A global beacon for dentistry
The International Dental Show (IDS) in Cologne has long been recognized as the world’s leading trade fair for the dental industry, and the 2025 edition marked its 41st occurrence since its inception. Attracting over 150,000 attendees from more than 160 countries, IDS 2025 reaffirmed its status as a global hub for dental professionals, manufacturers, researchers, and innovators. Spanning multiple halls and featuring thousands of exhibitors, the event provided an unparalleled platform for networking, collaboration, and the debut of groundbreaking technologies. Its scale and influence continue to shape the future of dentistry worldwide, promoting advancements that redefine clinical care, patient experience, and the business of oral health. This global convergence underscored the event’s unique role as a melting pot of cultures, technologies, and business opportunities.
Unmatched value for dental professionals
IDS 2025 provided immense value for every stakeholder in the dental ecosystem. Dentists, technicians, hygienists, academics, and executives converged to share knowledge, discover trends, and explore new business models. Educational sessions, keynote lectures, clinical demonstrations, and practical workshops catered to varying levels of expertise, from students to seasoned specialists. This inclusive approach ensured every attendee left with actionable insights and practical tools to enhance their careers and practices.
Showcasing breakthrough innovations
More than 2,500 exhibitors from over 70 countries presented their latest technologies across a vast array of disciplines including imaging, implantology, prosthetics, orthodontics, preventive care, and practice management. The exhibition halls were alive with interactive demos and live procedures, allowing attendees to engage with products firsthand. Innovations ranged from minimally invasive surgical instruments to smart toothbrushes with biofeedback systems, highlighting the full spectrum of advancement, from the high-tech to the highly practical.
Artificial intelligence takes center stage
AI was a standout theme across the exhibition. Multiple companies debuted diagnostic systems capable of interpreting radiographs with remarkable precision, offering predictive analytics and treatment planning suggestions. These AI tools are being integrated into everyday dental workflows, from imaging analysis to automated charting, enabling clinicians to make faster, more informed decisions while reducing administrative overhead.
Robotics and automation in clinical dentistry
Robotic assistance systems impressed both clinicians and engineers. One of the event’s highlights was a robotic surgical system capable of performing precise drilling under supervision. The implications for surgical outcomes, especially in complex or repetitive procedures, are substantial. IDS 2025 demonstrated that robotics is no longer a futuristic concept but an emerging reality in advanced dental clinics.
Sustainability and green dentistry
In response to growing environmental concerns, sustainability played a central role at IDS 2025. Eco-friendly product lines were prominently featured, including biodegradable consumables, reusable packaging, and energy-efficient equipment. A dedicated “Green Dentistry Pavilion” brought together researchers, product designers, and sustainability advocates to explore how dental practices can reduce their ecological footprint without compromising care quality. Attendance at the pavilion reflected a shared commitment to environmentally responsible healthcare.
Digital Workflows and connected ecosystems
Digital transformation in dentistry was more evident than ever. Technologies such as intraoral scanning, cloud-based collaboration platforms, CAD/CAM systems, and chairside milling machines demonstrated how entire treatment processes, from diagnosis to restoration, can be digitized for improved accuracy, speed, and patient comfort. IDS 2025 marks a turning point in fully integrated dental systems, with real-time collaboration between practices and labs becoming not just possible but practical.
Reaching the underserved: Portable and mobile solutions
Accessibility was another key focus, with many exhibitors showcasing mobile dental units and portable diagnostic tools for use in rural or underserved communities. Compact imaging devices, battery-powered scalers, and foldable dental chairs are transforming outreach dentistry. IDS 2025 demonstrated how innovation can bridge healthcare disparities by making high-quality dental care mobile and affordable.
Augmented and virtual reality in education and practice
AR and VR technologies were present in unprecedented depth. VR-based training platforms allowed users to simulate dental procedures with real-time tactile feedback and immersive visuals. AR-enabled eyewear guided clinicians through complex procedures by overlaying data onto their field of vision. These tools are already being adopted by dental schools and specialist training programs, accelerating learning curves and enhancing procedural accuracy.
The Start-Up Village: Future giants in the making
The Start-Up Village was a hub of creativity and ambition, hosting over 300 emerging companies from around the world. Entrepreneurs introduced game-changing innovations in areas such as AI toothbrushes, teledentistry platforms, nanomaterials, and patient engagement apps. Many start-ups reported securing investment and strategic partnerships directly from their IDS exposure. The Start-Up Village confirmed IDS’s role not just as a showcase but as an incubator for the next generation of dental technologies.
Diverse and inclusive professional development
Beyond business, IDS also delivered strong professional development content. Symposiums addressed topics ranging from regenerative dentistry to the ethical use of AI. Special programming focused on mentorship, career growth, and diversity in the profession. Events dedicated to women in dentistry and sessions on inclusive care for disabled patients reflected a growing emphasis on equity, representation, and holistic thinking in oral health.
Empathy and experience in patient care
Innovations focusing on the patient experience gained attention as well. From anxiety-reducing lighting and music systems to personalized procedure guides via mobile apps, IDS 2025 emphasized dentistry’s human side. Several companies showcased smart communication platforms that help patients better understand their treatments and feel more at ease. These enhancements contribute to improved satisfaction, compliance, and overall health outcomes.
Policy, regulation, and ethical discourse
Recognizing the regulatory challenges posed by rapid innovation, IDS hosted panels and workshops with representatives from regulatory bodies, including the European Commission, FDA, and Asian medical device authorities. These sessions offered critical insights into compliance, data security, and market access. They also encouraged a constructive dialogue between industry and regulators to ensure that innovation remains both safe and scalable.
Legacy and looking ahead
As the dental world looks to the future, the legacy of IDS 2025 is already making itself felt. Many of the products and systems introduced are expected to hit the market in the next 6–12 months, and their adoption is likely to redefine industry standards. For many attendees, the show offered more than networking or procurement opportunities—it was a transformational experience that reshaped how they view their profession.
Highly innovative advancements at IDS
Among the standout exhibitors, we identified 11 products and companies that exemplified cutting-edge advancements in the field.
ModJaw: Dynamic jaw motion analysis for dental practice
ModJaw is a modular jaw model system that captures and analyzes real-time jaw movement for dental education and patient care. The system combines 4D motion tracking with AI-powered analysis to provide insights into jaw function and dental conditions.
Key features: The system captures dynamic jaw motion including occlusion patterns, functional asymmetries, and TMJ activity that static models cannot show. AI algorithms analyze movement data to identify functional issues and support early detection of problems. The modular design integrates with existing CAD/CAM workflows for restorative planning.
Clinical applications: ModJaw assists with diagnosis and treatment planning in complex cases involving full-mouth rehabilitation, orthodontics, and occlusal therapy. The system helps create restorations that align with individual jaw function patterns. Dynamic simulations can be used to explain treatment plans to patients and improve communication between dental professionals.
Integration benefits: The system works within current dental workflows while providing enhanced motion analysis capabilities. Treatment planning becomes more precise through patient-specific jaw movement data, potentially improving restoration fit and function.
Velmeni: AI-powered dental imaging analysis
Velmeni combines artificial intelligence with 3D imaging technology to analyze dental radiographs and CBCT scans. The platform provides automated detection of dental pathologies including caries, periapical lesions, and bone loss through real-time image processing.
Diagnostic capabilities: The AI system analyzes both 2D radiographs and 3D CBCT scans to identify oral health issues with reduced variability compared to manual interpretation. The platform integrates with cone beam computed tomography for comprehensive visualization of dental structures and anatomical detail.
Clinical interface: Velmeni features a user-friendly interface with structured reporting and visual overlays for patient consultation. The cloud-based system allows access across multiple devices and locations. Reports are designed to be accessible to both clinicians and patients during case presentations.
System features: The platform continuously updates its AI algorithms through cloud-based learning to improve diagnostic accuracy. The scalable design supports multi-location practices and digital dental clinics. Integration with existing imaging workflows aims to streamline diagnostic processes.
Applications: The system supports early detection and intervention planning in preventive dentistry. Complex case evaluation benefits from the combination of AI analysis and 3D visualization capabilities.
3Shape TRIOS 6 and Unite Platform:
The 3Shape TRIOS 6 intraoral scanner features enhanced ergonomic design, wireless capabilities, and high-definition imaging for improved patient comfort and clinical workflow efficiency. The compact scanner captures detailed impressions for restorative work, orthodontic treatment, and implant planning. Built-in transillumination provides caries detection capabilities, reducing the need for additional diagnostic instruments.
Unite software integration: The updated 3Shape Unite software platform transforms the TRIOS 6 into a comprehensive digital dentistry hub. Enhanced smile design tools enable realistic treatment simulations for patient visualization and case presentation. The platform integrates digital disclosing functionality to identify and document plaque and biofilm directly within the scan data, supporting hygiene assessment and patient education.
DxPlus AI features: Unite incorporates DxPlus, an AI-assisted diagnostic system that provides automated caries detection, identifies tooth wear and gingival recession, and performs digital biofilm identification without traditional disclosing solutions. These AI-powered tools aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy while streamlining clinical workflows.
Clinical applications: The combined TRIOS 6 and Unite system supports comprehensive digital workflows from diagnosis through treatment planning. The platform’s interactive features facilitate patient engagement during consultations and treatment discussions. Integration of diagnostic, planning, and patient communication tools within a single platform aims to improve clinical efficiency and patient experience.
DentView: Digital self-care education platform
DentView is a digital oral health education system featuring interactive kiosks designed for dental clinic waiting rooms. The system combines a smart mirror interface with dispensers containing self-care items including toothbrushes, floss, and disclosing tablets. Users access age-appropriate educational content through touchscreen interfaces, with specialized pathways for expectant parents, orthodontic patients, and denture wearers.
System components: The platform includes three main elements: clinic-based kiosks for patient education, the MyDentView home application for ongoing self-care guidance, and DentViewPro portal for professional data analytics and reporting. The kiosk interface transforms traditional patient intake processes into interactive educational experiences, replacing paper forms with guided digital onboarding.
Clinical integration: DentView aims to reduce professional time spent on patient instruction while standardizing preventive care delivery. The system streamlines data collection and integrates with practice management systems. Educational pathways are tailored to specific patient demographics and oral health needs.
Implementation results: Pilot studies indicate positive user feedback regarding ease of use and motivation for improved oral hygiene practices. The digital approach to patient onboarding has shown potential for enhanced patient engagement from initial clinic visits through ongoing self-care management.
Applications: The system supports preventive oral health education across diverse patient populations while providing analytics for practice quality improvement and patient care optimization.
Lumoral: Photodynamic therapy for oral health
Lumoral utilizes antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) to target harmful oral bacteria through a drug-free, light-based treatment system. The approach combines a photosensitizing mouth rinse with dual-light LED technology to reduce bacterial biofilm associated with periodontal disease without antibiotics or harsh chemicals.
Treatment process: The system operates through a two-step process: users first rinse with Lumorinse™, a photosensitizing solution that binds selectively to bacterial biofilm. A specialized LED mouthpiece then emits blue and near-infrared light to activate the solution, triggering photochemical reactions that destroy targeted bacteria while preserving healthy tissue.
Clinical applications: Lumoral addresses both plaque biofilm and subgingival bacteria, targeting root causes of gingivitis and periodontitis. The system is designed for patients with chronic periodontitis, individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, and post-surgical care situations. The drug-free mechanism offers an alternative to traditional antimicrobial agents amid growing concerns about antibiotic resistance.
Home-based treatment: The device enables at-home use with brief treatment sessions, supporting daily plaque control and long-term oral health maintenance. The non-invasive approach allows for repeated use as part of routine oral hygiene protocols.
Clinical significance: Lumoral represents a shift toward preventive, minimally invasive oral care by combining photomedicine with practical daily use applications for periodontal health management.
Herbadent Sonic Toothpaste:
Herbadent SONIC is a low-abrasion toothpaste formulated specifically for rechargeable toothbrush use. The fluoride-free gel formula minimizes enamel wear while providing effective cleaning when combined with high-speed electric brushing. The gentle formulation addresses concerns about amplified abrasive effects from electric toothbrush action.
Active ingredients: The toothpaste contains hydroxyapatite, a remineralizing agent that strengthens tooth enamel and supports natural tooth whiteness while enhancing resistance to plaque formation and pigmentation. A blend of seven medicinal herbs is included to support gum health and reduce inflammation and bleeding.
Clinical benefits: The low-abrasion formula protects enamel integrity during electric toothbrush use while maintaining cleaning efficacy. Hydroxyapatite content supports enamel remineralization and strengthening. The herbal component targets gum inflammation and promotes periodontal health.
Product design: The gel consistency provides smooth application and brushing experience compatible with electric toothbrush mechanisms. The fluoride-free formulation offers an alternative for patients seeking mineral-based remineralization approaches to oral care.
Curaden Samba: Automated toothbrushing system
The Curaden Samba is a fully automated toothbrush designed to provide complete oral cleaning without manual movement. The system features a flexible brush head with 17 independently moving micro-brushes containing 12,900 total bristles. Users bite down gently on the device, which delivers automated brushing in 60 seconds.
Technology features: The system employs dual-frequency oscillations combining low and high frequencies to dislodge plaque, stimulate gums, and clean around dental restorations and interdental spaces. The automated 30-second upper and lower jaw timing ensures comprehensive coverage without user intervention.
Accessibility applications: The hands-free design addresses oral care challenges for individuals with limited dexterity, including elderly patients, those with arthritis or tremors, and individuals with developmental conditions. The flexible brush head accommodates various mouth sizes and anatomies for consistent performance across different users.
Design specifications: The device features rechargeable battery operation, waterproof construction, and replaceable brush heads for hygiene maintenance. The cordless design supports bathroom use with sustainable, long-term operation through replaceable components.
Clinical applications: Samba provides consistent plaque control for users who find manual brushing difficult or ineffective. The system offers professional-standard cleaning through automated operation, supporting preventive oral care across diverse patient populations requiring adaptive oral hygiene solutions.
W&H Surgical Piezo Module: Ultrasonic bone surgery system
The W&H Surgical Piezo Module is a piezoelectric surgical attachment designed for integration with the Implantmed Plus surgical system. The module utilizes ultrasonic micro-vibrations to perform selective bone cutting while preserving soft tissue, enabling atraumatic osteotomies with reduced thermal damage compared to conventional rotary instruments.
System integration: The modular design functions as an add-on unit that transforms the Implantmed system into a piezoelectric surgical device. Integration provides an all-in-one solution that reduces equipment footprint and simplifies surgical workflow. The touch interface allows surgeons to switch between implant and piezo modes with adjustable power settings and preset surgical programs.
Technical features: Smart feedback control automatically adjusts ultrasonic power based on bone resistance encountered during cutting, optimizing efficiency while preventing overheating. The Piezomed SA-320 handpiece features LED illumination and ergonomic design for extended procedure use. A comprehensive selection of surgical tips supports various applications including osteotomy, sinus lift, crest expansion, and bone harvesting.
Clinical applications: The system is designed for minimally invasive bone surgery in implantology, periodontology, and orthognathic procedures. Selective bone cutting capability preserves soft tissue integrity, potentially reducing post-operative discomfort and promoting faster healing compared to traditional surgical methods.
Surgical benefits: Piezoelectric technology provides enhanced precision and control during delicate bone procedures while maintaining tissue selectivity for improved patient comfort and healing outcomes.
Carestream CS 3D Imaging Software: CBCT analysis platform
Carestream’s CS 3D Imaging Software is a proprietary platform for processing and analyzing cone beam computed tomography images from their CBCT systems including the CS 8100 3D and CS 9600. The software provides high-resolution 3D reconstructions of maxillofacial anatomy for diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical simulation across multiple dental specialties.
Core features: Advanced image processing algorithms optimize image quality while minimizing noise and radiation exposure. The implant planning module enables virtual implant placement from manufacturer libraries, bone density evaluation, and surgical guide design. Customizable multi-view layouts include axial, coronal, sagittal, and panoramic views with 3D volume rendering capabilities.
Specialized applications: Endodontic tools provide high-resolution imaging for root fracture identification and periapical pathology assessment. Periodontal applications support detailed bone level analysis for disease progression evaluation. Airway measurement tools quantify airway volume and constrictions for sleep dentistry applications.
Integration capabilities: The software supports DICOM and STL file formats for seamless integration with third-party CAD/CAM systems, orthodontic aligner platforms, and guided surgery applications. Open ecosystem design enhances workflow efficiency across digital dental systems.
Clinical benefits: Three-dimensional imaging improves diagnostic accuracy over traditional 2D radiography, particularly for complex cases involving impacted teeth, TMJ disorders, and trauma. Virtual treatment simulation capabilities enhance planning predictability while 3D visualization tools support patient education and case acceptance.
Dental Mammoth: AI-enhanced dental knowledge platform
Dental Mammoth is a comprehensive dental knowledge platform developed by a Finnish company, established in 1995 to enhance global oral health through evidence-based information. The platform maintains over 25,000 topics covering dentistry, medical, and pharmaceutical databases, with content regularly updated by more than 400 international contributors.
AI integration: The platform incorporates artificial intelligence algorithms to analyze dental data and enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning efficiency. AI-powered search capabilities streamline access to the extensive database, enabling clinicians to quickly locate current, relevant resources tailored to specific patient needs.
Clinical applications: AI algorithms provide personalized treatment recommendations based on latest research and clinical data, supporting evidence-based decision-making. The system analyzes large volumes of dental information to offer precise, data-driven suggestions for individual patient cases.
Platform features: The database encompasses comprehensive dental, medical, and drug information maintained through international collaboration. Regular content updates ensure clinical relevance while AI-enhanced search functionality improves resource accessibility for dental professionals.
Clinical impact: The combination of extensive evidence-based content and AI-powered analysis aims to improve clinical outcomes by supporting more informed treatment decisions and streamlining access to current dental knowledge and research.
Dentsply Sirona MMRI: Dental magnetic resonance imaging
Dentsply Sirona’s MMRI system, developed with Siemens Healthineers, is the MAGNETOM Free.Max Dental Edition—the first MRI system designed specifically for dental applications. The system provides high-resolution imaging of soft tissues, nerves, and inflammatory processes without ionizing radiation exposure.
Clinical applications: The MMRI system enables diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders, periodontitis, endodontic pathology, and supports orthodontic evaluations. The technology’s soft tissue contrast capabilities allow for early detection of oral diseases and detailed visualization of structures not clearly visible with conventional dental imaging.
Technical features: A dental-specific receiver coil simplifies patient positioning and enhances image quality through customized scanning protocols. The compact design incorporates nearly helium-free cooling technology, reducing infrastructure requirements for installation in dental facilities.
Clinical benefits: High-resolution soft tissue imaging enables early disease detection, potentially improving treatment outcomes while reducing the need for invasive diagnostic procedures. The radiation-free imaging approach provides a safer alternative for patients requiring detailed soft tissue evaluation.
Implementation: The system’s design makes it suitable for dental schools, universities, and specialized dental practices requiring advanced soft tissue imaging capabilities for diagnosis and treatment planning of complex oral and maxillofacial conditions.
Implant Genius (TX-Genius): AI-powered implant planning application
Implant Genius, developed by Canadian company Implant Genius Enterprises Inc., is an AI-powered mobile application designed for dental implant planning and digital smile design. The software assists dental professionals in capturing maxillofacial records, streamlining diagnosis, and facilitating treatment planning for implant procedures and facial reconstruction.
AI-driven features: The application integrates artificial intelligence to optimize clinical workflows by automating data collection and analysis. AI-powered smile design uses patient-specific demographic data to generate customized designs aligned with individual facial characteristics and aesthetic goals. The system supports comprehensive maxillofacial record collection for complex procedures.
Clinical applications: TX-Genius provides detailed planning capabilities for full arch implant prosthesis fabrication, enabling precise design and fabrication of implant-supported restorations. The software organizes anatomical information digitally for accessibility during treatment planning and supports both single implant and comprehensive facial reconstruction cases.
Platform compatibility: The application is designed for iPhone and iPad devices running iOS 16.6 or later, available as a free download from the Apple App Store. Mobile compatibility enables flexible use without additional hardware investments, supporting integration into existing digital practice workflows.
Clinical benefits: The AI-driven approach aims to reduce planning errors, save time, and improve patient communication throughout treatment processes. Digital organization of maxillofacial data supports enhanced clinical efficiency and treatment predictability for implant procedures.
Design-Specific wheelchair recliner and bariatric dental units: Innovation enhancing access to oral healthcare
Access to dental care remains a challenge for many patients with physical disabilities or obesity, due in large part to limitations in traditional dental equipment. Standard dental chairs often cannot accommodate patients who use wheelchairs or those with higher body weights, leading to discomfort, unsafe treatment positions, or, in some cases, complete denial of care. In response, innovative dental equipment as created by Design Specific—namely a wheelchair recliner bariatric units—have emerged as transformative solutions.
These purpose-built recliners offer safe, dignified, and effective care environments for populations with historically limited access.
Wheelchair recliner dental units are designed to allow patients to remain in their wheelchairs during dental treatment. These units incorporate a motorized platform or tilting mechanism that reclines the wheelchair into a supine or semi-supine position—eliminating the need for difficult or unsafe transfers into traditional dental chairs; while the Bariatric application can accommodate patients who are overweight or obese—typically over 350–400 lbs. These patients are often excluded from care because standard dental chairs may not support their weight or may not allow proper positioning for safe, effective treatment.
Key features:
- Tilting platform or lift system that reclines the wheelchair securely.
- Adjustable headrest and back support to optimize oral access.
- Stable locking mechanisms to prevent movement during treatment.
- Clinician ergonomics—ensuring the provider can work at a comfortable angle while maintaining access to the oral cavity.
These units are particularly beneficial for:
- Patients with spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy who cannot be safely or easily transferred.
- Elderly individuals or those with poor trunk control who are at high risk of falls or injury during chair transfers.
- Dental teams who want to avoid musculoskeletal strain or injury from frequent manual lifting.
A study by Fiske and Boyle (2017) in the British Dental Journal emphasized that maintaining patients in their own wheelchairs during treatment not only improved safety but also reduced anxiety, preserved dignity, and made treatment faster and more efficient.
For bariatric patients, poor dental care access is compounded by stigma and fear of equipment failure. In a 2020 review in Special Care in Dentistry, more than 40% of surveyed bariatric patients reported delaying or avoiding dental visits due to concerns over equipment safety or embarrassment.
Bariatric dental units make it possible for these patients to receive care in a respectful, safe, and dignified manner—reducing oral health disparities and enhancing provider-patient trust.
Innovation and integration into clinical practice: These dental units represent a shift from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a universal design model of care, which acknowledges the physical diversity of patients. Their innovation lies in combining:
- Mechanical engineering for load-bearing, stability, and adjustability.
- Clinical ergonomics to facilitate safe and efficient dental work.
- Human-centered design, placing comfort, dignity, and autonomy at the forefront.
These features not only allow clinicians to deliver standard-of-care treatments but also support preventative care and routine procedures that would otherwise be inaccessible to many disabled or obese patients. 
Oral Health welcomes this original article.
About the authors
Dr. Luisa Schuldt is a graduate of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the University of British Columbia, and has passed Royal College of Dentists of Canada fellowship examinations in two specialties: Periodontics and Prosthodontics. She is committed to the advancement of these two fields through the delicate balance between evidence-based decision making and the application of cutting-edge technology. She can be reached at schuldtluisa@alumni.ubc.ca.
Dr. Peter Fritz, a pioneering periodontist and implant surgeon with advanced degrees in dentistry and law, integrates clinical excellence with a keen grasp of the ethical and legal dimensions of emerging digital and AI technologies in dentistry. An adjunct at McMaster and Brock universities, he leads an AI-driven clinic in Fonthill, Ontario, where his interdisciplinary research continually sets new standards in patient care.