Digital technologies in dentistry are evolving at a rapid pace. Scanners, CAD software, and CAM machines are now firmly established not only in laboratories but also in many dental practices. As the digital workflow gains importance, a key question emerges: How open or closed should CAD/CAM systems be in order to ensure long-term flexibility for practices and laboratories?
A recurring problem in digital processes is the limited compatibility between devices and software solutions. As Rajkumar et al. (2022) demonstrate, inefficiencies often arise because systems cannot communicate seamlessly. The FDI (2020) also emphasizes that interoperability is essential for modern digital dentistry.
Open CAD/CAM systems are increasingly viewed as a solution that allows data to move freely—regardless of which scanner, CAD software, or CAM system is used. This article explains the technological background, highlights practical application scenarios, and evaluates both opportunities and limitations.
The content is presented objectively and serves as a guide for practices, laboratories, and milling centers.
