02 October 2025

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U-M School of Dentistry hosts national symposium on digital dentistry education

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The University of Michigan School of Dentistry hosted a national Digital Dentistry Educators Symposium last week that drew faculty and leaders from 35 dental schools around the country.

As digital technology fundamentally transforms the practice of dentistry – from diagnostics and treatment planning to patient care – academic leaders are working to ensure that curricula and training keep pace with industry innovation. The symposium focused on fostering dialogue about the integration of digital workflows in simulation labs and clinical education in dental schools.

The two-day event at U-M was the latest in a series of similar national workshops in recent years dedicated to advancing digital dentistry education. This year’s schedule and program of speakers was organized by Dr. Gisele Neiva, Clinical Professor in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics, and Cassandra Callaghan, the dental school’s Chief Information Officer.

Participants engaged in interactive panel discussions, poster sessions, workshops, and technology demonstrations spanning topics such as intraoral scanning, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), 3D printing, virtual reality simulations, and the integration of electronic health records. Digital dentistry experts delivered presentations and shared practical strategies and best practices for implementing new digital tools in educational settings.

“This symposium provided a unique opportunity for educators and technology leaders to come together, share experiences, and learn from one another as we move toward more fully digital, patient-centered approaches in dentistry,” Neiva said. “Our shared commitment is to ensure that the next generation of dental professionals is well-equipped to harness the potential of digital tools for the benefit of patients everywhere.”

Callaghan, who leads the dental school’s Information Technology (IT) staff that integrates technology serving faculty, staff, students and patients, emphasized the critical role of robust and secure IT infrastructure in supporting the ever-evolving landscape of digital dentistry. It will be a vital element of the dental school’s ongoing commitment to innovation in health sciences education, she said.

For many dental schools striving to meet the demands of contemporary dental education, events like the Digital Dentistry Educators Symposium provide opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Source: https://dent.umich.edu/