Bulletin of Dental Education Article

The Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine (MUSC CDM) has transformed how dental students are educated and trained by combining innovation and groundbreaking technologies. Last fall, a state-of-the-art Innovation Laboratory was designed and launched in an effort to transform dental students’ learning experiences by incorporating the latest technologies and most modern approaches. 

Fourth year dental students Sebastian Rodriguez, Harrison Duckett and Evelyn Teruel observe Pongsakorn Poovarodom, D.D.S., Ph.D., operate the milling machine. Photo Credit: Jonathan Coultas.

“Moving forward, we will continue to invest in integrating digital dentistry throughout the predoctoral curriculum and reimagine how dentistry is taught. It is our vision that future graduates will be proficient in the digital workflows in all aspects of dentistry. This will be augmented with training in AI, which will positively disrupt the way we practice,” said Sarandeep Huja, D.D.S., Ph.D., Dean of MUSC CDM.

Payten Bennett learned to streamline denture creation from start to finish in a digital denture elective.

Payten Bennett and Sebastian Rodriguez are both fourth-year dental students. Ms. Bennett became interested in dentistry after going through years of braces and corrective jaw surgery when she was younger. Because of her own path within dentistry, she wanted to help people going through similar experiences. 

According to Mr. Rodriguez, being at the forefront of digital dentistry is what attracted him to MUSC CDM. Investments in innovation, such as the new Innovation Laboratory, further showed the commitment to modern workflow and practice.

As digital dentistry becomes the norm, the digital Innovation Lab at the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine allows students to have the full spectrum of essential resources right at their fingertips, including intraoral and extraoral scanning, design of restorations and prosthetic fabrication using CAD/CAM technology (i.e., milling and 3D printing) and other cutting-edge advancements.

Ms. Bennett and Mr. Rodriguez praised Pongsakorn Poovarodom, D.D.S., Ph.D., who was recruited by the college to provide dental students with a faculty member dedicated to student use of the Innovation Lab. The students said he works closely with them in the lab, providing hands-on guidance on various technologies and serving as a mentor.

“The main benefit of the Innovation Lab is that it enhances all aspects of our students’ educations, particularly in digital dentistry,” said Dr. Poovarodom. “I have some students interested in preparing for advanced programs, such as digital dentistry or implantology. We provide them with resources to prepare them for the future—not only for private practice but also for the next steps in their education.”

According to Fabio Rizzante, D.D.S., Ph.D., Assistant Dean for Innovation at MUSC CDM, the new laboratory represents the college’s commitment to excellence and innovation.

“With investment and support from the college, we have designed a core facility designed to serve as an internal laboratory and teaching center, where students and residents are able to design and mill teeth and implant-supported restorations, as well as to design and 3D print, night guards and interim partial and complete dentures.”

He explained that spearheading this collaborative environment will integrate and leverage technology to improve evidence-based education, clinical efficiency and patient outcomes.

This story was adapted from an MUSC Catalyst News story, written by Kristin Merkel.

Courtesy of Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine

Published on April 9, 2025