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ECPD: DENTSPLY SIRONA
Same Day Dentistry in General Practice: A Case Study from Kingseat Dental Practice Dentsply Sirona is delighted to bring you this article, with the aim of supporting the ongoing Enhanced CPD needs of dental healthcare professionals in improving and maintaining the oral health of their patients
Clinician: Joanna Prustupa BDS Practice: Kingseat Dental Practice, Scotland Digital Suite: Primescan • Primemill • SpeedFire • Orthophos S Context: Equipment first purchased for Mint Dental Kingseat, then transferred to Kingseat Dental Practice when Joanna took over the practice from Bupa Dental with her 2 business partners. On completing this Enhanced CPD session, the reader will: • Describe the clinical and operational benefits of a chairside CAD/CAM workflow • Outline a practical implementation pathway, including training and team roles • Identify patient centred communication points that improve treatment acceptance • Anticipate common challenges and mitigate them with process design and support
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Learning Outcome: A, B, C, D 1) Why we moved to digital
injections, less chair time, and reduced need for time off work. Showing the on screen design often provides a “seeing is believing” moment.
Our decision to adopt a full CEREC workflow came from a desire to modernise patient care, streamline clinical processes and broaden the services we could deliver in house. I initially purchased Primescan, Primemill, SpeedFire and Orthophos S CBCT for Mint Dental Kingseat. When we later took over Kingseat Dental Practice from Bupa Dental, moving the entire digital suite with us was a priority. Patients increasingly expect efficient, low fuss care. Same day dentistry allows us to replace traditional multi visit pathways with single visit solutions—improving comfort and reducing time away from work or family. For the practice, this model improves scheduling and reduces the logistical pressures associated with external laboratories.
2) The early learning curve— and how we overcame it
As with any major workflow change, there was an intense initial learning phase. Scanning, designing, material selection and milling parameters all required dedicated training while maintaining a busy appointment book. We addressed this with a structured support plan: • Whole team training: A full on site day to clarify roles and standardise protocols. • Manufacturer induction: Additional training at Weybridge to deepen our understanding of design features and materials. • Ongoing support: Quick access to representatives, technician WhatsApp groups, and remote login assistance for troubleshooting. A crucial factor was bringing the entire team on the journey. Training our dental nurses to scan has been transformational— expanding their skills, breaking the routine of conventional nursing work, and allowing
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6) Operational and business outcomes
dentists to focus on diagnosis, design and fit. The result is a calmer, more efficient clinical flow.
3) Clinical workflow—at a glance
1. Diagnosis & planning: Orthophos S CBCT imaging where appropriate, followed by informed consent. 2. Preparation & scanning: Standard isolation, preparation, and Primescan capture. 3. Design: Initial proposal generated chairside and refined as required. 4. Fabrication: Primemill milling, followed by SpeedFire sintering/crystallisation and finishing. 5. Try in & fit: Adjustments made if required; final cementation. 6. Review: Post operative instructions and documentation. This replaces two or more conventional visits with a single well orchestrated appointment.
4) A memorable same day case On 31 December, a 29 year old patient arrived with a fractured tooth hours before Hogmanay celebrations in Inverness. Within two hours, we completed root canal treatment, placed a post, and fabricated a crown chairside. He left with his smile—and his plans—restored. These moments build long term trust and generate word of mouth referrals in a way few other procedures can.
5) Patient experience and communication
Patients respond positively to digital workflows for three main reasons: • Comfort: No impression trays, less gagging. • Convenience: One visit instead of two or more. • Clarity: Seeing the digital design helps them understand treatment value. We find acceptance improves when we explain the practical benefits: fewer
To complete the questions and gain one hour of Enhanced CPD, visit cpd.the-probe.co.uk/
Chairside CAD/CAM has reshaped how we use our diary. Fewer second visit fits and reduced reliance on external labs give us much greater flexibility. Our turnover increased approximately fourfold in the first year after implementation. Key drivers include: • Higher value treatments completed fully in house. • Reduced total appointment time through single visit pathways. • Fewer external dependencies and delays. • Better utilisation of team skills, including nurse led scanning. While every practice will differ, a well implemented digital pathway can materially improve capacity and predictability.
7) NHS and private integration In Scotland’s updated environment, we’ve been able to integrate digital workflows into both NHS and private treatment where clinically appropriate. This broadens access and enables efficient, predictable care across our patient base—not only for premium cases.
8) Quality assurance, governance and risk management
Digital workflows do not replace robust governance; they heighten its importance. • Case selection: Careful selection remains vital. • Materials and bonding: Follow instructions precisely; document batch numbers.
The Probe | April 26
01/04/2026 10:36:13