---
title: "What Is CAD/CAM? Dental Practice Glossary | Copeland Consulting Services"
description: "CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, the technology used to design a restoration on screen and then mill or print it."
url: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/cad-cam
publisher: Copeland Consulting Services
email: drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com
contact: https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact
---

Technology and implants

# CAD/CAM

CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, the technology used to design a restoration on screen and then mill or print it.

CAD/CAM links design software to a machine. The dentist or a technician designs a crown, inlay or other piece on screen. A mill cuts it from a block, or a printer builds it.

A 2026 review says chairside CAD/CAM technology has reshaped restorative dentistry by enabling single-visit indirect restorations. Chairside means the work is done in the dental office.

CAD/CAM often starts with an [intraoral scanner](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner). It is the base of a [same-day crown](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/same-day-crown). Material choices, such as glass ceramic or zirconia, affect strength and look, so a buyer should compare options and training needs.

[Next stepIndustry work with Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact?topic=industry)

## Related terms

-   [Same-day crown](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/same-day-crown)
-   [Intraoral scanner](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/intraoral-scanner)
-   [Digital workflow](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/digital-workflow)
-   [3D printing in dentistry](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/glossary/3d-printing-in-dentistry)

## Sources

1.  [PubMed Central: Advances in Chairside and Restorative Dental Materials](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13514366/)

## Talk with Dr. Copeland

[Contact Dr. Copeland](https://joncopeland.multisites.ai/contact)[Email](mailto:drcopeland@joncopelanddds.com)