3D Printing School 2026

Go from novice to expert in dental 3D printing in your clinic or lab in this comprehenive, systematic two day intensive

3D printing is everywhere in dentistry today, however the technology is far from plug and play. Understanding the key factors in the complex photochemical printing process that starts with optimal object design and material selection and extends through printing to washing to curing as part of a validated workflow is vital in order to achieve consistent, accurate results. This two day program delivered by industry experts is designed both for new users looking to upskill fast as well as current users who need to better understand every aspect of 3D printing.

Day 1: Fundamentals of dental 3D printing setup and post-processing

Session 1 – Introduction to 3D printing in dentistry

• Overview of 3D printing technologies: Differences between FDM, SLA, DLP and MSLA printers; why resin-based (SLA/DLP) is preferred in dentistry for precision and biocompatibility.
• Applications in dentistry: Models, crowns, bridges, splints surgical guides, clear aligners, full and partial dentures.
• Benefits: Customisation, speed, cost-efficiency vs traditional methods.

Session 2 – Hardware setup and materials

• Step-by-step printer setup: Unboxing, calibration, resin tank installation, build platform alignment and software integration.
• How to calibrate resins to the printer - the forgotten step
• Selecting materials: Types of dental resins (biocompatible, castable, flexible); handling and storage to avoid contamination and premature degradation.
• Safety protocols: Ventilation, PPE, resin toxicity risks, and disposal regulations.

Session 3 - Hardware setup and materials

• HANDS ON: Participants set up a demo printer and load resin.

Session 4- The Printing Process Basics

• Workflow overview: From digital design to physical print.
• Preparing for print: File import, orientation, supports generation in basic slicer software, introduction to setup and slicing softwares)
• Starting a print: Monitoring parameters like layer thickness, exposure time and print speed for dental accuracy.
• HANDS-ON: Initiate a simple test print (e.g., a basic dental arch model).

Session 5 - Importance of Washing and Curing

• Why washing matters.
• Washing techniques: Manual vs. automated (e.g., using isopropyl alcohol baths or ultrasonic cleaners).
• How long do I wash for?
• Why curing is essential.
• Curing methods: UV chambers, exposure times ,based on resin type, and validation (e.g., checking for complete polymerisation). The role of heat in post curing.
• The importance of temperature on curing.
• Common pitfalls.

Session 6 - Importance of Washing and Curing

• HANDS-ON: Wash and cure the test prints from Session 5; inspect results under magnification.

Session 7 - Wrap-Up and Q&A

• Review key takeaways: Setup checklist, safety dos/don'ts, post-processing best practices.
• Troubleshooting basics: Common setup errors (e.g., resin leaks) and quick fixes.
• Homework: Research a dental application of 3D printing and prepare questions for Day 2.

Day 2: Software, design and advanced workflow

Session 1 - Overview of dental 3D printing softwares

• Types of software: CAD for design (exocad, 3Shape, etc), mesh editing (Meshmixer, Blender) and slicers (Chitu box, Cura etc).
• Integration: How software fits into the workflow (scanning → design → slicing → printing).
• File formats: STL, OBJ, PLY; importance of watertight meshes for print success and how to fix them.
• DEMO: Quick tour of interfaces and basic navigation.

Session 2 - Digital Design Fundamentals

• Scanning and importing: Using intraoral scanners or converting CBCT data to 3D models.
• Basic modelling: Creating simple dental structures (e.g., crowns, bridges) – tools for extrusion, boolean operations and smoothing.
• Design principles: Anatomy considerations, occlusion, margins, and ensuring printability (e.g., wall thickness >0.5mm).
• HANDS-ON: Design a basic crown, export as STL.

Session 3 - Advanced Design and Customisation

• How to print more complex designs: Surgical guides, aligners, and implant models etc.
• Optimisation: Reducing material use, adding drainage holes, and hollowing models.
• Quality checks: Software tools for mesh repair, error detection (e.g., holes, intersections).
• Hands-on: Modify a sample aligner design and prepare for slicing.

Session 4 - Slicing and Print Preparation (1.5 hours

• Slicer software deep dive: Layer settings, support structures, orientation for minimal distortion in dental prints.
• Parameters for dentistry: High-resolution settings (50 microns), anti-aliasing, and resin-specific profiles.
• Simulation and validation: Previewing prints to avoid failures.
• HANDS-ON: Slice the designs from previous sessions, start a print and apply post-processing from Day 1.

Session 5 - Troubleshooting, Best Practices and Course Wrap-Up

• Common issues: Design flaws leading to print failures (e.g., warping), software errors and solutions.
• 6 Reasons Why Resin Prints Fail...
  1. Poor Build Plate Adhesion
  2. Incorrect Exposure Settings
  3. Dirty or Cloudy FEP Film
  4. Contaminated or Unmixed Resin
  5. Unsupported or Thin Structures
  6. Environmental Issues
• Scaling up: Integrating 3D printing into a dental lab or clinic
• maintenance tips
• Future trends: AI-assisted design, new materials.
• Q&A and certification: Feedback session, resources for further learning (e.g., online forums, manufacturer tutorials).

Conclusions and Q and A