A digital dentistry workflow is an integrated clinical and laboratory process that uses digital data acquisition, computer-aided design (CAD), and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to plan and produce dental restorations and appliances. It connects each stage of treatment through digital files, enabling end-to-end data continuity. Digital workflows are used across multiple dental indications to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and delivery within a digital dentistry ecosystem.
Digital workflows in dentistry have developed alongside the shift from analog to digital technology in dentistry in both clinics and laboratories. Instead of relying on separate manual steps, clinicians and technicians can now work with connected digital data throughout the treatment process.
This approach supports more structured collaboration between clinics and laboratories and enables workflows to be adapted across different specialties. Understanding how digital workflows are organized helps clarify how digital dentistry improves coordination, efficiency, and consistency in clinical practice.
A digital dentistry workflow describes how clinical and laboratory steps are connected through digital data, software, and manufacturing processes. It defines how information moves from initial data capture to the final delivery of a restoration or appliance.
Rather than being a single tool or system, a digital workflow brings together multiple components that work as a coordinated process. These components may be implemented fully digitally or combined with conventional steps depending on the clinical situation. These workflows connect software, hardware, and clinical and laboratory professionals into a single, coordinated process.
A digital dentistry workflow typically includes:
A digital dentistry workflow connects clinical and laboratory steps through a continuous flow of digital data. This section describes the clinical and laboratory process, not the technical engineering of individual devices.
Although workflows differ across indications, they follow a consistent sequence in which data is captured, transformed into a design, manufactured, and delivered as a final clinical outcome.
The workflow begins with capturing patient data in a digital format. This may involve intraoral scanning, digital impressions, digitization of physical impressions, or integration of additional imaging data such as CBCT scans depending on the clinical case.
(As highlighted in a study on digital workflows, the imaging chain plays a central role in establishing the digital foundation for the workflow 1.)
The purpose of this step is to establish a digital dataset that can be used consistently throughout the workflow.
The captured data is used to plan and design the restoration or appliance within a digital environment. This stage allows clinical and laboratory inputs to be incorporated into a shared design process, and may include tools such as smile design software or orthodontic software for visualizing treatment plans.
Design adjustments are made virtually, enabling review, modification, and alignment before production.
Once the design is finalized, it is translated into a physical outcome using computer-aided manufacturing methods. Production may take place in a laboratory or within the clinic, depending on the workflow setup.
Digital file transfer enables seamless communication between systems and reduces reliance on physical models, including workflows supported by a secure software connection.
The final restoration or appliance is delivered and evaluated in a clinical setting. Any required adjustments are made based on fit and function.
All data generated during the workflow can be stored digitally, enabling reuse, modification, and reproducibility without repeating earlier steps.
A digital dentistry workflow follows a structured sequence: data is captured, transformed into a digital design, manufactured using computer-aided methods, delivered in a clinical setting, and archived for future use. Continuous digital data enables integration between systems, supports efficient collaboration, and allows case information to be stored and reused.
Digital dentistry workflows connect clinical and laboratory processes through shared digital data. This affects how cases are communicated, how efficiently they are handled, and how consistently results are achieved.
In digital workflows, collaboration is supported through systems that allow clinics and laboratories to exchange case data and communicate digitally. This may include open or partially open platforms such as a workflow engine that support collaboration with multiple laboratories and partners.
Instead of transferring physical impressions or models, digital files can be shared directly.
This supports:
This supports data continuity across the workflow.
Digital workflows reduce the number of manual steps involved in traditional processes. Tasks such as mixing materials, model production, and shipping can be minimized or removed, when working from a digital impression.
This leads to:
The level of efficiency depends on how much of the workflow is digitized and how it is implemented in practice. In some cases, clinicians report handling a higher number of cases within the same timeframe.
Digital workflows support consistent results by reducing the variability introduced by physical materials and manual processes. By working with digital data throughout the workflow, clinicians and technicians can reduce sources of distortion and improve consistency across cases.
This contributes to:
These outcomes depend on the quality of the input data and how the workflow is managed.
Digital and conventional dentistry workflows differ in how clinical data is captured, processed, and used throughout treatment. While conventional workflows rely on physical materials and manual steps, digital workflows use digital data and software to support planning, communication, and execution.
Digitization is not an all-or-nothing process. A clinic or laboratory may digitize one part of the workflow, such as imaging, while continuing to use conventional methods for other stages, as highlighted in the DMFR study 1.
Studies indicate that the limitations of complete digital workflows are gradually being overcome 2.
These differences can be summarized across key aspects of the workflow:
| Aspect | Digital workflow | Conventional workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Data capture method | Digital scans or digitized impressions | Physical impressions using materials |
| Workflow steps | Fewer steps in workflows such as crown treatment | More steps involving material preparation and model creation |
| Time | Reduced time due to fewer workflow steps | More time required due to manual steps and material handling |
| Data continuity | Digital data used throughout planning, design, and manufacturing | Data transferred through physical models between steps |
| Communication | Digital files and case data can be shared between clinic and laboratory | Physical impressions or models must be transported |
| Reproducibility | Digital cases can be stored and reused | Reproduction requires repeating the process |
Digital workflows reduce the need for manual steps such as material preparation, model production, and physical transport. Conventional workflows rely more heavily on these processes, which can introduce additional handling and intermediate stages.
Both approaches are used in practice, and workflows may combine digital and conventional steps depending on the clinical situation and how much of the process is digitized. A comparison of a digital and conventional single-crown workflow shows how these differences appear in a common restorative treatment.
Digital dentistry workflows are used across multiple areas of dentistry, with each specialty applying the same core process to different clinical needs. While the structure remains consistent, the way it is implemented depends on the type of treatment.
In restorative dentistry, digital workflows are commonly used for treatments such as single crowns, bridges, and full-mouth rehabilitation. Clinics may choose to handle parts of the workflow in-house or collaborate with dental laboratories for design and production, depending on the clinical situation and available setup.
These workflows often combine clinical data capture, digital design, and laboratory manufacturing to produce restorations that fit within a broader treatment plan.
In implant dentistry, digital workflows are used to support treatment planning and surgical execution. Digital data can be used to guide implant placement and support collaboration between clinicians and laboratories during the planning phaseas shown in this case study.
In orthodontics, digital workflows enable clinicians to offer treatments such as clear aligners using digital scan data.
The workflow may involve collaboration with external providers or be managed in-house using orthodontic software, depending on the setup.
Digital workflows are also used in the production of dentures, including workflows for digital dentures. These workflows can reduce the number of clinical visits and support more consistent design and fit of the prosthesis, depending on how they are implemented, as described in this protocol and in this guide.
Digital dentistry workflows offer structured and efficient processes, but they also come with limitations that depend on how the workflow is implemented and the clinical situation.
Implementing a digital workflow may require scanners, design software, and manufacturing capabilities, as well as the time needed to integrate these into existing clinical and laboratory processes. Investment requirements can vary depending on the setup, including access to tools such as dental design software.
Integration can affect how workflows are used. Not all clinics and laboratories operate within the same systems, and workflows may differ depending on how digital tools are adopted and how collaboration is organized, when working across different platforms or systems.
Digital workflows may vary depending on the clinical case. Some treatments may involve a combination of digital and conventional steps, and the workflow may need to be adapted based on the specific requirements of the indication, including workflows such as digital dentures in edentulous cases.
What is a digital workflow in dentistry?
A digital workflow in dentistry is a process that uses digital data, software, and manufacturing methods to plan and deliver dental treatments. It connects clinical and laboratory steps through digital files.
What equipment is required for a digital workflow?
A digital workflow may include scanners for data capture, software for planning and design, and manufacturing systems such as milling machines or 3D printers. This may involve tools such as intraoral scanning and dental CAD/CAM software, depending on how much of the workflow is digitized.
How does digital workflow improve efficiency?
Digital workflows can reduce manual steps such as material handling and model production. This can lead to faster case handling and, in some cases, fewer clinical visits.
Does digital workflow replace the dental laboratory?
Digital workflows do not replace the dental laboratory. Clinics and laboratories continue to collaborate, but they work with shared digital data instead of physical models, often through systems that support a secure software connection.
Is digital workflow suitable for all practices?
Digital workflows can be implemented partially or fully, depending on the practice. Some workflows combine digital and conventional steps based on the clinical situation and available equipment.
A digital dentistry workflow is an integrated process that uses digital data, software-based design, and computer-aided manufacturing to plan and deliver dental treatments. It connects clinical and laboratory steps through shared digital files.
The workflow follows a structured sequence: capturing clinical data through digital impressions, designing the restoration or appliance, manufacturing it using milling or 3D printing, and delivering the final result. Digital data is used throughout the process and can be stored for future use.
Digital workflows support integration between clinics and laboratories by enabling shared access to case data throughout the treatment process. They also reduce manual steps and support more efficient handling of cases.