Dr. Hans van Pelt, dentist and professor in the Netherlands, is an avid T-Scan user and supporter. He recently shared with Tekscan an editorial piece submitted to the June issue of Tandartspraktijk 2017 (a Dutch dentistry journal). He writes candidly of the paradigm shift he sees in dentistry as far as T-Scan digital occlusion is concerned:

“We should be alert: the digital analysis of the occlusion may involve a new paradigm shift in our occupation.

Were there any major developments in dentistry that led to a paradigm shift that was not accepted without a blow?

Hell, yes! To limit me to a clear period of time: A publication from the 70’s of the last century describes 'Scientific revolutions in dentistry', the most famous of which are the physicochemical adhesion to dental enamel (Buonocore) with all the consequences for the preparation guidelines of GV Black, and the experimental gingivitis model (Silness & Loe). Not much later it appeared that initial lesions could remineralize, and that periodontal infections could be successfully treated and the word “paradontosis” had to be removed from the dental dictionary. Pockets were once aired so that oxygen could come into the anaerobic bacteria.!!

In the 80’s you were a charlatan when you were engaged with implants. A statement from the university's thesis at the time: "The optimism of implantologists is based on the inertia of the rejection reaction." Years later, it appeared that smoking was bad for a good osseo integration. The publications of Professor Hugo de Bruyn about this were rejected from scientific journals for many years.

The motives behind such actions often appear to be based on human constraints or financial considerations: the transition is too large or there are interests at stake. Is history now repeating with digital techniques that can visualize and analyze the dynamic contacts between top and bottom jaws in 0.003 seconds?

Max Verstappen, our famous Dutch "Rooky of the Year" Formula 1 race car driver, who has trained at for years, has studied the circuits digitally. The brakes of his race car are adjusted with pressure sensors that function similarly to those of the digital occlusion analysis. The measurement of two surfaces coming together is a concept with real-world applications in different fields. Many revolutions in dentistry originate elsewhere.

The only paradigm that is not shifting is that we need to work precisely, occlusal hygiene is still the golden standard. For all other understated shifts we must remain open, and ignore cynicism.”

Dr. Hans van Pelt