Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare, Anoop Khinchi, IAS, on Saturday said digital technologies are redefining healthcare and transforming the practice of dentistry through greater precision, speed and improved patient care.

Addressing a workshop on “Fabrication of Monolithic Complete Denture using Polyjet 3D Printer” at the Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima (NHAK), Khinchi said digital tools such as digital impressions, CAD-CAM technology and 3D printing are no longer futuristic concepts but have become an integral part of modern dentistry.

He said the government views digital dentistry as a key component in making healthcare more accessible and efficient across Nagaland and the region.

Highlighting the significance of monolithic complete dentures fabricated using Polyjet 3D printing technology, Khinchi said the innovation represents a major advancement over conventional methods, which are often technique-sensitive and time-consuming.

“With 3D printing, we can produce a monolithic denture that is strong, biocompatible, and accurately adapted in a fraction of the time. This is innovation that directly impacts patient care and life,” he said.

According to a DIPR update, he noted that workshops like this are vital as they bridge the gap between theory and practice and urge all participants to make the most of the hands-on sessions, ask questions, practice and collaborate with the experts.

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He further stated that the government is committed to supporting continuing education and skill development so that our healthcare workforce stays ahead of emerging technologies. No single institution can drive this change alone. It requires hospitals academic organizations, industry partners, and government agencies to work together.

He informed that hospitals provide the clinical ground, Academia provides the research, Industry provides the technology and government provides the policy support and infrastructure. “When we align, we accelerate innovation and ensure that new treatments reach the patients who need them most,” he added.

He also acknowledged the Technology Advisor, Industry 4.0 Innovation centre, and for technology support and providing 3d printer to NHAK.

He urged all to embrace evidence-based digital workflows and ensure that the benefits of 3D printing and digital dentistry are not limited to a few centers, but reach district hospitals, dental colleges, and community clinics.