Behind the Scenes -Advanced Technology and Personalised Dentistry in South Africa

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (0:05 – 0:35)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the go-to podcast where curiosity meets dentistry, straight from the experts. I’m Eon, once again joined by Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile, and we’re taking a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective.

So, if you’re looking to brighten your smile or protect your wallet, you’re in the right place. We’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights. A big warm welcome to you once again, Dr Yudelman.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (0:36 – 1:03)
Hi Eon, thanks again for having me. I’m looking forward to today’s episode, continuing on with our theme of dental tourism—particularly people coming from overseas. Today your questions are going to be about behind-the-scenes advanced technology and personalised dentistry in South Africa, and I believe you’ve got 10 questions again.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (1:04 – 1:17)
It sounds like you’re ready. Let’s go! Right, what cutting-edge technologies or techniques are South African clinics currently embracing that truly stand out on the global stage?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (1:17 – 4:41)
South African clinics are using a lot of high-tech, which might surprise overseas visitors. When we get patients from the US or the UK, they often remark, “Oh, my dentist doesn’t have a 3D X-ray,” or “What is that camera you’re putting in my mouth?” They’ve never had a digital scan.

They’re often amazed at CAD/CAM, where we can scan and then make a ceramic inlay or onlay while you wait—one visit. For instance, I had a lady in last week from Ireland who had two teeth restored in just two and a half hours from start to finish. They turned out beautifully, matched perfectly, and were bonded in there and then.

We do a lot of 3D printing as well. We’re awaiting our own 3D printer right now; at present we outsource 3D printing. For example, we 3D-print custom surgical guides for implants: we take a 3D X-ray of your jaw, superimpose that with a 3D scan of your teeth, and the planning software pinpoints exactly where the implant should go. Then the lab—or the dentist—designs a guide that clips over your teeth so you can place the implant with absolute precision. This isn’t that common in many practices around the world, except perhaps in specialist clinics.

We also use advanced imaging software with detailed treatment planning to minimise guesswork. Many South African practices are doing injection-moulded composite bonding, which uses 3D-printed models and digital design. At OptiSmile, for example, we run all our X-rays through Diagnocat, an AI software that helps us detect cavities we might not see with the naked eye. That’s just standard for us.

There’s also a lot of AI being used. At OptiSmile, we have little microphones and record all our consultations; the AI then does a complete summary. Just last week, I had a patient from overseas who wanted a report for her dentist back home. Before she even got to her car, she had that full report thanks to AI. So there’s a lot of cutting-edge technology and techniques. We can get all the top Japanese or German materials that you’d find in the US, right here in South Africa. Sometimes we pay more for them, which can make high-end treatments slightly costlier for local patients, but for dental tourists arriving with a favourable exchange rate, it’s still much more affordable than back home.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (4:42 – 4:55)
Could you explain how digital tools like 3D scanning or CAD/CAM systems help create more precise, personalised treatment plans for patients?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (4:55 – 7:59)
CAD/CAM stands for Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing. It’s been around for quite a while, but it keeps improving. 3D printing is arriving in a big way. Our upcoming 3D printer will even allow us to print fillings and veneers, instead of milling them from ceramic. At present, milling a block of ceramic may take 7–15 minutes, plus polishing and sometimes firing it in a furnace. Soon, we’ll be able to 3D-print multiple veneers or fillings in roughly 10 minutes—bond them in, and it’s all done in a single visit.

Our scanners are extremely accurate, actually more accurate than traditional impression materials. The digital workflow gives us instant visualisation of potential results, so we can show patients. I’ll do a design or have it done by a lab, and then present it via video call—Zoom, Google Meet, or in person—before we even print anything. We can superimpose these 3D models on a photograph or scan of the patient’s face, adjusting shapes or lengths according to their personal preference.

Even for lab work like zirconia crowns or implant restorations, it’s quicker when everyone’s using digital methods. For an implant, we simply do a scan that goes straight to the lab. They design your crown the next day, it’s milled or 3D-printed, and couriered back to us. We can often get these things in a few days, whereas in places like the UK or Australia or the US, if a dentist isn’t fully digital, you might wait two or three weeks for a permanent crown. This can be extremely frustrating for patients with a temporary crown that could fall out.

Of course, not every dentist in South Africa has this technology—I’m specifically talking about OptiSmile and a few of my “friendly rivals,” other leading practices here in Cape Town and a handful in Johannesburg.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (8:00 – 8:13)
Fantastic. So, Doctor, for those anxious about dental visits, what modern comfort or sedation options are available, and how do they enhance patient care? Have you got the good stuff?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (8:16 – 11:01)
Yes. If a clinic is light, bright, beautifully designed, with pleasant views—like OptiSmile’s ocean views and high ceilings—it naturally calms patients. Some clinics worldwide offer spa-like experiences; I’ve heard of people getting pedicures during a root canal, but honestly, that’s not for me!

For sedation, back in the 1980s we used to do things like inject Valium intravenously, but that’s not considered very safe nowadays. These days, for someone who’s truly anxious, we bring in highly qualified anaesthetists—hospital specialists—rather than the dentist doing sedation personally. They come in with their emergency equipment, oxygen, etc. (though thankfully we’ve never needed emergency interventions, but you must be prepared).

For milder anxiety, oral sedation (like Alprazolam) can work brilliantly. It’s not highly addictive, it wears off fairly quickly, and you can still go out and enjoy Table Mountain afterwards. Some clinics offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide), though personally, I’m not a fan of it in the practice.

Often, once patients speak to us over a video consult and then meet us in person, they start relaxing, especially in an environment that doesn’t feel stressful. If you read our Google reviews, you’ll see comments from once-nervous patients who ended up feeling comfortable enough to leave us glowing testimonials.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (11:02 – 11:36)
And you know, that ocean view really does help—just seeing the sea can ease stress. Combine that with being in good hands, and there’s no need to worry.

So, Doctor, how does smile design work in practice, and why is it about more than just aesthetics? Could you explain how it matches a patient’s facial structure or lifestyle?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (11:37 – 13:29)
We’ve devoted entire podcasts to this topic, but let’s do a quick recap. We use digital mock-ups, aligning the smile with facial symmetry and lip shape. We check the patient’s midline—often the “true middle” of the face isn’t where you think it is. We draw guidelines and overlays to determine the shape and size of the teeth.

It’s not just about whitening. It’s about functionality, comfort, and confidence. We create tailored solutions that respect each patient’s unique features and preferences. For example, some people really want their two front teeth longer or prefer a particular width to their smile. Others might prefer a different contour. The digital approach lets them preview possibilities and make informed decisions. Yesterday, I had a patient who felt the first digital design looked too “flat” and mature for her slender face. We adjusted the design, and she was thrilled. We’ll be doing her new teeth next week.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (13:30 – 13:44)
That’s great. In what ways do you blend artistry with science so the final outcome not only looks natural but also feels comfortable and functional?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (13:44 – 14:46)
Years ago, dentistry relied heavily on whether a dentist was innately artistic. Nowadays, much of the artistry is supported by AI and digital design software, along with advanced composite materials that mimic natural tooth translucency. With this approach, we can balance the bite to prevent TMJ pain or uneven wear. And because we collaborate closely with laboratories, each veneer or crown is crafted for both beauty and durability.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (14:46 – 15:00)
When it comes to complex cases, how do multidisciplinary teams—like orthodontists, periodontists, and implant specialists—collaborate to streamline the process?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (15:01 – 16:33)
Some larger clinics (and indeed ours) have different specialists or general dentists who each have a subspecialty, all under one roof. This makes planning and coordinating treatment easier. At OptiSmile, every Tuesday all the dentists have lunch together, discussing X-rays, photos, and cases that have come in, or patients we’ve done video consults with. We propose best outcomes with contributions from different specialists.

Sometimes I’ll call another dentist in for a second opinion on a root canal or orthodontic plan. Dr Harris Smaitzky has been doing Invisalign for 20 years, so I’ll often get his insight on complex Invisalign cases. We share all the digital records and work off the same master plan. AI-powered voice notes and transcripts help too, so every clinician sees exactly what was discussed if the patient switches between providers. It’s a seamless approach.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (16:34 – 16:45)
It’s brilliant how you integrate AI, and I love the weekly lunch meetings. Well done!

What strategies do you use to minimise invasiveness and preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (19:02 – 20:40)
We’ve been doing no-prep or minimal-prep composite bonding for over five years now—techniques like injection-moulded bonding require little to no drilling. We also use diode lasers for minor gum recontouring without the need for scalpels or stitches. Our handpieces (drills) use electric motors with ceramic bearings, which are quieter than the old high-pitched air turbines.

We rely on thorough pre-planning with 3D imaging so that we only remove enamel if absolutely necessary, and we avoid unnecessary extractions. Many of us follow biomimetic dentistry, aiming to mimic nature and keep our interventions as conservative as possible.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (20:42 – 20:55)
Can you walk us through a typical digital workflow—from the first online consultation to the final check-up—and how it improves accuracy and patient satisfaction?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (20:56 – 23:14)
For overseas patients, we start with an online consultation. We book about half an hour and ask for photos taken on a mobile phone. If they’re serious about travelling, we’ll request X-rays or ask them to forward existing ones from their current dentist.

I don’t like the idea of people coming purely for a lower price; rather, I’d hope they come because our standard of care is very high and, due to the exchange rate, it becomes affordable. But anyway, after reviewing photos or X-rays, if it looks good, we’ll schedule them in. On arrival at OptiSmile, we take a 3D scan, 3D X-ray, and photos of all their teeth, and feed everything into our treatment-planning software. The AI analyses the X-rays, we loop in the lab straight away, and often do a mock-up (physical or digital) so the patient can see how the final result might look. All of this helps with decision-making.

With AI and digital technology, it’s easier than ever to produce a result that both patient and dentist can be happy with. I can’t imagine practising without some level of digital technology now.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (23:15 – 23:29)
It’s obvious you love technology! So, how do you stay on the leading edge of modern dentistry, ensuring your materials, equipment, and skill sets remain world-class?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (23:29 – 25:25)
It involves constant investment in new technology. For instance, we recently upgraded our X-ray software at a cost of R15,000, upgraded our scanner hardware at about R30,000, and purchased a 3D printer from abroad for around R600,000. The specialist resins cost thousands of rand per 500-gram bottle. It never ends, but it’s worth it.

We also attend regular training courses, such as the South African Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry events. We get international speakers visiting South Africa for hands-on workshops. There are numerous webinars, and we have a vibrant dental community sharing the latest research. So I don’t think you’ll find many people here using outdated materials or equipment.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (25:27 – 25:37)
Finally, looking ahead, what exciting advancements or trends do you see emerging in South African dentistry that could benefit future patients?

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (25:38 – 28:55)
AI is coming at us from every angle, and we at OptiSmile embrace it. We use all sorts of AI tools—ChatGPT, Perplexity, and more—to research materials, find alternative equipment, and so on. I foresee robotic dentistry in the near future. I had robotic prostate surgery six years ago, and the precision was incredible. It’s not unrealistic to imagine something similar for implant placement or advanced procedures in dentistry.

Augmented Reality is another area—imagine wearing special glasses that can overlay a 3D view of the tooth and nerves as you perform a root canal. 3D printing is huge; soon we’ll be able to scan you, click “AI Design,” verify it looks good, then print up to 10 veneers or fillings in minutes. That’s no exaggeration—it’s pretty much here.

I’m very excited about all these trends. They’ll make treatments quicker, more precise, and hopefully more affordable in the long run.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (28:55 – 29:09)
That’s amazing, Doctor. I love how you’re staying on top of it all. It’s obviously to the benefit of your patients, which is brilliant. Well done.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (29:09 – 30:54)
Exactly. Everything we do is for the patient. At OptiSmile, the patient is the boss. We practise servant leadership, meaning I’m not the boss—my role is to serve our associate dentists, hygienists, and assistants by providing the best tools, materials, and advanced technology so they can serve the real boss, the patient. If a patient doesn’t return, effectively the boss has fired you. It’s a concept I learned from Ian Fuhr of Sorbet, who did a great TED talk and wrote a book on it. It’s a refreshing way to manage a business.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (30:55 – 31:01)
Love it. Thank you so much, Doctor. Another great edition of Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth. A big thanks to you.

[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (31:01 – 31:27)
Thank you, Eon. I’m already looking forward to our last segment in this series, which will be all about planning your dental tourism trip—practical steps, timelines, and the future of cross-border dentistry. Especially those from Europe heading to Cape Town, hopefully to OptiSmile.

[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (31:28 – 31:57)
Superb, Doctor. Thank you, and also thanks to our listeners. Remember, while we strive to provide valuable insights, always consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your individual needs. Don’t forget to subscribe for more enlightening discussions.

Join us again next time as we continue exploring the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy with Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile. Until then, keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.

[Voice Over] (32:19 – 33:03)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us for a weekly podcast featuring Dr Clifford Yudelman, a seasoned expert with 40 years of dental experience across four continents. Gain unique insights and expert dental advice at optismile.co.za, where you’ll find articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online at optismile.co.za. OptiSmile—where global expertise meets local care.