Interview with Prof. Marco Tallarico: “Digital technologies should assist clinicians without replacing them, ensuring we never lose control over the treatment process”

Prof. Marco Tallarico, Italy, Assistant Professor in Fixed and Removable Prostheses on natural teeth and implants, and Gnathology, University of Sassari, Italy. (Image: Osstem Implant)

To begin, could you share a bit about your journey in implantology? What initially drew you to digital implantology, and how has it shaped your career?

Even before earning my degree in dentistry, I was involved in implantology. I attended an implantology practice and several congresses, and my thesis focused on developing a new dental implant system. Implantology has always been a central part of my work. The digital revolution is changing the world, and dentistry is no exception. 

As both, researcher and clinician, I have embraced the opportunities and risks of digital dentistry. Today, digital implantology plays a key role in my practice, from diagnosis to guided surgery and prosthetic restorations. However, a timeless message for younger generations of dentists is that innovation is nothing without tradition.

Your upcoming lecture, "Revolutionizing Digital Implantology: From Single to Complete Arch Restorations," addresses a critical topic in modern dentistry. Could you explain why this is so important for clinicians today?

New parameters have been introduced to assess success in achieving lifelike implant-supported restorations, such as healthy peri-implant tissues, prosthodontic success, and natural-looking aesthetics. Prosthetically driven implant placement using digital technologies is the key to success in dentistry. My lecture will explain the digital workflow I use in my daily practice to treat implant patients, ensuring predictable, long-term results.

Digital technology has reshaped many aspects of implantology. How has it specifically impacted the transition from single implants to full-arch restorations, and what are the key benefits for both clinicians and patients?

I truly believe the benefits of digital technologies start right from diagnosis and guide us throughout treatment. For instance, CBCT scans, intraoral scanners (IOS), and advanced guided surgery software allow us to plan and place implants with incredible precision, which is the key to avoiding biological and mechanical complications. From the patient’s perspective, the advantages are clear—less invasive procedures, quicker recovery, and shorter treatment times.

Despite these advancements, there are often challenges when adopting new technologies. In your experience, what are the main obstacles clinicians face when incorporating digital workflows into their practices?

Great question. Honestly, there are several obstacles. For some older dentists, low digital literacy and limited use of technology can be barriers. On the other hand, financial constraints can be challenging for younger dentists. Finally, the learning curve for the entire dental team is essential. Hands-on courses should not only teach correct digital workflows but also highlight the limitations of new technologies.

In addition to your lecture, you'll be leading a hands-on course at the event. Can you give us an idea of what participants can expect from this interactive session?

Thank you for the opportunity to highlight this point. As I mentioned earlier, the learning curve for the entire dental team is crucial. Hands-on courses should focus not only on teaching digital workflows but also on understanding the limitations of these technologies. In my hands-on session, we’ll cover guided surgery—from planning to safe and accurate placement of dental implants.

What practical skills and techniques will attendees take away from your hands-on course, and how can they apply these in their daily practice?

Once again, all comes down to diagnosis and a prosthetically driven treatment plan. I’ll be sharing not just science, but also common sense and more than 20 years of experience with guided surgery—plus a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. We’ll go through step-by-step protocols for easy, predictable implant placement using a surgical template. I don’t want to spoil too much, but trust me, attendees will be ready to put these techniques into practice right away.

Looking ahead, what advancements in digital implantology do you think will further revolutionize the field? Are there any emerging technologies that particularly excite you?

I believe digital technology is boundless, and AI is definitely one of the most exciting topics right now. Another area that fascinates me is robotic surgery. As I mentioned earlier, while these advancements bring incredible opportunities, they also come with risks—especially when it comes to AI.

Finally, as digital solutions continue to evolve, where do you see traditional implantology methods fitting in? Do you believe there's still a place for conventional approaches in this increasingly digital world?

Absolutely, and I can’t stress this enough—traditional dentistry is essential and will always have a place in our work. I see digital technologies as tools to support us, not replace us, ensuring that clinicians never lose control over the treatment process.

Thank you.