Ashley Byrne

Oxford

Contributor at Dentistry Magazine

Digital dentistry geek and lab owner, real ale drinker and a slightly odd curiosity towards badgers....

Featured in: Favicon

dentistry.co.uk

Articles

Is full automation a dream or a threat?

1 week ago | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

This shift to automation in dental labs is inevitable, says Ashley Byrne. But does it threaten the future of dental technicians, or is it an opportunity we should embrace?
What labs wish dentists knew about digital dentistry

1 month ago | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

In an effort to bridge the knowledge gap between labs and dentists, Ashley Byrne shares what labs wish every dentist understood. Ask any dental technician and they’ll tell you – digital dentistry is revolutionising the way we work. Yet, despite its widespread adoption, a disconnect remains between dental labs and dentists when it comes to fully utilising digital workflows.
Never underestimate what a support team can do for a lab

2 months ago | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne shares why investing in a support team is not just beneficial for your lab, but essential for the future of the industryAs dental laboratory owners, we are deeply embedded in manufacturing. Our industry, often described as a cottage industry, thrives on the skill and precision of highly trained technicians. However, with the ongoing technician shortage, we must rethink how we structure our operations to maximise efficiency and job satisfaction.
How do you transition from analogue to digital?

Sep 6, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne shares how to digitalise your lab as pain-free as possible, and why making the transition is critical to survival. I regularly write about digital workflows, and in my laboratory, crown and bridge and implant workflows now involve at least one digital stage in 100% of cases. From IOS (intraoral scanning) to model printing, milling frames and bars to full-contour zirconia, I estimate that about 75% of all lab work stages are digital.
The challenge of driving change in the dental lab

Jul 30, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne shares why change in the dental lab is both essential and uncomfortable, and his tips for making the process as smooth as possible. Change is essential. I firmly believe that if your company isn’t changing and evolving, it’s effectively stagnating and ultimately dying. Companies that remain dynamic and continuously evolve are often the most successful. However, change is not always easy…Science tells us that we are not hard-wired for change.
Dental technology is changing fast – are we ready? - Dentistry

Apr 9, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne discusses some of the changes and challenges that come along with advances in dental technology, and how the industry can adapt to this new era. I recently attended the LMT event in Chicago. My takeaway was that the industry is evolving faster than I anticipated. I’ve always maintained that our industry is changing rapidly, but after this event, it became clear to me that unless we adapt quickly, we may face challenges. The modernisation of our industry has been ongoing for years.
Celebrating National False Teeth Day

Mar 9, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

To celebrate National False Teeth Day, we hear from dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and lab owners from around the UK about why they love doing what they do. Happy National False Tooth Day! Let me tell you a little story of the incredible world of a dental technician. When I decided dental technology was for me, my dad questioned me straight away: ‘There are better ways to make a living. Are you sure?’. Well, that was it for me.
Is it time to embrace the printed digital denture?

Feb 14, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne compares the current denture process with the printed digital one and asks if 2024 is the time to revolutionise dentures. I’ve written about digital dentures before and they remain a little controversial for many. But a new time is coming and, in all honesty, I can confidently see the end of flasking and packing, and the removal of gypsum plaster in denture manufacturing.
Making life easier with digital dentistry

Jan 6, 2024 | dentistry.co.uk | Lucy Veal |Ashley Byrne

Carving a new era: Ashley Byrne explains why he is never looking back after adopting digital diagnostic set-ups. I remember doing a lecture more than 10 years ago on the digital wax-up and I was heckled from the audience. ‘You are single headedly killing our industry – digital will be the death of the dental technician artist!’, someone shouted at me, clearly very angry with my lecture.
What will 2024 bring to dental technology? - Dentistry

Dec 22, 2023 | dentistry.co.uk | Ashley Byrne

Ashley Byrne discusses the trials and tribulations of 2023, and why he believes 2024 will be ‘the year of the dental technician’. As we all breathe a huge sigh of relief that this year is coming to an end, it’s a good time to reflect on what 2024 will bring to the party. From our own experience, our Christmas rush this year was like nothing I’ve seen for years, and I know many labs have struggled with sheer volume and short dates.