In this conversation Sonny and Rob discuss the transformative impact of digital tools and AI in dentistry. They explore the top digital tools every dentist should be using, the efficiency gains from AI, and the importance of data safety. The discussion also highlights the common pitfalls dentists face when integrating these technologies and the need for a supportive community to navigate the evolving landscape of digital dentistry.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dentistry and AI Tools
05:27 Top Digital Tools for Dentists
12:06 Enhancing Efficiency with AI in Practice
14:02 The Impact of Digital Tools on Patient Experience
21:13 Common Pitfalls in Digital Dentistry and AI Usage
25:01 Understanding AI Limitations and Responsibilities
27:51 Navigating AI Tools for Clinical Use
31:09 Customizing AI for Patient Communication
35:03 The Birth of Digital Dentistry Study Clubs
40:01 Building Community in Digital Dentistry
45:03 Upcoming Events and Future Directions

To learn more about Sonny's upcoming courses be sure to visit the ADDA website

https://digitaldentistryacademy.com.au/

GUEST BIOS

Dr Sonny Lee, BDSc (UWA), PgCert Adv Aesth & Rest Dent (Portsmouth), Fellow ofPierre Fauchard Academy (FPFA) is a restorative dentist and founder of the Australian Digital Dentistry Academy in Perth, Australia. He runs a fully digital clinic, lab, charity clinic , with almost 20 years of experience in CAD/CAM, exocad and 3D printing. In his courses he shares practical, real-world workflows for exocad design and Sprintray 3D printing that can be applied immediately in daily practice.

Dr. Rob brings over 20 years of dental experience to Ashburton Family Dental. After graduating from the University of Otago in 2004, he began his career as a house surgeon at Auckland Hospital, where he developed strong foundations in complex and emergency dental care. Inspired by his keen interest in implant dentistry, Dr. Rob completed a Graduate Diploma in Implant Dentistry at the University of Melbourne in 2021. He is also one of a handful of Digital Smile Design (DSD) Masters in Australia and has recently started up the ADDA Vic Chatper (see links below).

https://www.digitaldentistryacademyvic.com.au/

Understanding Chronic Pain: Misconceptions and Effective Management Strategies

Chronic pain affects millions of people, yet it’s still widely misunderstood. In this episode, we unpack what pain actually is, why chronic pain can persist even when scans appear “normal,” and why treating pain isn’t as simple as fixing damaged tissue.

We explore pain as a protective alarm system—one designed to keep us safe—but discuss how, in chronic pain, that system can become overprotective. The conversation challenges the common belief that ongoing pain always equals ongoing injury, highlighting research showing that many people with structural changes on scans experience no pain at all.

A key focus of the episode is the role of the nervous system and central sensitization, where pain signals become amplified over time. Using simple, relatable analogies, we explain how pain can be driven by sensitivity rather than damage—and why understanding this can be both empowering and relieving for patients.

We also dive into the thinking behind More Good Days, an initiative created to bridge the gap between evidence-based pain science and what many patients are actually offered in clinical care. The discussion highlights the importance of education, movement, psychology, and human connection in helping people rebuild confidence in their bodies.

Ultimately, this episode reinforces a critical message: effective chronic pain management requires a multidisciplinary approach that treats the whole person—not just the site of pain.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Understanding Chronic Pain
What pain really is, why it exists as a protective mechanism, and how chronic pain differs from acute injury.

00:51 – Rethinking Pain and Damage
Challenging the assumption that pain always equals physical damage, and why scans don’t always tell the full story.

04:49 – The Journey to More Good Days
How the idea for More Good Days emerged and the gap it aims to close in chronic pain care.

10:29 – Explaining Pain to Patients
Why education matters, how understanding pain reduces fear, and the role of language in recovery.

16:40 – Recognizing Central Sensitization
How the nervous system can amplify pain signals and what this means for chronic pain sufferers.

22:09 – Engaging Patients in Their Recovery
Movement, confidence-building, and tailoring approaches to individual patients.

24:50 – Clinicians as Patients: Common Patterns
Shared behaviours clinicians fall into when experiencing pain themselves—and what we can learn from it.

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Varun Garg shares his expertise on indirect restorations, emphasizing the importance of communication with both patients and ceramists. He discusses the critical aspects of provisionalization, material selection, and cementation protocols, while also addressing the nuances of finishing lines and margins. Varun highlights the significance of teaching in refining one's own skills and announces upcoming courses aimed at enhancing practical knowledge in dentistry.

Chapters

00:00 The Art of Indirect Restorations
07:03 Communication: The Key to Patient Satisfaction
10:53 Mastering Clinical Skills for Precision
12:53 The Importance of Provisionalization
18:26 Mixing Materials: A Balancing Act
22:42 Finalizing the Bonding Process
23:48 Mastering Aesthetic Restorations
26:56 The Importance of Etching and Bonding
28:55 Finishing Lines and Margins in Veneer Preparations
33:16 Insights from Teaching and Learning
38:22 Upcoming Courses and Educational Initiatives
43:09 ODONTO OUTRO FINAL.mp3