Precision Dental Studio Ltd. founder Rahul Kakodkar has traveled to 43 countries to learn more about digital dentistry. Both an educator and a student, Rahul reflects on how exocad software has improved the lives of patients and dental labs in India. He shares his favorite tools for improving communication and meeting expectations, like exocad’s webview and the Smile Creator Module.
Q: What role did exocad play in your career?
A: I’ve been associated with exocad since day one in India and have contributed ideas to improve the software. exocad’s tools, like webview, have transformed lab-clinic-patient communication, making workflows more predictable and efficient.
Q: How do you approach education in dentistry?
A: I’ve been conducting interactive training sessions for dentists and technicians, focusing on smile design and implants. My goal is to improve synergy between labs and clinics by teaching them how to utilize software effectively and communicate better.
Q: What challenges exist in lab-clinic communication?
A: Clinicians are often unaware of the challenges the lab tech faces and what the software can provide. Miscommunication often leads to unpredictable outcomes. Tools like exocad’s webview help clinics and labs share files and designs, ensuring both understand patient needs. This transparency has improved workflows and patient satisfaction. Previously, we used to do a job and send it to the clinic in a box. Suddenly the clinician opens it, and it’s a letdown. Because he doesn't know what is coming, right? With webview, he knows what is coming.
Q: How has the digital workflow impacted patient care?
A: Digital tools empower patients by visualizing outcomes through Smile Creator features like the Smile Window. It enhances their understanding and trust in treatments. Patients are smart. They understand what they need. And they have seen options on social media. When labs can better understand and see what the patient wants, from photos the patient submits, like I want to look like Halle Berry, or more direct contact, they can try to meet those expectations. When we just shoot in the dark and assume that it's going to hit the target, we can fail. That's the most challenging part of any lab work and why many labs are suffering. Again, that’s why I see exocad’s webview as being so helpful. We can show everything to the patient beforehand and that helps them agree to the treatment and be happy with the results.
Q: How have the lives of lab techs and dentists changed with digital workflows?
A: In India, we are unhappy people, when the patients are unhappy. And it's a challenge to keep the patients happy. Now, since we use digital workflows, we are freer in our lives. Before digital workflows, we used to sit in the lab late into the night. We had no time barrier. Now, we don't have to do that. Our work is more predictable and easier.
Q: How do you see younger professionals adapting to technology?
A: My wife and I have been working together for years. After COVID my son, a pro golfer, decided to try out the business because there were no golf tournaments for two years. We began a small aligner company for him, and he quickly got into the design part of it. Now he handles our CAD department very efficiently.
The younger generations understand this technology very quickly. I find them more adaptive than me—the ease and comfort with which they learn these tools is impressive. And, while I still enjoy traditional methods like hand waxing, I can see how digital tools are essential for scalability.
Q: How do you address piracy and promote the use of authentic software in dental labs?
A: We are now an FDA-certified lab, which means we have gone through certification to show that we use only legitimate software and have a qualified technician. I would say maybe 90 percent of labs here in India are not run by officially qualified dental technicians. People learn the trade and then start up their own businesses. So many have not gone through the FDA certification process, but I think they should and customers should look for those who are FDA-certified. This would help with anti-piracy. I think when people use pirated software they need to be prosecuted so that it creates concern among the labs who are not using authentic software. Authentic software is crucial. It protects patients.
Q: Is your FDA certification a selling point for your clients?
A: We tend to work with those who want top-tier restorations. We charge for doing quality work with quality products. Our certification shows that we are a legitimate business using authentic software that is safe for patients. The clients who want that assurance, come to us.
Dental technicans Rahul Kakodkar and Danesh Vazifdar share their insights on the growing impact of digital dentistry in India.
Q: What was your experience like teaching at exocad's India Roadshow 2024?
A: It was great to break the ice and get people on board with digital. The hands-on education we provided with colleagues like Dr. Shiva Shankar and the founders of the Digital Dental Forum (DDF) Dr. Burzin Khan and Danesh Vazifdar showed what is happening in mainstream dentistry and helped get many further down the road in their digital dentistry journey.
Q: How do you unwind?
A: I play golf typically four to five times weekly. I used to be an avid Harley rider, traveling cross country on weekends. Now, I’ve also taken up trap shooting and plan to compete. These sports help me focus and control my mind, offering balance beyond dentistry.
Q: If exocad were an animal, what would it be?
A: A dolphin. Dolphins are smart, adaptable, and bring happiness—qualities that reflect exocad's impact. The software is intelligent and transformative, making our lives easier and more creative, while fostering a sense of community and joy.
Rahul Kakodkar completed his pharmacy Diploma in 1990 from Mumbai University. He completed a course in dental technology from the government Dental College Mumbai in 1992. In 1996, he started a state-of-the-art dental laboratory named “Precision Dental Studio Ltd.” Rahul Kakodkar is the managing director for Precision Dental Studio Ltd., and consults and trains for major dental companies. He has completed all the modules on Occlusion with Dr. Dawson in the Unites States. He has been an award winner for the best Technical Excellence in Dentistry. He is an advisory board member and editor of Dental Technology Magazine. He specializes in full arch reconstruction, smile design and implant superstructures and is a member of AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry). Follow Rahul’s work on Facebook and Instagram.
by Caitlan Reeg
Writer at exocad
Caitlan Reeg spends her days telling the world about the innovations her colleagues create. She’s passionate about healthcare, technology, and the ways the two interact to improve our lives. A former journalist, Caitlan has worked on staff at Dow Jones Newswires in Frankfurt and at the national public radio program Marketplace in Los Angeles.
