AME: Digital Design for Dummies

8 snips

Aug 11, 2025

Explore the journey into digital dentistry as Alan shares his initial hesitations and the high cost of software like Exocad. A pivotal patient case leads to the discovery of BlueSkyPlan, an accessible and free software solution. Alan highlights the value of affordable training from Dr. Russell Schaefer and emphasizes starting small with simple designs. He encourages listeners to try digital tools, learn the fundamentals, and foster community discussions about these innovations in dental practices.

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ANECDOTE

Early Hands-On With Blue Sky Plan

Alan first tried Blue Sky Plan years ago during a hands-on session with Dr. Corey Glenn and played around with digital planning.
He learned the basics then but didn’t pursue it further until recently when a clinical case rekindled his interest.

ANECDOTE

Local Lab Softened The Push To DIY

Alan uses a local lab next door for much of his crown & bridge and found that reliable labs reduced his urgency to adopt full in‑house design.
He still values excellent removable labs and is experimenting with digital/removable combos for better results.

ANECDOTE

New Patient Inspires Practical Case

Alan describes a recent new patient with limited finances and remaining upper teeth in poor condition.
He planned phased removable treatment including cores, an extraction, and a provisional partial while weighing restoration value.

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Alan shares his journey into the world of digital dentistry and digital design. He reflects on his past hesitations and the challenges of committing to expensive software like Exocad. A recent case involving a patient in need of a provisional partial, however, sparked his interest in finding a more accessible entry point. He recounts how his friend, Dr. Russell Schafer, introduced him to BlueSkyPlan, a powerful, free design software. BSP, along with Russell's affordable course, offers an excellent way for dentists to "dip their toe" into digital design without a huge financial or time commitment. He encourages listeners to check out the case Russell worked up for him, which is available in the show notes, and to consider the course as a practical way to learn the fundamentals of digital design.

Some links from the show:

Blue Sky Plan Software
Russell's Blue Sky Plan course (Maximizing BlueSkyPlan for Your Office)

Patriot Dental Lab
Precision Dental Lab (shares Al's building)
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