European Prosthodontics Association & Turkish Prosthodontics and Implantology Association 2025. Kapadokya, Turkey
September 11-13, 2025. ​​​​Presentation 55 Minutes

John A. Sorensen DMD, PhD, FACP
Professor, Restorative Dentistry Dept.
Director, Biomimetics Biomaterials Biophotonics Biomechanics & Technology Laboratory B4T
Director of Research, Graduate Prosthodontics Program
University of Washington, Seattle ​​​​​[email protected]

Title
New Frontiers In Digital Prosthodontics: Integrating Digital Materials, Digital Technology and Traditional Prosthodontic Principles Into Clinical Practice.

Synopsis
Digital technology breakthroughs have transformed clinical prosthodontics to levels implausible only 10 years ago. Just as important though, are the disruptive innovations made in digital material systems. The specifically designed properties of glass ceramics, zirconia ceramics and polymers work synergistically with fabrication technologies to significantly accelerate CAM speed, efficiency and accuracy.
Dr. Sorensen will systematically evaluate each step and material in the digital workflow (DWF) with available laboratory and clinical research validating where DWF is superior or when conventional prosthodontics still work better.
He will demonstrate with single tooth to complex oral rehabilitation clinical cases how DWF can leverage and enhance the clinician’s knowledge and skills in diagnosis, treatment planning, technician-dentist and interdisciplinary provider 3D communication, provisionalization, prototyping and definitive prosthesis, producing predictable exceptional clinical outcomes.

Biography
Sorensen is Professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry; Director, Biomimetics Biomaterials Biophotonics Biomechanics & Technology Laboratory; Director of Research, Graduate Prosthodontics Program at the University of Washington. The B4T team is actively engaged in materials science investigation, developing new diagnostic and analysis tools, R&D of digital workflows for conventional prosthodontics and implant surgical-prosthodontics and clinical trials. Dr. Sorensen is Past President of the Academy of Prosthodontics and a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. Over his career he has conducted 12 clinical trials on ceramic systems and implant prosthodontics, published over 95 research articles and chapters, and over 150 research abstracts. He has given over 150 invited lectures in 37 countries and over 300 lecture courses, hands-on programs and patient-treatment classes. Sorensen was awarded the 2018 Clinician-Researcher Award of Distinction by the American College of Prosthodontists and Distinguished Speaker Award by Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics in 2017.

Learning Objectives
• Understand the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of digital impressions relative to conventional impressions.
• Understand the advantages and limitations of the various parts of the digital workflow in prosthodontics for both the clinical and laboratory technology aspects.
• Identify how digital tools can enhance patient communication, treatment planning and communication between providers and the dental technician.
• Explain the mechanisms of improved zirconia esthetics by ceramic structure, milling disk/block structure and shade gradation, shading technologies and unique ultra-thin layering materials.
• Understand the advantages and disadvantages of applications of the various classes of digital ceramics and polymers.
• Understand selection criteria for ceramic material systems, digital technologies, implant abutments and cements.