The MOD Institute

MOD stands for Modern Optimized Dentistry, and it’s pretty much exactly what they do. Drs. Wally Rene and Mike DeFee are two of the smartest guys in the world for the modern digital workflow. They completed their advanced training on occlusion through The Dawson Academy, where we met. Our designers have been attending classes at MOD, and we have to say it’s really impressive what Wally and Mike have created in just a few short years. It’s located in the heart of beautiful downtown Charleston, so when you go, stay at The Charleston Place hotel on King Street. Shopping and restaurants are literally all around you, and the MOD institute is just a short walk down the street. One of our designers, Robert Shafer, was the first technician to complete the entire curriculum. Another, Salvador Romero, has become a teaching assistant at MOD, going there almost every month. You will likely see him when you’re there.

SO, what do they teach - basically how to utilize your in-office scanner system and 3D printer to the max. You can learn to design cases, but frankly, that’s not the best use of doctor time. The better model is to outsource it to us for the design part, then we will send it right back to your printer. You can deliver an occlusal splint the same day. Printed provisionals, or a “Trail Smile” can be completed in 20 - 30 minutes, and occlusal toppers in even less time. What they are teaching is really the future in dentistry. We have embraced it and are supporting their business model of doctors utilizing 3D printing in-house. We do it every day with customers and it works. For anyone interested in learning more about the digital workflow, this is the place to go.