How we teach crown and onlay preps.
Confidence follows repetition.
Not the other way round. Most dentists learn to prep a crown once, then work the rest out alone. We built the day we wish we'd had.
What we believe.
Less lecture. More reps.
Theory fits on a page. The rest happens at the handpiece, so most of the day does too.
Speed follows method.
Faster isn't rushed. A predictable sequence removes the hesitation, and the time comes back on its own.
Feedback while the bur is in your hand.
Two coaches on the floor. You find out what's working during the prep, not when the lab calls.
The conversation is clinical.
How you explain a crown shapes the patient's decision. We teach it with the same care as the prep.
What we won't do.
Slide marathons.
If it can be learnt at the bench, it's taught at the bench.
One prep for every tooth.
Full coverage or onlay depends on the case. We teach the decision, not a default.
Crowded rooms.
Small groups, so every participant gets time with a coach.
Two dentists. One way of teaching.
Both of us teach the prep and the conversation, and both of us are on the floor all day.
Dr Darren Cai
BDS (Adel) PG Dip Clin Dent (Aes Rest Dent)
Darren has practised across Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry through the Australasian College of Dental Practitioners, and has trained in Australia, Japan and India.
Dr Olivier Nguyen
BDS (Adel)
Olivier practised full-time in a crown, bridge and onlay-focused practice in Adelaide, and tutored final-year dentistry students at the University of Adelaide. He later joined NSK Oceania as national Sales and Education Manager, supporting clinicians and running CPD events across Australia.