The program is designed to train staff members to perform the initial digital setup in the uDesign treatment planning software, saving the orthodontist time and streamlining their workflow. 

uLab Systems, the creator of the uSmile Clear Aligner System and the uDesign treatment planning software, announced the launch of its Digital Assistant Academy, a program designed to train staff members to perform the initial digital setup in the uDesign software. According to the company, the educational platform complements uLab University, an on-demand training site for orthodontists and their teams.

The goal of the new Digital Assistant Academy is to save the orthodontist time and streamline their workflow. As the uLab puts it, by empowering key staff members to become trained digital assistants they can better support and execute on the orthodontist’s vision; and, as the digital assistant develops a greater understanding of the orthodontist’s treatment preferences, the two become even more effective as a treatment planning team.

“Having a well-trained digital assistant makes the process of treating with clear aligners extremely efficient,” said Kristin Huber, DMD, of Huber Orthodontics in Atlanta. “I am able to formulate the treatment plan and delegate the set-up to my digital assistant. It allows me to focus on the clinical side of patient care.”

The program provides video resources that include information on effective scanning techniques and preparing cases for treatment planning. Many of the academy courses provide continuing education credits for the staff. The first course has been released with additional courses being released within the coming weeks.

“Being a digital assistant provides us with the opportunity to challenge ourselves with new and innovative skills,” said Chantel Dufour and Ashley Rondeau, of Dr Dumore & Team Orthodontics, Manitoba, Canada, in a joint statement. “The digital assistant role allows us to increase efficiency throughout the office, saving our doctor valuable time, and in turn, providing our patients with aligners sooner than we ever thought possible.”