From digital workflows to better patient care
At Innovative Dental in Springfield, Missouri, technology plays an important role in delivering modern dentistry. But for Dr. Grant Olson and Certified Dental Technician Marithe Baclagon, technology is only valuable when it improves the clinical outcome and makes the workflow better for the team.
A philosophy that has shaped the practice’s approach to digital dentistry.
Innovative Dental is a high-volume, fully digital dental practice, seeing around 160 patients a day and welcoming more than 100 new patients each week. Supporting that clinical environment is an in-house laboratory, led by Marithe, where digital design and 3D printing have become an integral part of the practice’s workflow.
“When we’re treating patients, we want to know that the technology supporting us is accurate, predictable and capable of keeping up with the demands of the practice”
Dr. Grant Olson, Innovative Dental
For Dr. Olson, bringing production in-house was about having greater control over the process.
For Marithe, the requirements were even more specific. With more than 14 years of experience as a dental technician and a background in digital dentistry and education, she wanted a printer that could deliver the precision required for dental appliances while giving her the freedom to develop new workflows.
The combination of clinical expectations and technical expertise made Asiga a natural fit.
The Asiga Max became the foundation of the laboratory’s 3D printing workflow, supporting applications including models, night guards, gingival masks and denture-related work. The open material platform was particularly important to Marithe, allowing the laboratory to select materials according to the application rather than being restricted to a closed ecosystem.
The partnership between the clinical and laboratory teams has also helped the practice push the workflow further.
For example, the team has developed a highly efficient workflow for producing full-arch occlusal splints and night guards, combining Asiga printing with UltraGLOSS LIFT technology to achieve a smooth, glossy surface while significantly reducing manual finishing.
“Asiga took it another level when they created the UltraGLOSS LIFT trays. The nightguards are like crystal.”
Marithe Baclagon, Innovative Dental
For Dr. Olson, the benefit is ultimately clinically predictable appliances, efficient turnaround and confidence in the manufacturing process.
For Marithe, it’s about having the technology and freedom to continually improve how those appliances are produced.
Together, they have created something more powerful than an in-house printer, they have built a digital workflow where clinical expertise and manufacturing expertise work side by side, giving Innovative Dental the confidence to produce more, refine their processes and continue pushing digital dentistry forward.
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