratory, developing CAD/CAM capabilities over time, and navigating the early challenges of adopting digital manufacturing technologies.

The conversation covers key topics including zirconia economics, the foundational role of intraoral scanning, photogrammetry versus scan-body workflows, and how improved data capture and communication strengthen collaboration between clinicians and labs. They also discuss emerging trends in materials science and artificial intelligence, and how these advancements may shape the future of restorative dentistry.

The central takeaway is clear: when implemented thoughtfully, digital technology can do more than improve efficiency—it can support higher-quality care, expand access to treatment, and help practices remain firmly centered on patient needs.

• (00:02:15) - Dental technician trains to make gold crowns
• (00:06:13) - Graduating with the SLAP
• (00:11:04) - Bradley Dentist on Digital Surgery
• (00:14:36) - Not all 3-D Dentistry Systems are created equal
• (00:19:47) - Dental Students Get Into the Digital World
• (00:24:21) - Getting your dentures made
• (00:24:54) - Dental surgeons on the transition to digital scanners
• (00:30:52) - Dr. Henry Audia on the Digital Surgery
• (00:33:16) - The importance of photography in dentistry
• (00:39:24) - Beyond the Facial Scanner, Do You Need Photogrammetry
• (00:44:18) - Interaural Scanner
• (00:47:11) - Clinical Dentists: Where Technology Is Going
• (00:54:24) - One More Word

Host Rob Norton sits down with Dr. Brian Olitsky to unpack how adopting exocad transformed his clinical workflow and patient experience. Dr. Olitsky shares his progression from designing simple nightguards to delivering same-day restorations through milling, printing, and advanced CAD-driven workflows. The conversation explores real-world benefits like improved predictability, stronger collaboration with labs and surgeons, and enhanced communication through digital wax-ups, CBCT integration, and implant planning. They also dive into AI-generated crowns, minimally invasive prep design, and the rapidly evolving future of 3D printing and materials science, offering a forward-looking perspective on where dentistry is headed and why embracing digital tools now is a game-changer for any stage of practice.

• (00:00:00) - Intro
• (00:00:26) - Dental Surgeons Use exocad for Digital Surgery
• (00:02:48) - Crown Printing and Milling
• (00:05:52) - Oral implant placement and milling under exocad
• (00:11:37) - Are you ready for a digital dentistry?
• (00:14:18) - AI Crown Generator
• (00:16:04) - Getting Started in Digital Dentistry
• (00:20:47) - Dr. Brian's Perspective on Digital Dentistry
• (00:29:11) - Optimal 3-D Printing and Invisalign
• (00:36:32) - Outro

In this episode of the Evolution of Dental Podcast, Rob Norton sits down with Chelsea Homire, EFDA, co-founder of the Digital Dental Assistant Academy, to discuss how digital technology is reshaping the role of the dental assistant.

Chelsea shares insights into the current state of dental education, the growing demand for digital skills in modern practices, and why many assistants are entering the workforce without the training needed to support today’s digital workflows. The conversation explores practical approaches to digital education, the importance of structured learning, and how empowering dental assistants can elevate the efficiency and confidence of the entire dental team.

This episode is ideal for dental professionals interested in improving team training, adopting digital workflows, and preparing their practice for the future of dentistry.