Officials along with the participants during the Polyjet 3D printing technology workshop held at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima on July 4. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, July 4 (MExN): A workshop on the fabrication of monolithic complete dentures using Polyjet 3D printing technology was held at the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on July 4, with around 30 participants attending the programme aimed at promoting digital dentistry and advanced dental care.
Addressing the workshop, Commissioner and Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, said healthcare is being redefined by technology and dentistry is no exception.
He said digital tools have become an integral part of modern dental practice, with digital impressions, CAD-CAM technology and 3D printing transforming treatment planning, prosthetic design and patient care through greater precision, faster delivery and improved patient comfort.
The official said the government views digital dentistry as a key component of making healthcare more accessible and efficient across Nagaland and the region.
Highlighting the advantages of Polyjet 3D printing, Khinchi said monolithic complete dentures produced through the technology represent a significant advancement over traditional methods, which are often technique-sensitive and time-consuming.
He said 3D printing enables the production of strong, biocompatible and accurately fitting dentures in a fraction of the time, directly improving patient care and quality of life.
Khinchi said workshops of this nature are important as they bridge the gap between theory and practice, and encouraged participants to make full use of the hands-on sessions by interacting with experts, asking questions and developing practical skills.
Reaffirming the government's commitment to continuing education and skill development, he said healthcare professionals must remain equipped to adopt emerging technologies.
He stressed that the advancement of digital healthcare requires collaboration among hospitals, academic institutions, industry partners and government agencies.
"Hospitals provide the clinical ground, academia provides the research, industry provides the technology and the government provides the policy support and infrastructure. When we align, we accelerate innovation and ensure that new treatments reach the patients who need them most," he said.
Khinchi also acknowledged the contribution of the Technology Advisor at the Industry 4.0 Innovation Centre for providing technical support and a 3D printer to NHAK.
He urged healthcare professionals to embrace evidence-based digital workflows and ensure that the benefits of 3D printing and digital dentistry extend beyond a few specialised centres to district hospitals, dental colleges and community clinics across the state.
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