26. Designing a Crown on exocad - a Walkthrough with Dr Neeraj Surathu
Throughout dental school, we were all trained in traditional analogue techniques—taking PVS impressions and pouring stone models. But when we enter the real world, it’s all about digital workflows: intraoral scanners, in-house milling, CAD design software—and we often find ourselves playing the role of a technician without any formal training. It can be really daunting to work with unfamiliar software, especially when you don’t know what you can and can’t do. The last thing we want is to mess around with the settings and end up violating something like minimum thickness.So for this episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Neeraj Surathu, a New Zealand-based dentist who recently completed further specialisation in prosthodontics at the Nova Southeastern University in Florida. What truly sets Neeraj apart is his unique foundation: years of experience working as a digital lab technician. From designing facially driven smiles to 3D-printing surgical guides for All-on-X cases, Neeraj is no stranger to the world of digital dentistry.In this episode, I sent Neeraj two of my real-life cases—a full-coverage crown prep and an onlay prep—for him to critique and analyse from a technician’s perspective. We break down his entire digital workflow step-by-step, covering tooth selection, position, anatomy, proximal and occlusal contacts, marginal design, and minimum thickness.You can watch along with our video walkthrough and use it as a tutorial—pause, start, and replay as you follow along at your own pace in clinic while working on your own case!____________________________________F O L L O W@thegraduatedentistHost: @dr.ericahwinGuests: @neerajsurathu____________________________________D I S C O R DJoin The Graduate Dentist Community Discord ServerThis is a forum dedicated to our graduate community for us to debrief episodes, discuss daily dental scenarios and bounce ideas off one another. This is our safe space where silly questions are our favourite questions, where we can celebrate each other's wins, resonate with one another's struggles and laugh together over our silly mistakes. Come join the family!____________________________________P A R T N E R SJS Medical & Dental FinanceThe JS Medical & Dental finance team specialises in both residential and commercial lending tailored for medical and dental professionals. They are a completely independent broker, working for you not the bank, and are dedicated to finding the best options for you unique situation. Whether you're looking to buy a house, a car, a practice or to pay off that year long CPD course, JSMDF offer comprehensive advice to suit your short and long term plans.RipeGlobalLed by Dr Lincoln Harris, RipeGlobal have completely reimagined dental education, giving you on-demand, hands-on training from some of the best clinicians in the world. No expensive travel, no taking time off work, just practical, real-world learning that actually helps you feel more confident in the clinic.Angel AlignerWith over 20 years of experience in innovation and research and over 1 million smiles transformed, Angel Aligner bring a fresh perspective and technological advancements to clear aligner manufacturing and customer service. Begin your clear aligner journey today, and get in contact with Angel Aligner.Dental Protection LimitedWith over 50 years of experience and an abundance of risk management resources from podcasts and webinars, to magazines and CPD courses, DPL has you covered for any unwanted scenario that may come your way.Be sure to renew your indemnity insurance by June 30th. And if you signed up as a student, you are automatically covered for your first 18 months of practice for free!____________________________________C O N T A C TEmail:
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