A Digital Ecosystem with the 'Edge' You Need to Succeed

Even if you come to SHINING Edge 2026 only for the expert speakers, it will be worth the price of admission. Slated for March 20--21, SHINING Edge's U.S. debut brings together some of the biggest players and brightest minds in digital dentistry today.

“There are such great speakers at this meeting, and I don’t think I could bring that much more to the table,” said Dr. Miguel Stanley, a globally recognized lecturer and Vice President of the Digital Dentistry Society. “So, I thought, let’s talk about something very interesting, which is bringing transparency, trust, and ethics to the conversation.”

Trust as a clinical asset is the backbone of Dr. Stanley’s discussion at the event, The Digital Currency of Trust: How Transparency Is Redefining the Future of Dentistry. He argues that technology in the modern dental practice is less about novelty and more about enabling transparency by sharing scans, treatment plans, and data—not only between clinicians and labs but directly with patients.

“When you are working with an ecosystem like the e-Motion Workstation from Shining 3D, which is an amazing device that integrates several technologies into 1 platform, it stops being just a technical tool to augment efficacy and it starts becoming a communication tool…and that fosters a broader conversation around the topic of trust,” he explained.

Tech That Solves Real Problems

Founded in 2004, Shining 3D has skyrocketed in popularity among U.S.-based dentists thanks to its unique ability to combine multiple existing technologies into a single workflow. An all-in-one partner for cutting-edge digital dentistry solutions, Shining 3D covers every step of the process—from diagnosis to design to production.

“The speed that they can do things is just unbelievable,” Dr. Stanley said. “Dentistry is a rapid-paced environment, and for us to have access to this incredible, dynamic speed of integration, from ideation to actual effect, is exciting.”

The world’s first all-in-one solution to capture intraoral, facial, and jaw motion data and then merge it into a single virtual patient, the e-Motion Workstation is the clearest example. While creating a facially accurate avatar once required multiple devices and stacking different files together, the e-Motion does all the work for you, and in less than an hour. “It’s unbelievable—it literally made the other 2 other technologies obsolete overnight,” Dr. Stanley said. “It's a very, very easy, user-friendly interface. Even for general dentists, it's an amazing tool and it will impress your patients big time.”

This unified approach is precisely what Dr. Stanley points to when he says technology shifts the dynamic between clinician and patient into one of shared understanding.

“Dentists need to recognize that patients are not blind, and they want to know everything. AI is on their smartphone making them better at understanding what's going on,” he said, adding that Shining 3D’s technology generates a QR code at the end of each scan, allowing patients to instantly access their information. “It's unique, it's revolutionary, and that's why I love it,” he continued. “It creates a true sharing economy and brings patients into the story of their own care. They understand what’s happening, which matters because they're the ones who benefit most from the entire ecosystem.”

Not Your Average Dental Show

So, what else should attendees expect from Shining EDGE beyond high-caliber lectures? The event promises the perfect blend of education, networking, and entertainment, including hands-on workshops, networking with some of the greatest mentors in digital dentistry, and an up-close look at the game-changing technology solving real problems in dentistry.

That includes the Aoralscan Elite intraoral photogrammetry system, MetiSmile face and jaw tracking technology, and highly accurate AccuFab 3D printer lineup. Plus, complimentary meals, engaging extracurricular activities, and exciting raffle prize giveaways throughout the event.

"There's going to be a lot of technology, and we're going to show you how to change your practice, get more efficient, and just do great dentistry for your patients," said Dean Vafiadis, DDS, a New York-based prosthodontist and full-mouth rehabilitation expert who will present Digital Everything: The Real Connection. You'll also hear about implant scanning techniques from Marta Revila-León, DDS, MS, PhD, who is Director of Research and Digital Dentistry at the prestigious Kois Center; digital denturist Mark Chan, who will discuss optimizing vertical dimension in edentulous workflows; and so much more.

Pack Your Bags—It's Time to Innovate

Whether you’re interested in full-arch prosthetics, implants, esthetic workflows, or practical chairside efficiency, Shining EDGE will give you a front-row seat to see exactly what the digital ecosystem can do, and in a place you’ll surely enjoy. The stunning M Resort Spa & Casino offers world-class amenities like a full service spa, casino, fitness center, and seasonal outdoor pool.

“It’s such a great lineup of speakers, CE credits, great venue, wonderful food, and of course, Las Vegas," said Scott Ganz, DMD, who will dive into the intricacies of surgical guide design at the event. "What could be better than that?”