A well-trained team is the foundation of a successful dental practice, ensuring a smoother workflow, fewer errors, and happier patients. Beyond efficiency, proper training also means that valuable features of your CAD/CAM system don’t go unused. While single-unit crowns are the most common application for chairside milling, these machines are capable of so much more. The fastmill.io™ In-Office Mill, for example, can be used to fabricate inlays, onlays, bridges and temporaries. Here are some ways to make ongoing education more accessible to everyone in your practice.

• Use Training Resources: Check if your system’s manufacturer includes training with your purchase. For example, doctors who invest in the glidewell.io^TM In-Office Solution receive free training for themselves and their staff at the time of purchase. After that, they can access additional online courses, webinars, instructional videos, and hands-on workshops.
• Invest in Your Team’s Learning: Attend CE events and encourage your team to join you. Glidewell, for example, hosts various symposia throughout the year, including IOX: The Digital Dentistry Symposium, which focuses on digital dentistry. IOX is an excellent continuing education resource, whether you’re new to CAD/CAM dentistry or looking to expand your expertise.
• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Technology evolves quickly. Encourage your team to stay updated on new features, best practices, and software updates. Following dentistry-related social media or YouTube channels is also a great way to provide insights into how other practices are leveraging CAD/CAM technology.

Intraoral scanning is now a staple in modern dentistry. With nearly half of all dentists using a scanner, uncomfortable goop trays are practically a thing of the past.¹ While its primary function is to create detailed 3D scans without traditional impressions, scanners offer additional benefits.

• Save on Digital Cases: Some dental labs offer discounts for digital cases since they eliminate the need for physical models. For example, Glidewell discounts $20 or more on model-free cases sent via intraoral scanner. Check with your preferred lab for potential savings.
• Use Apps for Enhanced Functionality and Patient Education: Some scanners come equipped with built-in apps that enhance functionality and patient engagement. The fastscan.io^TM Scanning Solution, includes proprietary Medit^® apps like Model Builder, Crown Fit, and Ortho Simulation. These tools visually demonstrate potential treatment outcomes, helping patients better understand their options and increasing case acceptance.
• Choose a Lab with Digital Specializations: Glidewell has a dedicated Digital Adoption Specialist team to process scans and understand the intricacies and workflows of a specific intraoral scanner. This ensures that all cases are subjected to the same high quality control standards, no matter which intraoral scanner has been chosen by the individual doctor.
• Expand Your Services: An intraoral scanner does more than streamline impressions — it opens the door to new opportunities for your practice. With an intraoral scanner such as the fastscan.io, you can expand your offerings to include Glidewell^TM Clear Aligners: Powered by ProMonitoring^TM, a seamless and convenient clear aligner solution that integrates effortlessly into any workflow. Additionally, the fastscan.io allows you to prescribe the Silent Nite^® 3D sleep appliance, helping you provide even more value to your patients while maximizing your technology investment.

Many chairside mills, such as the fastmill.io In-Office Mill, support a wide range of materials and can produce more than just single-unit restorations. Understanding their full capabilities is key to maximizing your investment and getting the most out of your mill.

• Expand Your Material Options: As mentioned earlier, researching training opportunities is a great way to learn about the full range of materials compatible with your mill. For example, doctors using the fastmill.io In-Office Mill have access to six different materials — each designed for specific needs based on tooth location, esthetic preference, and strength requirements.
• Stay Updated on New Material Innovations: The dental industry is constantly evolving, with new materials designed for better performance and durability. Sign up for webinars, CE courses, and industry events to stay informed about the latest material advancements in dentistry.
• Promote Your Same-Day Services: Your patients can be your best advocates! Educate them on the benefits of same-day dentistry during their visit. If they’re in for other treatments, mention that you offer same-day crowns — highlighting the speed, convenience, and advanced technology behind the process. Patients appreciate efficiency and are likely to share their positive experiences with friends, family, and coworkers. Doctors using glidewell.io receive a comprehensive patient marketing kit, featuring curated assets such as counter displays, brochures, and digital marketing templates to enhance their practice's outreach. Spreading awareness this way not only attracts new patients but also reinforces your practice’s reputation for modern, cutting-edge care.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Contact Manufacturer-Direct Support: Some mills are backed by excellent customer service — such as the fastmill.io support department, which provides assistance via call, text, or remote access to help troubleshoot cases in real time. Manufacturer-direct support ensures you receive assistance from a team with in-depth knowledge and resources. With glidewell.io, trained technicians are located on the same campus where the mill is manufactured, ensuring expert, direct support — unlike other companies that outsource customer service to overseas call centers.