Dentsply Sirona is at the forefront of dental innovation. Could you share how the company’s product advancements like Primescan 2, DS Core and SureSmile are driving transformation in the Asia-Pacific dental market?
Yao: Our latest product advancements are truly transforming the Asia-Pacific dental market. With Primescan 2, DS Core and SureSmile, we are ushering in a new era of connected dentistry—one driven by precision, collaboration and patient-centred care. The launch of Primescan 2, for example, opens up a new era of digital patient care. Powered by the direct integration with our cloud platform DS Core, Primescan 2, which features the same speed, accuracy and ease of use as its predecessor, Primescan, is the first intra-oral scanning solution to scan to any internet-connected device and therefore does not need a dedicated computer. This means that, once the scan is complete, Primescan 2 can be moved to the next patient, and treatment planning or consultation can be done on any connected device with an enabled DS Core account. This is highly significant.

In addition, DS Core is the driving force behind all our connected solutions. The cloud platform delivers a fully integrated ecosystem where devices, software, practices and labs are all seamlessly connected, greatly helping to simplify the complexities of modern practice management. Further complementing this ecosystem is our SureSmile clear aligner system, which leverages advanced simulation capabilities to visually present complex treatment options to patients. This enhanced patient engagement and education has been shown to significantly improve treatment acceptance, since it enables patients to make better-informed decisions about their care.

Together, these innovative solutions are empowering dental professionals across Asia-Pacific to elevate the standard of care and address the evolving needs and expectations of their patients.

As digital dentistry gains momentum, how do you see the role of Dentsply Sirona evolving in the Asia-Pacific region over the next few years, particularly in terms of innovation and supporting dental professionals in Japan?
Yao: At Dentsply Sirona, we have consistently been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering the beginnings of digital dentistry with the launch of CEREC back in 1985, with the first digital X-ray unit, with DS Core and now Primescan 2. As we continue to lead this new era of connected dentistry globally and in Asia-Pacific, we envision a future where technology acts as both a tool and a bridge to connect dentists, labs and patients in ways never seen before.

In Asia-Pacific as a whole or Japan in particular, we know that the dental community is continuously pursuing simplicity and versatility, patient satisfaction and practice growth. Our highly digitalised world is creating an even greater demand for more efficient, more connected and more advanced products and workflows.

Clinical education is a key pillar of our development in Asia-Pacific. Through Dentsply Sirona Academy, we provide comprehensive online and in-person training, ensuring dental professionals have access to the latest knowledge and skills they need to excel. With 57 education centres in over 35 countries, we empower professionals to stay ahead of technological advancements. We look forward to expanding our clinical education activities in Asia-Pacific as part of our efforts to drive digitalisation.

Primescan 2, as the first cloud-native intra-oral scanning device, brings unique technological capabilities to the market. Could you elaborate on how this innovation is expected to affect dental practices in Japan and the broader Asia-Pacific region and what benefits it offers to both practitioners and patients?
Rodighiero: Our cloud platform stands out with its comprehensive set of capabilities. In DS Core, all cases, orders, files and messages to labs can be managed from one place and—because it is in the cloud—from literally anywhere. Dentists and staff can also flexibly leverage DS Core for a wide range of clinical workflows, not only to facilitate data transfer to labs.

For this, DS Core also integrates a broader set of data in one place, including X-rays, Dentsply Sirona and third-party intra-oral scans, and other media files. This enables enhanced patient consultations that utilise more than just the intra-oral scan, creating excellent conditions for patient communication and treatment acceptance.

Furthermore, DS Core seamlessly connects to the large Dentsply Sirona equipment ecosystem. By leveraging cutting-edge cloud technology, DS Core is driving a new era of cloud-connected solutions such as Primescan 2, and this can bring benefits such as helping practices expand their treatment offerings, save time in daily workflows, and deliver enhanced care and comfort to their patients.

At DS World Tokyo 2024, what were your key goals in promoting digital dentistry? How did this event help Japanese dental professionals advance their practices with Dentsply Sirona’s innovative solutions?
Rodighiero: DS World included market-leading dental education and networking opportunities with clinicians from around the world. This was our first DS World not only in Japan but in Asia-Pacific as well. We brought together over 600 participants for two days, invited 27 international and local renowned speakers, and delivered nine main stage presentations and 11 clinical education sessions.

DS World is a singular experience in the dental market where our customers can get access to the company’s latest innovations, like Primescan 2. Through DS World, we empower attendees to understand the capabilities of our technologies and how they can be seamlessly integrated into their day-to-day workflows.

In addition, the event served as a platform to foster a deeper engagement with the Japanese dental community. We facilitated invaluable networking opportunities, enabling dentists to exchange best practices, share their experiences and collaborate on innovative approaches to patient care. This collaborative spirit will further strengthen the bond between Dentsply Sirona and the Japanese dental ecosystem.

Ultimately, our goal is to use DS World as a catalyst for accelerating the adoption of digital dentistry in Japan. By inspiring and empowering dental professionals to embrace the transformative potential of our solutions, we aim to help them elevate their quality of care, enhance their practice efficiency and deliver exceptional experiences for their patients.