CAD/CAM Expert Goes Direct to the Public With Unique Smile Makeover Service

Television cameras. 8,000 viewers. And a dental technician in the spotlight.

This is not a common scenario, but one day last year, Eddie Corrales, CDT, seized the opportunity to introduce his new venture—CADSmiles—directly to prospective patients when he appeared on the cable show, San Diego Living.

During the five-minute segment—which cost Corrales $1,000—he was interviewed by the show's host, demonstrated CAD/CAM scanning and design, and shared before-and-after photos of CADSmiles makeovers.

CADSmiles is an in-office service that Corrales markets to CEREC doctors. When a client has a large or esthetically challenging case, Corrales goes to his office to consult with the patient and then uses the dentist's CEREC system to design and fabricate the case—usually within hours.

"I tell patients I'm basically their own private smile designer. We talk about their expectations and, once the restorations are seated, I can immediately...