Digital Dentistry at a Crossroads: Separating Innovation from Illusion
Learning objectives:
- Describe current and emerging digital technologies in dentistry and their clinical application.
- Evaluate the clinical advantages and limitations of digital workflows compared with conventional approaches.
- Recognize the difference between dental technology that improves patient care, and technology that primarily improves efficiency, marketing, and profitability.
- Explain the limitations of digital dentistry, including why comfort, speed, and a “high-tech” appearance do not guarantee best patient outcomes.
- Understand why clinical judgement, experience, and ethical decision-making remain more important than technology in achieving durable dental outcomes.
David J. Kachelmeyer DDS, MS, CDT, FACP graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology in 2002. After earning his DDS from the Marquette University School of Dentistry, he completed a three-year residency in Prosthodontics, and earned a Certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science Degree.After 8 years in private practice and serving as an Adjunct Clinical Professor at Marquette University School of Dentistry, Dr. Kachelmeyer joined the Milwaukee VA Medical Center and serves as a staff Prosthodontist and Associate Director of the Advance Education in Prosthodontics graduate program. His clinical practice focuses on complex restorative and prosthetic rehabilitation, including removable, fixed, and implant prosthetic solutions. He is actively involved in teaching and mentoring with a strong emphasis on comprehensive treatment planning, clinical judgement, and long term treatment predictability.Dr. Kachelmeyer is a Certified Dental Technician, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. In addition to treating our Nation’s Veterans, Dr. Kachelmeyer practices prosthodontics one day a week in Mequon, WI.