"Our CAD/CAM centre in Munich plays a special role in the overall concept, as it is the first theme-related training venue", is how Arndt Lommerzheim, head of Public Relations and Training Programmes, explains the concept. "The events that will be hosted here all focus on technology, from digital shade determination systems right up to CAD/CAM-milled crowns." Regional Sales Manager Klaus Mönkmeyer adds: "The reason behind our need for a CAD/CAM training centre was dictated primarily by the fact that it is such a topical issue. Everyone is currently talking about CAD/CAM, but a lot of questions are still to be answered. It is part of a technological change that we are currently witnessing and which is significantly influencing and changing the whole field of dentistry, and especially lab and surgery workplaces. Many of our clients already own certain elements of this new technology, such as intraoral scanners, CAD/CAM systems or digital shade measuring equipment – however the systems are increasingly converging; a digital workflow is emerging from individual elements where the components need to be perfectly matched to produce the best possible results for the patients. Training is absolutely essential to gain a better understanding of this workflow and to minimize possible mistakes."

Added to which, the training centre will hopefully encourage the exchange of views among experts. As Arndt Lommerzheim puts it: "It is much more than just a training venue". "Our aim is to create a knowledge forum for digital technology. As such, we shall not just be offering conventional CAD/CAM training courses in small groups, but will also be hosting expert panels where practitioners can exchange views." The numerous guests who attended the opening day were able to gain some insight into the planned spectrum of topics. Under the motto: "Contrasts between traditional and modern", manufacturers such as Nobel Biocare, Straumann and 3Shape presented individual components within the digital workflow. They were joined by Kuraray, which presented its bonding technology. The presentation by Dr. Jan-Frederik Güth from the Poliklinik für Zahnärztliche Prothetik at Munich LMU was a further high point during the event.

Entitled: "Yes we can! - Digital workflows from intraoral scans to CAD/CAM" his presentation explained various digital systems within the workflow context. He drew attention to the huge importance of this modern technology for dental medicine: "CAD/CAM offers numerous advantages: It heightens efficiency in
individual work steps, creates the basis for good quality management, makes the workflow more transparent, and allows access to new materials, such as high-performance oxide ceramics and polymers", the expert explained. But as Güth continued, the problem is that "We simply don't yet know which material and which technology is best suited for which indication." In his presentation, Güth also touched on the topic of direct impression taking. So far, indirect data capturing based on an analogue impression had been common practice – but was too prone to error. The participants closed out the eventful opening day at the CAD/CAM training centre in Munich in a sociable atmosphere enriched with Bavarian specialities.

Fig. 1) VITA CAD/CAM training centre in Schwaig