From their newly launched online portal to dedicated Customer Relationship Managers, Andent is always looking for the best approach to help their customers navigate uncharted waters.

By Danny Chan

Even before COVID-19 descended, Australian dentists were already grappling with myriad challenges, mainly in the shape of fee-lowering insurance companies, corporate buyouts and consolidation, new (digitally savvy) competitors in the neighbourhood and a dominant Gen Y clientele weaned on social media. As compared to the threat of COVID-19, these challenges are no less imposing or unpredictable. In many ways, they can also be deemed as “unprecedented”.

Beset by uncertainty, dentists instinctively search for a sense of stability by erecting structural safeguards around their businesses. According to Matt Smith, one vital bulwark against the unpredictable headwinds is to partner with a reliable, customer-focused and digital-ready dental lab.

Smith is the General Manager of Andent, one of Australia’s most digitally inclined dental labs, also known in the industry as one of the pioneers in the scanning, designing and milling of dental restorations.

“In the same way that Andent has learned to adapt in order to compete, we want to assist our clients to endure these turbulent times by evolving with the realities on the ground,” he says.

Conversations with dentists have traditionally revolved around their cutting-edge processes and technology, 100% Australian-made high-quality work that requires fewer adjustments and their uncompromising standards of aesthetics. While those things remain unchanged, Smith believes that increasingly, dentists are seeking more from their labs than just quality products, but also exceptional and reliable customer support, turnkey solutions and greater convenience.

“It’s simply not enough offering good products at reasonable prices,” Smith says. “Our customer has always been the number one priority and one of our core values is focusing strongly on the customer experience.”

Personal connections

About six years ago, Andent began drawing closer to their clients through engaging Customer Relationship Managers – a staple in the banking sector but less known within dental circles.

“Since our lab services clients across Australia, CRMs help to extend our reach, improve customer engagement and increase customer satisfaction,” Smith explains.

“More importantly, the idea is to take the dentist-lab relationship to the next level. Through the CRMs we are able to establish a personal connection with the dentist.”

Allowing for seamless communication and transfer of products between the lab and practice, the relationship managers are contactable across different time zones and outside regular business hours.

Whether over an email, phone call, zoom conference or in-person meeting, the knowledgeable liaison officers offer end-to-end, personalised customer support for each individual case. When they are not meeting dentists at an expo, CRMs can be found at the client’s surgery talking them through screen shots of a challenging case.

“Essentially, I function as the bridge between the lab and the dentist,” says Huy Dang, Andent’s Customer Relationship Manager.

“Some dentists are not familiar with the inner workings of a lab. At Andent, we want to make sure they understand the processes, and how we work internally. It’s important that we’re all on the same page so there are no surprises.”

Noting how every dentist operates differently, Dang would establish at the outset the clinician’s preferences for how much – or little – technical support he or she requires so as to tailor the communication approach accordingly. The personalised attention, he stresses, can be individualised to each and every dentist, even within a multi-chair setting.

Another Plus point

For dentists that prefer online correspondence, Andent recently rolled out a customer service portal that offers increased efficiency and ease-of-transactions. Andent Plus was launched in March as a testament to the lab’s commitment to meet the constantly evolving needs of the Australian dental industry.

“Andent Plus is part of our continuing investment in customer-focused technology. Instead of simply investing in lab-side technologies that make our work easier or those that improve the quality of our products – which we have consistently done and will continue to do so – we are also putting resources into technologies that enhance the customer experience,” Smith emphasises.

Andent Plus provides customers 24/7 access to real-time updates on the status of their cases. Available as a value-add service at no extra charge, dentists only need to create a free account to begin their online interactions with the lab.

Once they have booked in a case, the dentists would receive a confirmation via email with a note detailing which day the case is scheduled to dispatch. They will get another email, along with tracking number, when the case leaves the lab. In short, you can track your case easily, immediately, at any time of the day.

Andent Plus also acts as a one-stop portal for dentists to access all the relevant information for each case, letting users view all their transactions at one glance. This includes purchase history, invoices (available for downloads), and a convenient e-payment system. Further, customers are able to book a pick-up, submit a digital case, order personalised lab sheets or print them instantly. Case photos and further technical instructions may also be uploaded.

Man or machine: it’s your choice

For all its advantages, Smith says, Andent Plus is but another option with which to interact with the lab, as some dentists may want to review cases after hours, or download invoices and statements at their own convenience – similar to online banking. All the other channels of communication – including easy phone and email access to the technical support team and the personalised assistance of the CRMs – remain intact.

“The portal is about giving people access to information they have come to expect to be available on-hand when they want it,” he says.

“We still want to maintain that strong interaction with all our dentists and customers. End of the day, it’s about building the customer relationship in a way that benefits each individual dentist.”

Real-time reliability

As dentists navigate the new normal business environment in which they now operate – one fraught with sudden lockdowns and unforeseen restrictions – Dang believes that the need for open, transparent and instantaneous communication between dentists and their labs is more imperative than ever.

Andent customers enjoy the added assurance that all their cases are locally made and distributed. During the messier periods of ad hoc restrictions, Dang personally helped clients expedite their cases – such as, when the temporary crowns did not last as long as anticipated – or held back packages when the clinics were abruptly forced to close.

“If you aren’t transparent or able to work to specified deadlines, the client’s business won’t be able to function well,” Dang says. “We offer clockwork service so that dentists know well ahead of time how to rebook their patients, some of whom are booked 4-5 months in advance.”
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“Whether they are using Andent Plus, going directly to a CRM like Huy (Dang)” or even chatting to the amazing team in the lab, Matt adds, “we are all about giving dentists reliability and predictability. And that is something to say, in this day and age.”

Andent prioritizes local manufacturing to provide fast nationwide delivery services and a 48-hour in-lab turnaround time.

By Danny Chan

In a globalised marketplace where large multinational corporations dictate the rules of the game, it’s always refreshing to find local businesses thriving, even punching above their weight. Andent, an Australian dental lab, proves that local touch and nationwide reach can coexist harmoniously.

Based in an inner-city suburb of Melbourne, Andent prides itself on being Australian-made, stating that its products are produced “in your backyard". The company's commitment to using local technicians, materials and suppliers is a welcoming change in the Industry 4.0 era, notorious for prizing global reach and profits over local community support.

Local operation means better QC and customer support

Andent’s Abbotsford laboratory serves as the core of its operations, allowing for personalized service that caters to individual clients' unique needs. The importance of this cannot be overstated in the dental industry, where customized solutions are a must.
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From the POV of General Manager Matt Smith, Andent’s home-based operation affords a tighter QC process that translates to “a peace of mind” for dentists.

“It's essential for us to be 100% Australian made because it enables us to have control over the entire manufacturing process in-house, which allows for fast turnaround times, maintaining high standards, and delivering quality products to our customers.

“We have control over the whole workflow, including the machines, the CAD software, and staffing. We can see what's going into the product, how it's being developed, and how we can improve it.”

Being based in Melbourne, he adds, is beneficial given the larger population in Victoria, allowing Andent to employ more dental technicians and having better access to supply across the country.

We deliver to any Australian address

Andent's nationwide distribution network lets customers enjoy high-quality products and services no matter where they are in in the country. The company’s mantra “If there is an address, we will be there” underscores the maturity and scale of its “direct-to-door” interstate postal services.

Faster delivery times are a point of pride for Andent, thanks to its local production capabilities and robust distribution network.

“Having jobs locally made and having technicians on-site allows us to communicate with the dentists directly in case of any queries or complications.

“It helps in faster turnaround times, maintaining high standards, and delivering quality products to our customers.
In other words, local labs are able to achieve faster turnaround times by dint of sheer proximity to clients.

“We can receive cases from dentists and have them completed and returned in a shorter amount of time compared to if the lab was located overseas,” Smith explains.

“This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of cases being lost or damaged during shipping.

“Overall, being a local lab allows us to provide better customer service by being more responsive to our customers' needs and providing faster turnaround times.”

Andent guarantees 48-hour in-lab turnaround time

For urgent cases, Andent is offering a faster turnaround with its 48-Hour Range of dental crowns, consisting of six different materials.

The 48-hour range includes 100% monolithic zirconia, UTZirc 100%, IPS e.max® CAD, VITA ENAMIC®, VITA SUPRINITY®, and titanium. This premium line-up combines functional and aesthetically pleasing materials for both anterior and posterior crown restorations, priced at $315, and limited to three units per case.

“We often have dentists who book a standard turnaround, but will call us to expedite the process if for example, the temporary is broken or if the patient needs to rush the restoration for an upcoming event like a wedding or travel.”

Even though the in-lab process takes more time and craftsmanship, Andent prides itself on delivering a superior product, compared to chairside CAD/CAM services. With large industrial milling machines and skilled technicians, the lab is equipped to create the most intricate and superior aesthetic results possible. Andent also follows stringent protocols with consistent checkpoints and quality controls.

“We recently obtained ISO 13485 certification, which requires us to monitor our production line and cases throughout the entire process.

“This certification elevates our quality standards and provides customers with the assurance that our manufacturing procedures are documented and tracked, from the technicians to the final product.”

Taking the digital route

Of course, technology plays a pivotal role in making interstate business possible – in some ways, erasing borders altogether.

Currently, about 50%-60% of Andent’s cases arrive digitally either through the lab’s dedicated customer portal or email. Dentists who acquire their impressions with an intraoral scanner have much to benefit from Andent’s high-end digital facilities.

“It's improving turnaround times, it's improving quality, especially for those people that aren't local,” Matt emphasizes.

“It takes the guesswork out of the equation where we get to see in real-time, what the dentists are looking at – whether there’s enough clearance, if they can see the margin and contact points. With a traditional impression, you’re not going to know any such details until the model is poured, which makes it a lot more difficult.”

Smith says the ability to “zoom” into digital impressions, enables better control over material thickness, occlusions and contacts in high resolution detail.

“The use of computers and new materials has made the whole manufacturing process more reliable,” he adds.

“On our part, we work with a multitude of software companies, materials and different types of systems so that our customers are not locked into a specific material or system.

“To provide such flexible services, we need to stay up to date with the latest technology and products, often through attending regular in-house and external training programmes.”

The other ingredient to Andent’s cross-border success has to do with its offering flexible pathways for customers to get the support they need, in their preferred mode of communication.

“Our customer service team is available to make phone calls to discuss cases and purchase the products requested by the dentist. We offer different methods for customers to contact us, including the option to call, use our website, or portal,” Smith enthuses.
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“With the right people, technology and equipment on our side, we have everything available to confidently extend a personalised local service – including our 48-Hour range – to the whole of Australia.”

Andent’s premium selection of dental crowns guarantees customers a 48-hour in-lab turnaround time.

By Danny Chan

Over the last 15 years or so, we’ve witnessed significant changes that can affect the relationship between the clinic and the lab. With the rise of digital dentistry, CAD milling, 3D printing and life-like materials such as Zirconia, the dental lab is undergoing a transformative period that impacts the way it views and interacts with its customer.

Even as those technological innovations continue to drive the lab process forward, improving the accuracy, mode, speed and convenience of case delivery, they have not altered the incessant desire of dentists to get things done on short notice.

Tellingly, one of the perennial reasons that most dental practices give for switching laboratories has consistently been that of poor turnaround time. According to a 2019 Dental Economics-LMT Communications survey, that persistent want has not diminished over the preceding 28 years, but in fact, may be on the upswing.

Proof is in the pudding

In 2022, patient trends have clearly kept up with technology. Today’s dentists not only contend with soaring expectations, trying to appease their Netflix-weaned customers, they are competing with next-door establishments that promote ‘Same-day Dental’ and ‘Same-day Crowns’.

That said, dental practices that offer chairside CAD/CAM services are still in the minority, and there is a sizeable gap when compared to In-lab processes and outcomes.

“Certain restorations like a Zirconia or Titanium crown can only be produced in a lab if you’re looking for superior aesthetic results,” says Matt Smith, General Manager of Andent dental lab.

“While it is possible to create lithium disilicate or composite restorations in a dental clinic, the difference lies in the process. We mill ours in large industrial machines. Besides designing the crowns, our technicians stain, glaze and finish the product.

“Therefore it takes a lot more time and craftsmanship to create a crown in our lab than you would chairside.”

Need for speed

Andent is one of Australia’s better-known crown and bridge specialist labs. Delivering 100% Aussie-made products, the Melbourne lab is equipped with cutting edge processes for CAD/CAM dentistry.

Careful to point out the qualitative enhancements that can be discerned from an Andent product, Smith says the digital-ready lab is not oblivious to the customer’s needs for ever-faster turnaround.

Already boasting one of the industry’s fastest turnaround times (3-10 days, depending on material), Smith believes that Andent has done one better – catering to customers who may be working on urgent cases.

In situations where time is of the essence, Andent is offering dentists the option to get their crown restorations back within two days.

Six ways to Sunday

The 48-hour Range is the name of Andent’s premium selection of dental crowns that essentially puts customers on a faster track, guaranteeing a 48-hour in-lab turnaround time.

“With the 48-Hour Range, we are offering a much shorter waiting time on six different materials to make sure dentists always get their cases back to patients on time,” Smith explains.

The six materials in the 48-Hour Range include:

• 100% Monolithic Zirconia
• UTZirc 100%
• IPS e.max® CAD
• VITA ENAMIC®
• VITA SUPRINITY®
• Titaniu

Priced at $315 and limited to three units per case, the premium range combines functional and aesthetically pleasing materials for both anterior and posterior crown restorations.

The UTZirc (Zirconia Ultra High Translucent), for instance, is a versatile material that is almost as translucent as lithium disilicate yet offers greater flexural strength. Its monolithic form eliminates risk of delamination while increasing the biocompatible material’s propensity for accuracy and fit.

Zirconia and lithium disilicates are currently two of the most popularly requested on the prosthetic market, and for good reason.

The constant evolution of lithium disilicates has produced IPS e.max® CAD, a beloved material still pushing the boundaries of modern all-ceramic dentistry. The CAD/CAM-specific material has greatly enhanced its durability and aesthetics, making it an exceptional choice for crown restorations.

Not to be outdone, Zirconia too has made remarkable progress in terms of mechanical properties, biocompatibility and aesthetics. The high-translucent variety of zirconia can closely mimic the shade and translucency of natural teeth.

The VITA ENAMIC® is a hybrid material that combines the positive attributes of both the ceramic and the composite.

The result of a dominant ceramic network reinforced by an integrated polymer network, VITA ENAMIC® is said to be the first dental hybrid ceramic with a dual network structure. Its biologically integrated properties give it a distinct structural stability – not mentioning a particularly high load capacity after adhesive bonding.

Touted the world’s first zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate glass ceramic, VITA SUPRINITY® offers excellent translucency that yields superior aesthetics, making it ideal for anterior, posterior and implant crowns.

Titanium is great for dentists wanting to offer a truly biocompatible alternative to the more traditional gold crown. It’s ideal in areas with little interocclusal space, where something is required that can stand up to parafunctional activity, and works when the cost of gold is prohibitive. Titanium is silver in colour but in terms of biocompatibility of the material and homogeneity due to its milled nature, it has a lot to offer.

The Titanium material does not oxidize in the oral environment and eliminates allergic reaction to cold or hot food.
Titanium is great for dentists wanting to offer a truly biocompatible alternative to the more traditional gold crown. It’s ideal in areas with little interocclusal space, where something is required that can stand up to parafunctional activity, and works when the cost of gold is prohibitive.

Titanium is silver in colour but in terms of biocompatibility of the material and homogeneity due to its milled nature, it has a lot to offer.

Express service without compromise

Of course, it’s no use having quality materials and fast turnaround times at the expense of a shoddy fabrication. Smith assures the products in the 48-Hour Range are held to the same exacting standards and goes through identical QC processes as the rest of Andent’s prosthetic creations.

“We’re not cutting any corners in order to deliver the goods faster,” he says.

“What customers can expect from paying a premium for the 48-Hour Range is that their cases will go to the front of the list because they are more urgent.

“As necessary, we will allocate more lab-hours or even technicians to meet the fast turnaround times for the 48-Hour Range jobs. That’s one of the factors justifying the higher pricing because we are putting in more resources to get the work done faster.”

We’ve got your back!

According to Smith, Andent offers all the benefits that come with having a locally based, cutting edge facility backed by a full-service team of technicians with extensive dental experience. Add to that a modern array of materials, a two-day turnaround guarantee, and you’ve got the 48-Hour Range.

All dentists are free to access this value-added service as and when the need arises, meaning they do not have to commit to a minimum spend or number of cases to qualify for the express service.

“We’re committed to not only improve the quality of our work but also to make sure the dentists we work with are meeting the demands of their customers,” Smith explains.

“The 48-Hour Range can be considered a safety net because you never know when you’re going to need the restoration back sooner. Maybe the patient urgently needs it for an important function. Perhaps the dentist is going away on holiday or there’s a free spot in the schedule.

“Whatever the case may be, it’s good to know that we’ve got your back!”
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So if you ever find yourself in a time crunch or simply want the flexibility to make adjustments before the patient arrives, the 48-Hour Range could be that stress-free solution to tide you over.

Andent’s Implant Package is an all-inclusive bundle that even Elon Musk would approve of.

By Danny Chan

In the 1960s, the US Military came up with the acronym “KISS” (Keep It Simple Stupid) as a design principle for manufacturing jet aircrafts. Interestingly, visionary thinkers from Leonardo Da Vinci to Albert Einstein to Elon Musk have all pretty much espoused the same theory at some point, minus the acronym.

The KISS principle basically advocates keeping a workflow or system totally devoid of unnecessary complexity. The idea may be old but not redundant. It can obviously be applied to many aspects of dentistry and the implant process is no exception.

Without mentioning the acronym once, that concept kept hovering over my conversation with Matt Smith, General Manager of Andent. We were discussing about the Genuine Implant Package offered by the Melbourne-based dental laboratory.

All in the package

Explaining the idea behind their offering, Smith may as well have been extoling the tenets of the KISS principle. 
The implant package, he enthuses, stems from an effort to help dentists unclutter their entire implant workflow by delivering all the required components in a single bundle.

“All that’s required from the client is for him or her to choose the material for the restoration and tell us their preferred implant modality,” says the GM.

“They can choose between a bundle that uses genuine components or one that includes a generic range.”

The Andent Implant Package includes the Titanium Base (including screw), Analogue and Andent Crown. The bundle also comes with the soft tissue model and a choice between screw-retained and cement-retained implants. The non-genuine bundle is priced at $499 and the genuine components bundle at $699.

Customers can choose from a comprehensive list of brands: Ankylos®, Astra Tech Implant System™, BioHorizons, Biomet 3i™, Blue Sky Bio, Dentium, Encode, Implant Direct, MIS®, Nobel Biocare®, Neoss™, Osstem Implant, Southern Implants, Straumann®, TRI®.

No hidden costs

Even the pricing, which basically covers everything with zero hidden costs, is designed to keep things simple.
“We’ve set the price for an all-inclusive bundle, so you know how much it's going to cost you upfront – meaning no add-on costs along the way,” Smith attests.

“When you’re seeing a patient, you would know exactly how much the lab fee is going to be. Otherwise, it can easily go into the thousands, especially if we start using precious metals and other products that we don't tend to use anymore.

“We tend to use everything that's CAD-ready, and then actually custom design it for the patient rather than just using stock abutments.”

Genuine vs non-genuine: We do both

As to why Andent is offering two versions of the bundled deal – an option between genuine and non-genuine components – Smith says it boils down to giving the customer freedom of choice.

“Some dentists will look at the cost factor, and see how they are able to reduce the cost burden for their patients. They can reduce that bill a bit using non-genuine components.

“And some people like to use the actual implant brand. Certain implant companies will only cover a warranty if you use genuine components.

“To help simplify the dentist’s decision-making process, we offer both.”

The right component

Implants are considered the elite class of tooth replacement, so patient expectations are understandably high. In addition to the quality of the final product, patients also expect a speedy turnaround with minimal delays.

To produce the desired outcome for each individual case, Smith shares, would require intimate knowledge of a plethora of different branded products and associated componentry. The time it takes to source for and select a suitable body, abutment or crown must also be factored into the efficiency of the process.

With 20-plus years of experience working at Andent, the veteran dental technician is convinced that dentists are better served when they leave the experts to choose the components for them.

“Some dentists would supply the components with the job. After sending the impression, they would order the analogue and abutment. However, what we have found is that a lot of the componentry are not suitable for the case,” he says.  

“In some cases, we may have to re-order or even charge them for a new one, which would result in time delays and extra costs.

“If the dentist insists on us working with the components that they supplied, there is a risk they may not end up with the best product.”   

Signed, sealed and delivered

By offering an implant package, Andent is assuming the responsibility of choosing the correct product, which they do with the help of a computerised system that trawls an extensive in-house library of neatly categorised implant components.

“We carry all the stock for all the main implant companies. That’s really important because there are like 50 different components that you could actually choose for one implant,” Smith continues.

“Dentists can find assurance in the fact that we have a highly trained team of technicians that are focused on implants. All of them are experienced and able to determine what the best product is.”

To further give dentists a peace of mind, Andent’s warranty would also cover the jobs in which the bundled products were used.

Equipped for every task

Smith’s confidence also stems from the lab’s extensive equipment set-up and Andent’s ability to manufacture all the different brands in-house. That not only speeds up production but also provides more flexibility in the outcome of the cases. 

“If you wanted to mill a Straumann custom abutment, for example, you need to have the correct machinery and the correct holders to be able to do that. And you also need to be able to design and manufacture it,” he elaborates.

“Not all labs have the ability to mill titanium or cobalt chrome but we have the machines for that. We also have industrial machines that can actually manufacture for a large portion of the genuine implant companies, and obviously the expertise to use them.”

Easier way out

The all-inclusive package is about giving dentists a hassle-free and worry-free customer experience.

“One of the hardest thing with implants, especially in the lab business is that you have to learn a lot of the different systems, and what's available,” he surmises.

“We've got people that specialise in the implant area. So instead of looking for different products and having to select from a plethora of confusing options, dentists can simply use our Implant Package and tap on our knowledge and expertise.”
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Once again, what Smith is trying to convey here harkens back to what the US Army and some brilliant minds have been saying all along.

Southern Cross Dental expands to include onshore denture manufacturing.

By Danny Chan

The market value of the Australian dental prosthetics market, estimated at around $354.9m in 2020, is predicted to surpass $500m by 2027. Growing at a rate of 6.3%, the total value is composed of revenues from the dental crown, bridge and denture markets.

Southern Cross Dental’s resolve to grow its presence in the latter market is strengthened by its July acquisition of Swift Dental Laboratory, the former supplier of SCD’s Australia-made denture range.

Natural progression

With the market for dentures booming, and expected to grow further in years to come, Southern Cross identified onshore denture manufacturing capacity as a strategic priority. This was in response to growing consumer demand for locally produced prosthetics.

The Swift acquisition was, in many ways, a natural progression for SCD. For about 5 years, the mid-sized Sydney-based lab had been a reliable outsource partner responsible for producing SCD’s popular Quest denture range.
The good working relationship and Swift’s high quality wares made it a straightforward decision when it came time for SCD to take on in-house denture manufacturing.  

“Swift Dental has been a strong partner for many years. When the opportunity arose to bring them into the fold as part of the Southern Cross family, we jumped on it,” says James Squirrell, CEO of Modern Dental Pacific, SCD’s parent company.

The acquisition of a denture-focused Australian lab, Squirrell says, really boils down to raising product quality and service reliability.

“From a dentist’s point of view, there’s a particular need with dentures to have consistent and fast turnaround speeds. Their patients, with missing teeth, often need a fast solution for a new or replacement denture,” he says.
“Swift’s facility, located about 5km from our head office, allows us to make that work onshore with much faster delivery times.

“Along with a proven track record for producing high quality dentures, Swift’s team of 9 technicians – pretty good size for Aussie standards – can turn around the high volume we require at a fast pace.”

Technological springboard

Established in 1983, Southern Cross Dental is one of the country’s foremost dental labs. Integration with Modern Dental in 2015 helped the Australian lab gain invaluable access to a wealth of technological resources from the world leader in the production of dental prostheses, orthodontics and anti-snoring devices.

Through the global affiliation, Squirrell wants to see Southern Cross raise the technological bar for locally produced dentures.

“Broadly speaking, the technology around how you make dentures is evolving very quickly in the last couple of years, especially in regards to the use of mills and 3D printers. Buying Swift allows us to be at the forefront of this development,” he adds.

“The acquisition also serves as an Australian springboard to develop international technologies and processes in our own backyard while growing the denture side of the business.”

Ready for the future

Where processes and protocols are concerned, Swift Dental operated largely as a traditional lab. Nonetheless, the Swift team boasts a collection of skillsets that will help accelerate the adoption of future technologies.

“Our new team members have exceptional denture-making experience. They were one of the biggest attractions of the acquisition. The lab manager William Perez, for example, has decades of experience and is an influential figure in the denture market,” says Jonathan Evans, General Manager of Southern Cross Dental.

“With the technological expertise of Modern Dental behind us, these individuals provide a core set of skills to help transition our denture-making abilities into the digital future.”

The Peakhurst facility further promises immense growth potential.

“With some adjustments to office space, the building has the capacity to allow a threefold increase in the workforce,” he reveals.  “We have great plans to invest significantly in both our people and our facility, to create a world class denture lab.”

Hybrid model

The Swift acquisition also boosts SCD’s “Made in Australia” credentials, which appeals to customers that want to support Aussie-made products, along with local businesses and jobs.

“Everything we do is about providing choice to our customers, whether it is how fast they get the product back, their choice of materials or where the product is made,” Squirrell says.

“Our hybrid model works really well in terms of giving customers more options.  The combination of specialised manufacturing in Sydney and Melbourne, combined with the reliability and scale of offshore work provides us with an unbeatable product offering.”

With in-house denture manufacturing capabilities, SCD is finally able to commit to the same quality assurance standards that the lab’s crown and bridge customers already enjoy.  

‘With Swift on board, we can fully apply the SCD stamp on denture manufacturing as we have for crown and bridge production,” Evans assures.  

SCD has been producing crowns, bridges, implants as well as mouthguards and splints for a long time. Now they have the capacity and expertise to give their denture customers even better quality control, consistent turnaround and competitive pricing.
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“I’m personally excited to be involved with Southern Cross at this time,” Evans says.
“For now, all I can say is: Watch this space!”

​From their newly launched online portal to dedicated Customer Relationship Managers, Andent is always looking for the best approach to help their customers navigate uncharted waters.

By Danny Chan

Even before COVID-19 descended, Australian dentists were already grappling with myriad challenges, mainly in the shape of fee-lowering insurance companies, corporate buyouts and consolidation, new (digitally savvy) competitors in the neighbourhood and a dominant Gen Y clientele weaned on social media. As compared to the threat of COVID-19, these challenges are no less imposing or unpredictable. In many ways, they can also be deemed as “unprecedented”.

Beset by uncertainty, dentists instinctively search for a sense of stability by erecting structural safeguards around their businesses. According to Matt Smith, one vital bulwark against the unpredictable headwinds is to partner with a reliable, customer-focused and digital-ready dental lab.

Smith is the General Manager of Andent, one of Australia’s most digitally inclined dental labs, also known in the industry as one of the pioneers in the scanning, designing and milling of dental restorations.

“In the same way that Andent has learned to adapt in order to compete, we want to assist our clients to endure these turbulent times by evolving with the realities on the ground,” he says.

Conversations with dentists have traditionally revolved around their cutting-edge processes and technology, 100% Australian-made high-quality work that requires fewer adjustments and their uncompromising standards of aesthetics. While those things remain unchanged, Smith believes that increasingly, dentists are seeking more from their labs than just quality products, but also exceptional and reliable customer support, turnkey solutions and greater convenience.

“It’s simply not enough offering good products at reasonable prices,” Smith says. “Our customer has always been the number one priority and one of our core values is focusing strongly on the customer experience.”

Personal connections

About six years ago, Andent began drawing closer to their clients through engaging Customer Relationship Managers – a staple in the banking sector but less known within dental circles.

“Since our lab services clients across Australia, CRMs help to extend our reach, improve customer engagement and increase customer satisfaction,” Smith explains.

“More importantly, the idea is to take the dentist-lab relationship to the next level. Through the CRMs we are able to establish a personal connection with the dentist.”

Allowing for seamless communication and transfer of products between the lab and practice, the relationship managers are contactable across different time zones and outside regular business hours.

Whether over an email, phone call, zoom conference or in-person meeting, the knowledgeable liaison officers offer end-to-end, personalised customer support for each individual case. When they are not meeting dentists at an expo, CRMs can be found at the client’s surgery talking them through screen shots of a challenging case. 

“Essentially, I function as the bridge between the lab and the dentist,” says Huy Dang, Andent’s Customer Relationship Manager.

“Some dentists are not familiar with the inner workings of a lab. At Andent, we want to make sure they understand the processes, and how we work internally. It’s important that we’re all on the same page so there are no surprises.”

Noting how every dentist operates differently, Dang would establish at the outset the clinician’s preferences for how much – or little – technical support he or she requires so as to tailor the communication approach accordingly. The personalised attention, he stresses, can be individualised to each and every dentist, even within a multi-chair setting.  

Another Plus point

For dentists that prefer online correspondence, Andent recently rolled out a customer service portal that offers increased efficiency and ease-of-transactions. Andent Plus was launched in March as a testament to the lab’s commitment to meet the constantly evolving needs of the Australian dental industry.

“Andent Plus is part of our continuing investment in customer-focused technology. Instead of simply investing in lab-side technologies that make our work easier or those that improve the quality of our products – which we have consistently done and will continue to do so – we are also putting resources into technologies that enhance the customer experience,” Smith emphasises. 

Andent Plus provides customers 24/7 access to real-time updates on the status of their cases. Available as a value-add service at no extra charge, dentists only need to create a free account to begin their online interactions with the lab.

Once they have booked in a case, the dentists would receive a confirmation via email with a note detailing which day the case is scheduled to dispatch. They will get another email, along with tracking number, when the case leaves the lab. In short, you can track your case easily, immediately, at any time of the day.

Andent Plus also acts as a one-stop portal for dentists to access all the relevant information for each case, letting users view all their transactions at one glance. This includes purchase history, invoices (available for downloads), and a convenient e-payment system. Further, customers are able to book a pick-up, submit a digital case, order personalised lab sheets or print them instantly. Case photos and further technical instructions may also be uploaded.

Man or machine: it’s your choice

For all its advantages, Smith says, Andent Plus is but another option with which to interact with the lab, as some dentists may want to review cases after hours, or download invoices and statements at their own convenience – similar to online banking. All the other channels of communication – including easy phone and email access to the technical support team and the personalised assistance of the CRMs – remain intact.

“The portal is about giving people access to information they have come to expect to be available on-hand when they want it,” he says.

“We still want to maintain that strong interaction with all our dentists and customers. End of the day, it’s about building the customer relationship in a way that benefits each individual dentist.”

Real-time reliability

As dentists navigate the new normal business environment in which they now operate – one fraught with sudden lockdowns and unforeseen restrictions – Dang believes that the need for open, transparent and instantaneous communication between dentists and their labs is more imperative than ever.

Andent customers enjoy the added assurance that all their cases are locally made and distributed. During the messier periods of ad hoc restrictions, Dang personally helped clients expedite their cases – such as, when the temporary crowns did not last as long as anticipated – or held back packages when the clinics were abruptly forced to close.

“If you aren’t transparent or able to work to specified deadlines, the client’s business won’t be able to function well,” Dang says. “We offer clockwork service so that dentists know well ahead of time how to rebook their patients, some of whom are booked 4-5 months in advance.”
​
“Whether they are using Andent Plus, going directly to a CRM like Huy (Dang)” or even chatting to the amazing team in the lab, Matt adds, “we are all about giving dentists reliability and predictability. And that is something to say, in this day and age.” 

AVANT Dental Leaders challenges the “business-as-usual” mindset of dentists left behind the technology curve
 
By Danny Chan
 
What’s in a company name? It’s often the first point of differentiation between your business entity and those of your competitors. It also reflects your corporate identity, which means that it should succinctly capture the outlook, ethos or function of your business.
 
That is true of Avant, the lab formerly known as Australian Dental Lab. Most commonly used as a subset of the term “avant-garde” – defined as “new and experimental ideas and methods” – the new moniker suggests a breaking away from old ways of doing things and taking them to another level. This name change reflects the bold direction the established lab of 40-plus years has embarked on.
 
Besides an embodiment of their future-oriented business plan and outlook, Richard Salter, Avant’s Managing Director, says there’s another practical reason for the name change:  
 
“Most brands in our space have the words “dental lab” in their names and many get abbreviated like ADL. We wanted to define our own position in the market.”
 
Richard believes that in step with building brand awareness, Avant must also ensure a smooth transition for existing customers.
 
“We have very strong relationships with our current customers, some of which have been sending cases to our team for over 40 years. We leverage 40-plus years of experience and relationships to always treat our customers as the first priority.”
 
As well as helping dentists adapt to an evolving marketplace, the rebranding exercise heralds Avant’s enthusiastic adoption of cutting edge digital equipment, business processes and delivery platforms. 
 
Ian Feigen, Avant’s General Manager, says the growing impact of digital dentistry precludes dentists and labs from having a “business-as-usual” mindset:
 
“High quality dental materials like Zirconia are increasingly being made with CAD milling and 3D printing in mind. Digital technology is revolutionising the way dentists prepare and transmit their cases while enhancing the speed and accuracy with which cases are being processed and delivered.”
 
“Dentists and dental labs that remain on the old paradigm will find it harder to compete. Whichever industry you’re looking at, the trend tends to favour the more tech savvy – and the dental industry is no exception.”
 
One of Avant’s responses to the tech revolution is to partner with a Chinese lab, which Ian claims is one of, if not the most, digitally focused manufacturing labs in the world. Based in Shenzhen, the Mainland’s high-tech hub, the lab’s level of technological sophistication is difficult to match or replicate in Australia.
 
“Due to the sheer size of their international volume, output and manpower, our Chinese manufacturer can afford to invest in the very latest and most advanced equipment available.”
 
“That’s the kind of leverage that Avant will use to support Australian dentists who are looking for high quality products with speedy turnarounds.” 
 
Richard proffers that not only labs are bracing themselves for the digital impact, dentists too are required to reinvent and adapt:
 
“From the way they market themselves to how they on board a patient to how they capture an impression, dentists must embrace technology, or they will be left behind. Patients assume the best dentists will embrace this technology.”
 
Outsourcing dental work to emerging economies like China remains a sticking point, especially with regards to the question of quality control and technical oversight. Both Richard and Ian contend that times have changed.
 
“30 years ago, the offshore labs were not as good and used inferior products. That is not the case today. Modern digital lab processes have levelled the playing field to the point where you would find increasingly negligible quality differences between digitally-equipped manufacturers,” Ian explains.
 
Richard adds: “This digitisation has meant that offshore providers through greater scalability and access to technology and materials have surpassed the quality of what can often be produced onshore. Avant gives access to this. Dentists must embrace this change and pass on these advantages to their patients.”
 
Still, in terms of quality control, Avant leaves nothing to chance. Local lab technicians check every case before it reaches the customer. This serves as a final checkpoint to provide customers an additional layer of assurance, as with production-side QC stipulations.
 
“Although the quality of work at the offshore lab is very high, we stipulate to all the manufacturers that they must use the exact same products and materials as we use in our own labs. All these products must have accreditation certificates that conform to international standards,” Ian emphasises.
 
To fully embrace the opportunities and cost benefits that outsourcing provides, Richard believes, demands a shift in mindset:
 
“The question of outsourcing must be viewed in the context of a dental lab and their relationship with dentists. Dentists must be open-minded to modern technology and materials and think more-so on a global scale.”
 
“Globalisation and technology have opened up the ability for a dentist to send a dental restoration case digitally to China, America or Europe in minutes – what in the past would have taken a couple of days.”
 
To help dentists navigate a dynamic business environment, he believes that Avant customers have a distinct competitive edge. Banking on the lab’s scalability, quality products and assurance as well as close client communication – led by Ian, formerly a Ceramist with 43 years of experience – Richard supports his claim with dollars-and-sense reasoning:
 
“Quality restorations means patients will be happy. Serviced by, and access to experienced technicians saves critical clinical time which, in turn, saves money. Competitive pricing allows dentists the flexibility to be more competitive or increase margins.”
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

From smoothening dentist-patient communication to offering flexible bundled options, Southern Cross Dental circumvents potential lab-side hiccups for implant dentists
                                                                                                 
By Danny Chan
 
Other than the obvious advantages that emails have over scribbly handwritten lab notes and digital x-ray images superseding duplicates of film-based radiographs, little else seems to have evolved when it comes to improving the communication between dentists and dental technicians. This breakdown in transmission is perhaps more pronounced in the area of implant dentistry, where according to Peter Newman, there isn’t a “clear pathway to achieving quality results.”
 
The Head of Technical at Southern Cross Dental says part of the challenge lies in different implant systems and brands varying greatly in pricing and types of componentry, while fraught with compatibility issues between them. Complications also arise when dentists are not updated on the most current prosthetic knowledge and dental technicians lack the clinical exposure.  Given the knowledge discrepancies between the two groups, it is not hard to imagine the difficulties of managing what has been termed a “love-hate relationship”.
 
One of Australia’s biggest labs, SCD has been working hard behind the scenes to bridge the communication gap while streamlining the processes through which dentists receive technical support for their implant prostheses. A clear indication of the former objective is the lab’s deployment of dentists to oversee the communication process and review each implant case before they even reach the tech bench.
 
To warrant having experienced clinicians on your team, it helps to be a state-of-art lab with high volume turnover and strong market presence. In SCD’s case, turnover works out to be an average of 15,000 implant units per annum over the last three years.
 
Says Jonathan Evans, General Manager of Southern Cross Dental: “Having Dr Albert Sharp and Dr Brenda Baker on our team affords SCD an important clinical perspective which gives us a distinct edge over other Australian dental labs.”
 
“In the case of implants, where things can go off on a tangent, it becomes harder to systemise the process than say for clear aligners. The peer-to-peer exchange between dentists and technicians therefore becomes vital in keeping communications clear, open and consultative.”
 
Providing adequate technical support in a diverse implant marketplace teeming with brands and systems also has its share of challenges. One area where even seasoned implant practitioners may not be clued-up is regarding the various types – and system compatibility – of scan flags. To help simplify the transfer and use of digital implant impressions, Southern Cross Dental has been building an impressive library of scan bodies.
 
Instead of impression transfers used in conventional implant impressions, scan bodies are the digital equivalent used for determining the position and orientation of dental implants. Scan bodies are screwed onto an implant fixture and scanned directly from the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner (IOS). Based on these digital scans, the laboratory is able to accurately manufacture implant-based restorations using CAD/CAM technology.
 
“By creating a log history for every customer, we can track the rare scan body type,” Peter qualifies.
 
The stored information makes it easy for SCD technicians to immediately recall scan flag data based on the case reference number, promising time savings and minimal hassles. To make things even easier, the lab also manufactures its own range of scan bodies that replicate the majority of brands on the market. Using SCD’s own scan bodies, dentists need not fear miscommunication as the technicians are all too familiar with their in-house designs. 
 
Australian dentists are also given the choice between generic and branded implant components with Southern Cross making the buying process a breeze though their supply of bundled options.
 
These include the competitively priced, genuine implant bundles like MIS and Straumann on the one hand and the company’s own SCD Implant Bundle (a.k.a. the more affordable generic option) on the other. The week this interview took place coincided with the release of the latest Implant Direct Bundle.
 
“These bundles represent the holistic view that Southern Cross Dental takes in offering dentists a seamless and efficient pathway to high quality products, efficient turnaround at affordable prices,” Jonathan attests.
 
Those choosing the SCD Bundle, he adds, can rest assure that they are getting comparable components and options for crowns as those from the genuine bundle – along with a whole host of materials that they can choose from for the crown restoration, which is included in the price.
 
There’s another layer to the price transparency. “The biggest advantage of these bundles is that dentists get a fixed price from the outset so that they have a clear idea of how to charge patients,” Jonathan explains, noting as well how some individual components can get “really, really expensive.” 
 
“People forget that we’re not just a dental lab. We are also designers so we know these products in and out. We also own some of the most sophisticated milling machines in the world that allows us to manufacture implant products on behalf of market brands,” Peter interjects.  
 
“The ability to design, create, manufacture, test and refine ideas with an able team of dentists, dental technicians and designers is just gold,” Jonathan summarises.
 
“We invest heavily in our internal systems which are genuinely world-class systems that enhance production workflow, improves communication and solidifies technical support.”
 
Southern Cross Dental also invests in continuing education courses for dentists, including evening sessions on the technical implications of implants.
 
Asked for what’s in the implant pipeline for SCD, incidentally marking 25 years in dental implant support, the General Manager says to expect more of the same value, convenience and flexibility that take the burden off the shoulders of Australian dentists – particularly those of general practitioners wading into the lucrative market.
 
“We hope to further explore – through our vast technical knowledge and wide network of dental implant companies – more opportunities to offer competitively priced bundled options so that dentists can find all the implant products and support they need in one place.”
 

The passion to drive CAD/CAM technologies towards achieving high precision results hasn’t abated for this long-time industry stalwart. 
 
By Danny Chan
 
Since the age of 16, beginning with a basic engineering apprenticeship, CAD/CAM technology has been Kevin Bird’s bread and butter. In 2013, after 27 years working for a UK firm providing tech support and consultancy services for a versatile CAD/CAM software across multiple industries, he brought his wide-ranging expertise to Melbourne, carving a niche career in dental prosthetics. 
 
In his former UK-based role, where he toggled effortlessly between diverse industries – from automobile to medical, aerospace to dental – it wasn’t unusual to find the consummate engineer poring over an aircraft part one week and 5axis milling a dental restoration the next. Yet wearing the dental badge exclusively hasn’t changed the name of his game.
 
“Although certain things like the specific programming, manufacturing process or materials may differ, the motivation behind each of the projects is exactly the same,” he qualifies.
 
“Whatever the object that is being manufactured, the focus is always on utilizing the most suitable equipment, material and technique to get the most accurate results possible in the most efficient way. That’s our top priority here at Dentmill as well.”
 
Founded in 2009, Dentmill is a full-service Milling Centre located in Abbotsford. Led by Kevin, the company comprises a team of 5 engineers and technicians providing a comprehensive range of high-end dental milling solutions, including: Full monolithic translucent zirconia, zirconia substructures, Cobalt chrome, Titanium, PMMA materials, milled Lithium-disilicate and implant restorations. Utilizing a sophisticated digital workflow, Dentmill further provides digital scanning and design services and 3D resin printing.
 
The words “sophisticated digital workflow” are by no means a copywriter’s affectation. Besides boasting a fully digitized workflow that accepts customer’s cases via all digital scanners – the centre’s proprietary system can process both conventional and intra-oral scanned impressions and works with all leading scanner systems which produce open format STL files – it is the only dental facility in Australia to own and utilize Roeder’s High Speed Dental Milling Machines.
 
With its unique linear motor technology, the revolutionary German milling machine offers high precision, energy and time saving benefits while enabling the manufacture of a variety of top end quality dental products. As part of the seamless digital CAD/CAM workflow, the automated machine can detect and switch between different types of materials and set parameters for continuous, unattended 24/7 output.
 
Costing almost a million bucks a piece, the Roeders machines were not only expensive. Engineers had to be flown in from Germany to set up the two units Dentmill purchased – installation alone took 3 weeks.
 
One of the Melbourne team members involved in the initial face meeting with the Roeders side in Germany is Matt Smith, General Manager of Dentmill.
 
“As an indication of the level of difficulty involved, the Roeders team made sure we knew exactly how to use and maintain the units – we had to attend training sessions taught by German experts – before they were even willing to sell them to us. To them, Roeder’s reputation was more important than making a sale.”
 
No matter the huge financial outlay and all the challenges, Matt insists, they are clearly outweighed by the benefits.
 
“The RXD5 milling machines allow us to cover all dental restorations and materials from simple copings all the way to multi implant cases. To date, we have yet to come across any material that we cannot work with.”
 
That is a bold claim considering the widening range of materials on the market, not to mention varying case complexities and client demands. The flexibility Dentmill offers extends to clients who use genuine industry standard systems as well as those that do not.
 
Australian labs can be assured of speedier turnarounds from a local milling centre, without having to rely on offshore facilities – as Kevin points out, it isn’t necessary for labs to send cases to overseas milling centres just because they are “authorized” by big brand product manufacturers.
 
All the advantages that come with having a locally based, cutting edge facility means nothing to Aussie labs if the Dentmill team does not back it up with the right expertise. Thanks to Kevin’s extensive CAD/CAM background and skillsets, and those of his teammates, customers can always look forward to professional help at Dentmill – where Kevin claims, even problematic cases eluding other milling centres, can be resolved.
 
He relates a recent case in which a customer who owned a bench-top milling unit repeatedly failed to mill a certain prosthetic. After breaking tools and materials from multiple attempts and seeking advice from other milling centres and labs didn’t help, the milling quandary was posed to Kevin.
 
“I took one look and was able to determine that only a tailored program would work and quickly developed one for it. It took us only one attempt to mill the obscure shape,” Kevin says.
 
Debunking the myth that milling involves nothing more than “pressing a button and getting the desired results every time,” he continues:
 
“Some CAD/CAM operators with only cursory knowledge of the complex processes, do not realize that the “plug-and-play” methods prescribed by equipment manufacturers only cover the more typical cases.”
 
“Not only does our software allow us to customize out-of-the-ordinary cases, our operators have years of training and experience to know what works and what doesn’t.”
 
With a deserving air of authority, the CAD/CAM stalwart with 32 years under his belt reiterates:
 
“You can have all the tools in the box, but it is important to know when and how to use them, bearing in mind, the end objective is to achieve high quality results, and nothing less!”
 
For more information, please call 03 9416 2039 or visit https://www.dentmill.com.au/.
 
 
 

Not sure what type of Scan Flag to buy that is compatible with your implant system and supported by your dental lab? Andent can help.
 
By Danny Chan
 
The success of an implant restoration depends greatly on the replication of the precise position of the implant body. The importance of determining the latter’s positional depth, rotation and angulation in relation to other oral structures cannot be overstated.
 
Increasingly, dentists are adopting digital impressions using the scan flag technique to faithfully capture the relationship of the implant connection to adjacent structures, at the same time, accurately depict the hard and soft tissue relationship. Thanks to the Scan Flag Technique, these tasks may be routinely performed with greater accuracy, ease and convenience.
 
The Scan Flag Technique involves the use of Intraoral Scan Bodies, which are precision components used for determining the position and orientation of dental implants. Scan bodies are screwed onto an implant fixture and scanned directly from the patient’s mouth using an intraoral scanner (IOS). Based on these digital scans, the laboratory is able to accurately manufacture implant-based restorations using CAD/CAM technology. The scan body design and the material properties guarantee a maximum scan area for an accurate fit of implant components.
 
This technique dispenses with the need for a conventional fixture-level implant impression. It affords dentists and lab technicians the ability to see the preparation/s immediately and make modifications on the fly. By allowing for accurate fabrication of implant restoration, digital scans eliminate potential inaccuracies arising from use of conventional impression materials. Goop-free digital impressions enhance both operator and patient comfort.
 
Notwithstanding the long list of benefits, some dentists may be apprehensive about joining the digital bandwagon simply because the technology either sounds too nascent or too advanced. It doesn’t help that there is a bit of confusion surrounding this new-esque technique that even early adopters sometimes find confusing.  
 
Indeed, there is a need to address some of the common queries that dental laboratories are frequently being asked on the subject of Digital Implant Impressions: What are the available Scan Body options and which one should I use? Will my dental lab support the Scan Body that I’m using? Can I use a generic brand or must I stick to a branded implant company?
 
Precisely to clear the smog and help dentists navigate the minefield of options, Andent has come up with the Andent Scan Body Starter Kit (A$390). The kit is conceptualised to work with the majority of major commercial implant systems – or in the words of Matt Smith, General Manager, Andent, “covers a fair chunk of the Australian market”.
 
According to Andent, there are currently several Scan Body options* available for Intraoral Scanner (IOS) users to send cases to laboratories:

• Genuine branded implant companies provide their own scan flags i.e.- Straumann, MIS, Southern Implants, implant direct. 
• Non-genuine implant companies provide generic scan flags i.e.- Dess, Medentika, Elos, Core3D
• IOS brands provide their own scan flags i.e.- DentsplySirona (Cerec scan flags), 3Shape

 
* A comprehensive table showing available implants systems and their corresponding Scan Body types is available on Andent’s “Find Your Perfect Fit” brochure.
 
“The confusion starts when dentists are unsure about what brands or types of Scan Flags to buy and whether they will be compatible with the implant system that they’re using. When the case is sent to the lab, the type of scan flags that they’re using may not be supported by the lab, not least due to lack of associated componentry,” Matt explains.
 
Andent’s Scan Body Starter Kit is designed take the guesswork out of a potentially cumbersome process. Having researched the Australian market for all the available brands, permuting each product into respective type and code, the company is now able to match the exact Scan Body type to the client’s implant system at the touch of button.
 
Streamlining this process also makes the Scan Body buying experience totally fuss-free. It is as easy as quoting the implant system that you are using – you can do this online or over the phone – then sit back while the Andent personnel runs a check on the system to find matching Scan Flags for you. It’s that simple.
 
In addition to the CAD design of the model, Andent is also making available implant models with analogues and soft tissue – with scan flags in position. This way, you are never in doubt how the final restoration would look like. “Another big benefit of IOS is that we can design the crown at the same time of the model. This greatly reduces time due to eliminating the need for stone models and scanning,” he adds.
 
Besides offering predictable results and faster turnaround in a one-stop shop, here are more reasons to consider Andent Scan Flags:

• Made from medical grade Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) part ensuring optimal scan result;

 

• Reusable up to 15 times;

 

• Autoclavable and radio opaque;

 

• Does not require powdering of the scan body prior to scanning;

 

• Compatible with the prosthetic screwdriver relevant to the implant system being used;

 

• Can be hand-tightened (does not require the use of a torque wrench);

 

• Suitable for Non-Genuine and Genuine restorative options;

 

• Available individually or as part of a starter kit.

 

• Cases contribute to a Digital rebate*

 
* Must be signed up to the Digital Rebate, visit andent.com/rebate  for more information.
 
Andent scan bodies are available separately ($60) or in a kit ($390 including 6x Scan Flags + Container). There is also a handy, autoclavable container ($90) available for storage.
 
For more information contact Andent on 03 9650 6766 or visit https://www.andent.com/products/intraoral-scan-body