抄録
Digital dentistry has advanced significantly compared to traditional analog methods. Conventional techniques require the manual fabrication of prostheses such as dentures and crowns, involving individual customization and material deformation. In contrast, CAD/CAM technology has brought standardization, improved productivity, and streamlined workflows.
At Hokkaido University Hospital, the integration of medical and dental departments in 2003 shifted the focus of the Dental Technology Department, which was subsequently renamed the Dental Medical Laboratory. In addition to conventional prostheses, the department presently fabricates epitheses and three-dimensional anatomical models, supporting collaboration with departments such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, and neurosurgery.
More recently, three-dimensional medical imaging software has enabled preoperative simulations and the design of patient-specific instruments （PSIs） for mandibular reconstruction, enhancing Interprofessional communication and surgical planning. In photoimmunotherapy for head and neck cancers, surgical guide techniques derived from dentistry have been adapted to enable accurate needle placement based on simulations.
This report highlights the expanded role of dental technicians through the integration of digital technology and interprofessional collaboration, demonstrating how these innovations contribute to precise, patient-centered care.
