CadCamCon III: ASCD holds 3rd conference

The Australian Society for Computerised Dentistry, Inc, has held another successful annual conference. CadCamCon III, the third annual conference of the society, was staged in 'Cerecity', Sydney, at the newly-refurbished Hilton. More than 50 delegates from Australia and New Zealand joined speakers from the US in a 3-day programme that covered the varied aspects of computers in dentistry.

The keynote speaker was Dr Dennis Fasbinder, Clinical Professor in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. His five lectures and many impromptu tutorials were well received by the enthusiastic crowd. He discussed new developments in dental laboratory techniques utilising CAD/CAM milled frameworks and the rapidly emerging zirconia materials class, as well as providing a thorough review of the only chairside directly millable ceramic fabrication system, CEREC. As an experienced international trainer and lecturer, he is also the author for Sirona of the CEREC Operator's Manual for North America.

Joining him was Dr Mike Hodish, from Connecticut, USA, another international CEREC speaker, who provided a great lecture on individualising milled ceramics with custom staining and glazing chairside, as well as delivering several lectures on the R2005 software release for CEREC.

Other highlights of the programme were Dr Andrew Gerber (The Gerber Institute for Advanced Dental Learning, Burleigh Heads) with a lecture on Australia's first in-surgery iCAT Cone Beam Imaging system (dental CT scanner), which he uses for implants, orthodontics and other facets of dental diagnosis including oral surgery. Also presenting was Dr Brett Taylor who explored computerised recording of jaw position with a Myotronics K7 unit. A special treat for delegates was the hardware session with Dr Gerald Loh of Narellan, NSW. Literally disemboweling a CEREC 3 acquisition unit live on a macro video feed, Dr Loh demonstrated both the technical difficulties and the practical steps to upgrading this unit.

The ASCD annual dinner, held at the American Club with stunning views over the harbour was well enjoyed as was the annual cocktail party.

As part of the third annual conference, the executive committee of the ASCD with President Dr Patrick Meaney, also organised free attendance and expenses provided by commercial sponsors for an academic nominee from each Australian dental faculty in order to promote computerised dentistry.

The new ASCD executive for 2006 will shortly announce plans for the next two years' CadCamCon experience.