Week in Review: Getting started with 3D printing | Personalized dentistry | Opioid alternatives

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Dentists have questions about 3D printing and how it might affect their patient care. Dr. Gerard Kugel, PhD, spoke with DrBicuspid.com about some of the technology's advantages and disadvantages at the California Dental Association's 2019 CDA Presents meeting in Anaheim, CA.

In more coverage from the CDA Presents meeting, Dr. Dennis Abbott spoke about how personalized healthcare will change how dentists approach patient intake and treatment. He also talked about the dentists' role in the larger healthcare conversation.

Also this week on DrBicuspid.com, oral surgeon Dr. Colin Bell writes in a Second Opinion about practical pain management alternatives to opioids, focusing on two specific examples. He additionally discusses a new dental code for reimbursement while emphasizing patient safety and practitioner awareness of the ongoing opioid epidemic.

Childhood is when dentists and hygienists should be looking for early signs of malocclusion, writes Dr. Martin Gorman. One method to address this malocclusion is using an advanced lightwire functional appliance. He reviews how he's used this appliance in his practice and how it can be a treatment option.

Have a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend. We'll resume our usual publishing schedule on Tuesday.