Dental educators from across North America recently convened at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry to explore the latest advances in digital dentistry and their implications for dental education.

Nearly 100 attendees representing over 30 dental schools participated in the sixth-annual Digital Dentistry for Educators Symposium, held Oct. 2–3 at the Dugoni School’s San Francisco Campus.

Presenters shared insights on a wide range of topics, including the evolution of CAD/CAM technology, 3D-printed models, digital workflow integration, curriculum-based artificial intelligence, virtual reality and haptic technology, emerging technologies and more.

Breakout sessions provided opportunities for attendees to explore topics in greater depth, including generative AI, digital denture workflows, digital fixed prosthodontics and laboratory workflows.

Dr. Bina Surti and Dr. Hussein Al-Wakeel, faculty members at the Dugoni School, served as the symposium’s program chairs.

“This symposium brought together dental educators from many schools to form a collaborative consortium, sharing innovative teaching approaches, insights and experiences in digital dentistry while learning from one another,” said Dr. Surti. “The event was well received, with attendees expressing appreciation for the warm welcome and enjoying the variety of presentations and breakout sessions. Throughout the symposium, there was a shared commitment to advancing digital dentistry education.”

"What makes this event special is that everyone here is genuinely invested in moving dental education forward, sharing ideas and experiences openly rather than working in silos,” added Dr. Al-Wakeel.“We leave with new tools, new perspectives and a stronger community — and that is what ultimately reaches our students and our patients."

The annual symposium was established by Dr. Brad Smith ’86, a Dugoni School alumnus and former dean of the College of Dental Medicine at Midwestern University in Arizona, and Dr. Robert Kramer, a faculty member at that college. Their vision and leadership established the symposium as a forum for dental educators to come together, share ideas and learn from one another.

Previous hosts of the symposium have included the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Temple University and the University of Michigan.

“Digital dentistry is transforming how we educate our students, deliver patient care, and prepare the next generation of dental professionals,” said Dr. Elisa Chávez, interim dean of the Dugoni School. “But the most meaningful progress does not happen in a silo. It happens when we share what we have learned, challenge one another’s thinking and build upon the experiences of our colleagues.”

Platinum exhibitors at this year’s event were 3Shape, Dentsply Sirona and Straumann. Other exhibitors included Arklign, California Dental Arts, Henry Schein, Ivoclar, Patterson Dental, Planmeca and Stratasys.

The symposium also received organizational support from the Dugoni School’s Division of Continuing Dental Education, which offers a variety of multidisciplinary programs ranging from lecture courses and hands-on workshops to live webinars and travel programs.