OrthoLab Digital Transformation Series: Digital Workflow Mastery for Orthodontics
A step-by-step guide to equipment selections and setup, lab implementation, and fine-tuning for optimal efficiency.
Course 1 OrthoLab Innovations: Foundations of the 100% End-to-End Digital Orthodontic Practice
Course 2 OrthoLab Evolution: Step-by-Step Workflow Blueprints and How-to Guides for Implementation of Models, Retainers, Splints, and Aligners
Course 3 OrthoLab Refinement: Fine-tuning for Scale, Efficiency, and Maximum Profitability
OrthoLab Digital Transformation: Innovations and Evolution
For All Dental Professionals
Participants are not required to have any prerequisites for this course.
Course Duration
The course provides 4 months of access to on-demand self-paced learning
Teaching Methods
Online Video Lectures
Downloadable Supporting Handouts
Your Instructor
Florida-based orthodontist and veteran Dr. Bill Layman is passionate about sharing how new technologies can enhance patient care. After graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in biology from The Citadel, Dr. Bill served in the Army, then earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his orthodontic residency at Vanderbilt University and completed an MBA at the Wharton School.
This instructor reports a stockholder relationship to the following Corporate Organizations: uLab and LuxCreo.
Course 1: Innovations
Foundations of the 100% End-to-End Digital Orthodontic Practice
Upon course completion, participants will be able to:
- Comprehend the Key Advantages of Digital Workflow: Understand how transitioning to a digital orthodontic practice improves cleanliness, organization, and clinical predictability while enhancing the efficiency of digital storage and reproducibility.
- Master Essential Digital Techniques: Gain insights into the learning curve and practical steps in mastering digital orthodontic techniques, supported by personal experiences and tips to streamline the process.
- Identify Effective Strategies to Save Time: Learn proven strategies to optimize workflows, save time, and circumvent common challenges encountered in the shift to digital methods, based on real-world experience spanning over 9 years.
- Evaluate Digital Equipment Options: Acquire knowledge to assess and prioritize features of digital scanners and 3D printer ecosystems, considering data storage, ease of use, office size, and patient flow to make informed choices.
- Understand Key Printer Ecosystem Considerations: Explore the pros and cons of different 3D printer types (SLA, Laser, DLP, LCD), associated software/hardware requirements, resin options, maintenance needs, and cost-effectiveness to support seamless integration into practice.
Overview of OrthoLab Innovations Course Content:
In the Beginning... There was Equipment.
- Motivations for Digital Workflow
- Overcoming Digital Transition Barriers
- Choosing the Right Intraoral Scanner
- Understanding Digital Workflow Basics
Digital Lab Field Manual
- Selecting the Right 3D Printer
- Understanding Printer Technologies
- Evaluating Resins and Materials
- Setting Up a Digital Lab
Course 2: Evolution
Upon course completion, participants will be able to:
Master Digital Retainer Production: Learn the complete process of digital retainer production, including best practices for patient scanning, STL file creation, efficient 3D printing techniques, and packaging strategies to enhance patient experience and brand identity.
Streamline Digital Splint Creation: Understand how to accurately capture occlusion, leverage advanced design software for splint production, and implement efficient 3D printing workflows to optimize material use and production speed.
Transition to Digital Aligner Production: Acquire the skills to capture precise patient scans for aligner design, use advanced digital software for simple to complex cases, and implement labor-efficient workflows from printing to final packaging.
Implement Effective STL File Management: Develop robust practices for exporting, storing, and processing STL files in cloud-based systems to support scalable production workflows tailored to office demand.
Optimize Delivery and Patient Communication: Enhance delivery appointment workflows for retainers, splints, and aligners by understanding key patient instruction techniques, ensuring seamless product transitions, and boosting compliance through well-organized packaging and presentation.
Overview of OrthoLab Evolution Course Content:
Printing 3D Models
- Mastering STL File Acquisition
- Optimizing Print Preparation
- Achieving Ideal Layer Height
- Ensuring Final Product Excellence
Retainer Creation
- Importance of Quality Retainers
- Benefits of Digital Workflow
- Customization and Thermoforming
- Standards and Packaging
Splints
- Transforming Patient Care Digitally
- Cost-Effective Digital Printing
- AI-Enhanced Workflow Precision
- Improving Efficiency and Fit
Aligners
- Digital Treatment Planning
- Material Selection for Aligners
- Model Preparation and Thermoforming
- Finishing and Delivery
Managing Consumables and Print Failures
- Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) Management
- Pre-Print Checklist Protocols
- Post-Print Quality Checks
- Post-Print Failure Troubleshooting
CE Credits for Innovations and Evolution 1 and 2 of the Series:
Innovator Ortho designates this product training activity for 3 CE with AGD subject code 370. Innovator Ortho AGD PACE Provider #420399
Course 3: Refinement
Fine-tuning for scale, efficiency, and maximum profitability.
Upon course completion, participants will be able to:
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Analyze the Economics of In-House Aligner Production: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the cost factors involved in producing aligners in-house, enabling informed financial decisions that maximize profitability.
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Implement Scaling Strategies for Appliance Production: Learn how to scale in-office production effectively, maximize labor efficiency, optimize printer use, and reduce material costs to lower overall aligner fees for the practice.
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Leverage Digital Workflows for Enhanced Communication: Understand how to create Visualized Treatment Objectives using digital workflows to elevate orthodontic treatment plans into 3D visual tools that improve collaboration with referring dentists and boost patient conversion rates.
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CE Credits:
Innovator Ortho designates this product training activity for 3 CE* with AGD subject code 370. Innovator Ortho AGD PACE Provider #420399
Promote Sustainability through Advanced Techniques: Master environmentally conscious production methods that eliminate printed model waste and promote more sustainable practices within your office, contributing to cost savings and environmental stewardship.
Overview of OrthoLab Refinement Course Content:
Economics of In-House Production of Aligners
- Understand the cost decisions for each part of the system outlined in the second course
- Considerations when scaling in office appliance production: labor, printer, and material costs
- The benefits of scaling your operations to save big on aligner fees for your practice
Indirect Bonding Protocols in a Digital Workflow
- From patient scans to creating trays
- Software usage to create an entire in-office digital workflow
- Benefits of IDB with doctor chair time
Using Digital Workflows to Create Visualized Treatment Objectives
- Digital workflows that transform orthodontic plans into 3D communications improve relationships with referring dentists and dramatically increase your conversion rates.
Direct Print Aligners, The Future is Smarter Plastic
- Learn systems regarding the development of direct print aligners
- Implementation of direct print aligner technologies
- Software and in-office flow to create direct print aligners
- Saving time, money, and the environment by reducing printed model trash by 95%
CE Credits for Refinement 3 of the Series: Innovator Ortho designates this product training activity for 4 CE with subject code 370 Orthodontics. Innovator Ortho AGD PACE Provider #420399
OrthoLab Digital Transformation Series: Total 7 CE when you complete
1: Innovations, 2: Evolution = 4 CE
3: Refinement = 3 CE
