The two-day congress started on Friday with several interactive workshops, presented in two series, so that interested practitioners and dental technicians had the chance to take part in various seminars. What was special about the workshops was the transfer of knowledge close to practice. Even hands-on was desired and was very well received. Our booth presented itself under the motto "Automated polishing - an added value for you!". We were able to show the numerous advantages that automated polishing offers for dental laboratories: the individually configurable systems can be operated without a great deal of personnel effort, and time-consuming monitoring is not necessary. With just a few movements, the dental framework is clamped in place, the polishing process starts, and then the specialist staff can concentrate on other highly qualified activities. The time savings when using a DLyte polishing machine compared to manual polishing is up to 60 percent, a real advantage in terms of added value, especially in view of the increasing shortage of skilled workers in the dental sector. Other trade fair topics included zirconium oxide and implant prosthetics, intraoral scans in dental care and CAD/CAM telescopic technology.

On the second day of the event, the focus was on the well-attended main lectures under the scientific direction/moderation of master dental technician Jürgen Sieger/Herdecke and Prof. Dr. dr Andree Piwowarczyk/Witten. Here, too, the focus was clearly on the digital workflow in the dental industry, especially with regard to impression taking and functional recording. Additive manufacturing has become indispensable in dentistry, and at the DDT this also included a comparison with subtractive manufacturing processes using the example of splints, secondary parts and full dentures. In the future, intraoral scanners and their recording of jaw movements will play a key role in the manufacture of restorations. Digital transformation and its use in visiting dental therapy for patients in need of care were examined, as were digital teamwork and the latest technologies and materials. The series of lectures concluded with an expert talk between speakers and trade visitors. The honoring of the best results in the exam was very pleasing for everyone involved – these people are the future of the dental industry. Because even if the job profile of a dental technician is changing, the people and their technical and artesanal skills are still the brain that thinks and directs.

On both days, parallel to the workshops and lectures, an industrial exhibition with leading manufacturers in the dental industry took place. CADdent was there, we presented and informed about innovative developments, mechanical systems, manufacturing processes and materials. We would like to thank all visitors for the great interest, for the many questions and for the mutual exchange of knowledge.