It is with great enthusiasm that we announce the launch of the Digital Dentistry Transformation Project at our institution, spearheaded under the visionary leadership of Dean Kenneth Chance. This initiative represents a transformative shift in the way we approach dental education and clinical practice, as we gradually integrate advanced digital technologies into our didactic and clinical courses. Our ultimate goal is to enhance clinical efficiency, optimize patient outcomes and provide an exceptional learning environment for our students.
The introduction of digital workflows is expected to streamline our clinical operations, allowing for improved patient care and satisfaction in a significantly shorter time frame. As digital technologies continue to advance at a rapid pace, our institution is committed to staying at the forefront of these changes to provide our students with the skills necessary to succeed in modern dental practice.
As the first step in this transformation, we are pleased to announce the integration of the Digital Denture Teeth Setup Practice software program—Dentca Academy—into our second-year preclinical removable prosthodontics course. Traditionally, the teaching of removable prosthodontics has relied heavily on in-person, hands-on practice. However, this innovative virtual platform allows students to master key prosthodontic concepts such as occlusion, midline and the positioning and orientation of artificial teeth in a digital environment.
The software’s web-based and download-free design is both intuitive and user-friendly, enabling students to easily navigate and apply theoretical knowledge gained in didactic courses to correctly arrange digital teeth for denture fabrication. One of the program's most noteworthy features is its automated grading system, which compares student work against an established ideal arrangement. This feature not only provides immediate feedback but also ensures objective and standardized evaluation.
By integrating digital tools such as the Dentca Academy software, we are confident that our students will develop the foundational skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital dentistry. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey as we continue to expand our digital infrastructure and curriculum offerings.
We look forward to keeping you informed as we take further steps towards transforming our institution into a leader in digital dental education.
Ilser Turkyilmaz, DMD, PhD
Associate Dean of Digital Innovation,
Visiting Professor and Chair, Department of Comprehensive Care