26 Years of Orthodontic Innovation with Dr. Ed Lin | Ep. 16

What happens when a passion for technology meets the "digital explosion" of the dental industry? In this episode of Beyond the Operatory, host John Stamper continues his conversation with Dr. Ed Lin. They discuss Dr. Lin’s 26-year journey as an early adopter of game-changing dental technologies, from being the first certified Invisalign doctor in Wisconsin to implementing robotically bent wires and 3D printing in his practice. This episode is a must-watch for clinicians looking to bridge the gap between traditional dentistry and the 3D digital future. Dr. Lin shares his "perfect storm" story and offers direct advice to the next generation of dentists on where to invest their capital for the highest value.   In this episode, we cover: Chapters 00:00:00 26 Years of Orthodontic Innovation with Dr. Ed Lin 00:06:37 The Case for CBCT: Why Dr. Lin believes every practice should own a Cone Beam CT for better diagnostics in airway, sinuses, and eruptive paths. 00:03:43 Active Therapeutics: The history of SureSmile and how robotically bent wires provide customized treatment with fewer appointments. 00:08:43 The Tech-Savvy Gap: A look at why dental schools and older clinicians struggle with tech adoption and how the "digital workflow" is evolving. 00:12:28 The 3D Future: Dr. Lin’s take on the "battle" between milling and 3D printing, and why he's betting on resins and 3D printing for restorations. 00:22:15 Advice for Young Clinicians: Why investing in an intraoral scanner and a small field-of-view CBCT is the best move for a new practice. About The Guest: Dr. Edward Y. Lin, DDS, MS, is an industry-respected orthodontist and internationally recognized speaker on advanced 3D orthodontic technologies, including SureSmile®, 3D imaging, intraoral scanning, 3D printing, and clear aligner treatment. He serves on the clinical advisory board for SureSmile and is a Key Opinion Leader for American Orthodontics, Imaging Sciences International, Desktop Health, uLab Systems, and Hu-Friedy. He is also a past member of the technology committee for the American Association of Orthodontists and an honorary member of the South African Society of Maxillo-Facial Oral Surgeons. Dr. Lin has lectured for orthodontic residency programs worldwide and authored numerous articles in leading dental and orthodontic journals. He serves on the editorial boards of OrthoTown and Orthodontic Practice. In his community, he volunteers with the Northeast Wisconsin Community Dental Clinic and has served on the boards of the Breast Cancer Family Foundation and Cerebral Palsy Center.