3D printing innovator Rik Jacobs joins Glidewell's Chuck Stapleton to share how dental 3D printing evolved from a scrappy, experimental technology into a serious manufacturing solution, and how that journey shaped him as a founder.

(00:00) Digital Dentistry and the State of Lab Technology

(00:33) Welcome to Dental Tech Now with Chuck Stapleton

(01:25) Dutch Culture, Directness, and Entrepreneurial Mindset

(03:27) From Startup Founder to 3D Systems Acquisition

(05:44) Scaling Dental 3D Printing Through Strategic Partnerships

(07:11) Choosing the Right Acquisition Partner

(08:27) Transitioning from Entrepreneur to Corporate Leader

(10:16) Innovation Challenges Inside Large Technology Companies

(12:55) Leaving Dental to Explore AI and Medical Imaging

(15:21) Rebuilding Networks in New Tech Industries

(17:50) Returning to Dental with Broader Perspective

(19:16) Understanding Jetting vs Other 3D Printing Technologies

(21:39) Multi-Material, Voxel-Based Printing Explained

(23:21) The Future of Multi-Material Denture Manufacturing

(25:27) Centralized Production vs In-Office Dentistry

(29:44) Regulatory Challenges in Dental 3D Printing

(33:50) Paving the Way for Future Dental Innovation

(35:22) Improving Complete Dental Lab Workflows

(37:30) Aligning Manufacturers with Real Customer Needs

(38:50) Expanding Access and the Future Vision for Dental Tech

(41:28) When Is the Innovation Journey Complete?

(44:15) Closing Thoughts and How to Connect