Why More Clinics Are Going Digital — and What It Means for Patient Care

Digital dentistry is no longer a prediction—it’s the present. Over the last decade, advances in 3D scanning, CAD/CAM systems, and materials science have transformed how dentists diagnose, treat, and collaborate with labs. For Canadian clinics, adopting digital tools isn’t just about upgrading technology—it’s about delivering faster, more predictable results while improving the patient experience.

What Is Digital Dentistry?

Digital dentistry refers to any dental technology that uses computer-based systems in place of mechanical or manual methods. It includes:

• CAD/CAM fabrication
• Intraoral scanning
• Digital smile design (DSD)
• 3D printing
• CBCT imaging

These tools help reduce treatment time, minimize errors, and increase case acceptance.

Explore the role of digital dentistry in Canada →

Why Some Dentists Hesitate—and Why It’s Changing

Despite the proven benefits, some clinicians hesitate to invest in digital tools due to perceived costs or learning curves. But as with the adoption of air turbine handpieces or PFM crowns in past decades, the industry eventually adapts—and early adopters typically benefit the most.

Today, Canadian clinics that go digital are seeing:

• Fewer remakes and chairside adjustments
• Faster lab turnaround times
• Improved patient retention due to a better experience

“It’s like going from film to digital in photography—it saves time, costs less over time, and the quality is higher.”
 Lab Partner, First Dental Studio

3 Big Advantages of Going Digital in Dentistry

1. Faster Turnaround = More Revenue

Intraoral scanners allow you to send digital impressions instantly to your lab. Labs like ours can start production immediately—no shipping delays, no distorted impressions. This reduces the time between prep and delivery, and increases your daily chair utilization.

2. Accuracy That Reduces Risk

Digital impressions are more accurate than traditional ones. Systems like 3Shape, iTero, and Medit capture detail and shade, helping labs produce better-fitting crowns and bridges the first time around. This reduces remakes, adjustments, and follow-ups.

See how 3Shape TRIOS helps dentists increase accuracy →

3. Patient Convenience and Satisfaction

Patients appreciate fewer appointments, shorter visits, and better-looking restorations. Digital records can also be saved and reused—if a crown chips down the line, it can be remade from the original scan without taking another impression.

Yes, There’s an Upfront Cost—But It Pays Off

Adopting digital workflows may require investing in hardware and training. However, most dentists recoup these costs quickly by:

• Saving on impression materials and shipping
• Seeing more patients per day
• Reducing chair time per case
• Lowering overhead through fewer lab remakes

Plus, digital records streamline reorders and troubleshooting, creating long-term time savings and better outcomes.

Digital Dentistry Is the Future—and It’s Here Now

Digital workflows aren’t just more efficient—they’re how modern dentistry is practiced. At First Dental Studio, we support both conventional and digital submissions, but we strongly encourage clinics to explore digital integration.

Not sure where to start? We can help you:

• Choose an intraoral scanner
• Understand STL submission processes
• Train staff on digital prep protocols
• Set up hybrid workflows with traditional cases