Dental School Embraces New Technology for Restorations

At the end of September, 11 Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) faculty members participated in a three-day on-site CEREC® training course.

CEREC is a Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) based system for analyzing the morphology of teeth, designing restorations, and manufacturing all-ceramic restorations.

"One of the advantages of the CEREC system vs. traditional ways for making crowns, veneers, onlays and other restorations is that the complete procedure from preparing a tooth to bonding the final restoration in place can often be completed in one appointment rather than in two or more separate appointments," said Associate Dean for Clinical Services Dr. Stephen DuLong.

GSDM has used earlier versions of the CEREC system for many years. Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter recently made a commitment to upgrade and expand the School’s use of CEREC as a result of a generous school acquisition program offered by Sirona Dental Systems, the makers of CEREC.

"Twelve additional faculty members are scheduled to complete a similar three-day training course by the end of October. Once completed, key faculty members in Predoctoral General Dentistry, Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), Restorative Sciences/Biomaterials and the Dental Health Center at 930 Commonwealth Ave will be capable of fully implementing CEREC technology," explained Dr. DuLong. "Students and residents will receive revised and enhanced education in the clinical application of CEREC within their scheduled curriculum."

Photos from the training are available on GSDM’s flickr account and also on the Facebook page.