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Interviews

Tecnomed

December 16, 2024

Innovations in Digital Dentistry: Interview with Luca Riccardi, CEO of Tecnomed Italia

Luca Riccardi

Luca Riccardi is founder & CEO of Tecnomed Italia

1990: Begins his career as a specialized technician for dental equipment at Siemens.

1999: Founds Tecnomed Service, a company focused on the repair of dental equipment.

2006: Expands his business by establishing Tecnomed Italia, initially a commercial company for the distribution of medical equipment.

2013: Transforms Tecnomed Italia into a manufacturing industry, focusing on Made in Italy and innovative solutions for the medical sector.

2022: Gains international recognition for the FALKO system, including the “Dental Industry Awards” and the “GOOD DESIGN® Award” in Chicago.

What is your assessment of the current state of digital dentistry in Italy and internationally?

Digital dentistry has made significant progress in recent years, both in Italy and globally. In Italy, we see a growing interest in digital technologies, but their full integration into daily practice is still a work in progress. Internationally, countries like the United States and Germany are at the forefront, with emerging markets quickly catching up. Digitalization is not just about introducing new tools; it also involves optimizing the entire clinical process, from diagnosis and planning to treatment execution, enhancing precision and outcomes for patients. A common obstacle, both in Italy and abroad, is the fragmentation of digital devices that are not interconnected. This is where our FALKO 3D System makes the difference: we have created an integrated ecosystem that connects scanners, microscopes, implant navigation systems and other imaging equipment, improving the clinical workflow into a performant, efficient and connected experience.. 

FALKO SYSTEM
FIG. 1 Tecnomed FALKO 3D.

Can you tell us about the FALKO 3D System and the innovations it introduces in the sector?

The FALKO 3D System represents a revolution in the digital dentistry and the digital surgery domain. It is based on two key devices: the Mixed Reality 3D visor and the OKKIO 3D camera. The 3D visor provides professionals with an environment that combines augmented and virtual reality, ensuring exceptional precision and control. It is as light as a traditional prismatic or Galilean headgear, ergonomic and equipped with a flip-up system, making it ideal for prolonged use during complex and routine operations. The OKKIO 3D camera captures high-definition stereoscopic images in real-time, integrating perfectly with the visor for detailed full HD visualization with 4x optical magnification. This enhances spatial awareness and submillimetric precision, making even complex procedures safer.. 

What are the benefits of collaboration between medical professionals through the FALKO 3D System?

The FALKO 3D System also allows real-time collaboration among specialists, reducing the margin of error in complex operations. Imagine a surgeon receiving direct support from an international expert during a critical procedure: this improves the outcome and offers a new level of safety. Trainees can use the system to practice in a real environment with remote supervision, developing skills in a safe and realistic context. Additionally, university students can watch live surgeries directly on their smartphones using a low-cost stereoscopic visor. This approach not only enhances access to specialized expertise but also fosters knowledge exchange, creating a network of continuous learning and growth. 

OKKIO 3D
FIG. 2 Tecnomed OKKIO 3D.

How does Tecnomed Italia’s FALKO 3D visor stand out from other solutions on the market?

The FALKO 3D visor is designed to meet the specific needs of the medical field, overcoming the limitations of commercial visors that are not engineered for clinical use. The ability to view digital data and images, such as CT scans or 3D models, directly over the patient’s field of view makes complex procedures, such as implant surgery, more precise and controlled. But the FALKO 3D System goes further: it is not just a visor but, as the name suggests, a configurable system that can integrate existing devices in the clinic, creating a new and unique ecosystem managed solely through head movement. This not only enhances clinical performance but also revolutionizes communication and workflow within healthcare facilities, transforming how professionals handle diagnoses, treatments and patient communication. 

Tecnomed FALKO 3D SYSTEM.
FIG. 3 Tecnomed FALKO 3D SYSTEM.

“Digitalization is not just about introducing new tools; it also involves optimizing the entire clinical process, from diagnosis and planning to treatment execution.”

How does Tecnomed Italia plan to maintain its position as a leader in the MedTech sector and continue offering innovative solutions?

Our philosophy is based on continuous innovation, active listening to professionals and a constant commitment to Made in Italy quality. We invest in research and development, collaborating with universities and research centers to anticipate trends and develop solutions that improve accessibility and clinical effectiveness. The goal is not only to meet the needs of dental professionals but to anticipate them, refining our products based on direct feedback. We look to the future with the intention of integrating the FALKO 3D system with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analysis to continue leading innovation and provide our clients with a competitive advantage. 

Are there opportunities for medical professionals to experience hands-on demonstrations of the FALKO 3D SYSTEM?

Yes of course! Professionals will have the chance to try the FALKO 3D visor and the OKKIO 3D camera at the DDS State of Art Meeting 2024 in Florence. This event represents a unique opportunity to explore the advanced features of our devices, engage with colleagues and discover how these innovations improve the daily workflow through precision, communication and better performance. 

OKKIO Falko
FIG. 4 Tecnomed presenting at the DDS Global Congress 2023 at Casablanca.

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