digital workflow
An end-to-end laboratory or clinical process in which tooth or tissue data are captured digitally—via intraoral or desktop scanning—and used to design and fabricate restorations without traditional physical impressions or wax patterns.
Full Definition
The digital workflow in dental laboratories encompasses intraoral scanning, digital design (using CAD software), and computer-aided manufacture (milling or 3D printing) of restorations. It contrasts with the conventional analogue workflow that relies on physical impressions, stone casts, and hand-fabricated wax patterns. Editors working on dental technology articles, product brochures, or laboratory protocols must understand the sequence of digital steps to edit procedural descriptions accurately. The term is sometimes spelled 'digital work flow' (two words) in older literature; modern usage favours the single compound noun.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'digital workflow' (one word, closed compound) over 'digital work flow' in line with current dental technology publishing conventions.
In Context
- "The laboratory has transitioned entirely to a digital workflow, eliminating the need for physical impressions." — Laboratory Marketing Brochure
- "The article used 'digital work flow' and 'digital workflow' interchangeably; the editor standardized to the closed compound form." — Journal Copy-editing Note