What is it about?
- Get to know Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny and his journey from family practice to global influence
- Understand how the Institute of Digital Dentistry is reshaping clinical education and product transparency
- Explore the future of AI, 3D printing, and platform consolidation in dentistry
From humble beginnings to global reach
Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny shares his journey into digital dentistry, starting with exposure to intraoral scanners in his father’s practice right after graduation. What began as blog writing to fill a gap in honest product reviews has evolved into the Institute of Digital Dentistry (iDD), a respected platform known for its unbiased, clinician-led analysis of scanners, printers, and digital workflows. Supported by a dedicated team of ten, iDD has built a large global following with 60,000 email subscribers and 10,000 YouTube followers, all while Ahmad continues practicing full-time in New Zealand.
A passion for clarity and clinical truth
At the heart of iDD’s mission is Ahmad’s dedication to providing objective, trustworthy reviews that reflect real-world clinical experiences rather than marketing hype. He explains how early misleading sales pitches inspired him to empower fellow clinicians through transparent evaluations. His stance as a clinician—not a marketer—resonates with dental professionals worldwide, and his commitment to authenticity has earned him credibility across the industry. He emphasizes the importance of presenting both the pros and cons of products and remains vigilant not to mislead his audience.
What’s next: AI, consolidation, and seamless workflows
Looking ahead, Ahmad highlights the increasing role of AI in simplifying design tasks like crown creation and surgical guides, reducing reliance on technician-heavy workflows. However, he acknowledges clinicians’ hesitation toward AI due to trust issues—comparable to early skepticism of intraoral scanners. The conversation also touches on market saturation and the expected consolidation of scanner and printer companies. Ahmad believes that future innovations will focus more on integrated, end-to-end solutions rather than standalone hardware upgrades, pointing to smarter software and more seamless user experiences as the next game changers.
Key takeaways
- Dr. Ahmad Al-Hassiny created iDD to fill a critical gap in honest, clinician-led product reviews in digital dentistry
- AI is poised to revolutionize clinical workflows, but widespread adoption depends on trust and practical integration
- The future of dental tech lies in platform consolidation, intuitive workflows, and clinician-first solutions
The Straumann ProTalk hosts

Andreas Utz: Global Head of Business Unit Implantology at Straumann Group. A leading expert in implant dentistry, Andreas brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for innovation to the podcast.

Dr. George Raeber: Global Head of Research & Development and Innovation at Straumann Group. With his extensive experience in the dental industry, George offers unique insights and thought-provoking perspectives.