Hi everyone,
 
I'm a new student to AutoCad 2009. My question and problem is
that I'm a dental lab tech (I make teeth). The world of dentistry is fast becoming digitalized, mouths are being scanned and digital impressions are being sent to cadcam machines to be finalized.
I am wanting to learn this from the ground up, maybe even program my own software.
This said, I signed up for a course at the local college (Autocad 2009)
thinking this would be a start. Talked with the teacher who said it really wouldn't be applicable to what I want to do. I wasn't convinced he really knew what I was talking about.
My question is: Is the class really going to be a waste of my time in this direction? If so what would my career options be if I continue to take the class (it looks interesting but I want to do something with it). I'm more artistically inclined than engineering.
I also need to know how to get started on the dental path. There are cad cam machines and programs out there for dental now but i want to learn to maybe program and design my own.
Any input would be appreciated!
 
Thank you,
Sherry
 

I have a fake tooth myself, but it was handmade by a bunch of pakastanis in a sweat shop with bunson burners and what not.
The course at your colledge will probaly just be an introduction into CAD and the basic operations to have you understand how the program functions.
If you are more artistically inclined, the 3D aspect of it will be much more important, as in inventor, pro-E, solidworks and so on.
Also, the course will provide you with the knowledge to learn other CAD programs, to which there are many, in every single part of manufacturing, design, construction, ANYthing and EVERYthing starts with a CAD drawing.
 
In short, its a good class to take.
I say nike that sh*t and 'just do it'!

 LOL! Your sweatshop comment would be a hit on the dental lab forums !:-)
 
I was about to withdraw from class but my gut told me to check this out further.
 
I get  free signup to Auto Desk for tutorials and all for being a student.Any useful tutorials I could look at there?
I don't think the class I'm taking will get into the 3d modeling, mostly drafting stuff (Autocad 2009), but I agree  that it could be a starting point.
 
Where are the classes and what should I be reasearching, learning to set me in the right direction? A few of the companies that offer dental cad cam are Patterson (Cerec ),Sirona. This said, they're for crown and bridge and metal work, not dentures. Dentures are my area and I'd like to someday program software to this end . Cadcam dentures ! :-)
I need some info to head me in the right direction!
 
When you say everything starts with a cad drawing does that mean an image that is imported will become a cad drawing too?
 
Thanks,
Sherry 

Yeah, for real my dentist told me where to pick it up (the new tooth) and it was like this converted ranch house, looked like a meth lab inside lol.



hmmm...right direction...
well, from what I know, those specialty programs you mentioned are usually learned on the job, after you have a good knowledge of CAD software. Finding a place to learn them before hand my prove tricky.
And im not sure about an image being a CAD drawing.
What im talking about is that the keyboard your typing on, the pen you write with, the calculator you do your taxes with all started as a 'blue print', or CAD drawing to become reality.

 Sorry if I sound like a newbie because I am! :-)

 Are there jobs for people who take the cad class without any other direction such as engineering or electronics. Do you need the drafting class or are there places that would hire you and train you in what they do assuming you pass the cad classes?

Its cool, the only stupid question is one ya dont ask
There are basically two ways you can go, mechanical or architectual. From there it branches out in every direction imaginable.
And yes, assuming you took a CAD course you would be hired on as a drafter (thats how I got started)...but that really depends on the reputation of the school you go to, how good you were, and the availbility in your area.
But wait, your saying a 'drafting class' vs. a 'CAD class'? I thought they were one and the same...?

 
So I'm a drafter after the course? :-)
Please go into more detail on the mechanical vs. architectural directions and what branches out from what.
There are a couple of ways to go with the classes. I plan to go through advanced CAD and maybe the proramming route. From there I'm an open book. Like I said I'm more artistic than math smart although dental is a combo of science and art. I'm also a jeweler  (a long time ago) think they have cadcam now. Just want to be realistic in my expectations.

Not too long ago I saw a program on TV.
 
The patient sat in a dental chair, his head 'n jawbones were scanned, perhaps ultrasound(?).
 
An image was created and sent to the lab to have the teeth made "to fit."
 
The new chompers were made and installed (implanted) in one hour.
 
Quite interesting! Study hard!
 
I don't think CAD was involved except to make the scanning machinery.

 Thanks,I like the word chompers! I also make Flippers :-)
After scanning the file becomes a 3d image on the screen that can be manipulated  using a program supplied with the machine by the company.You can build tooth structure on the image, then send info to cam machine to make tooth or
plaster model/ metal framework. They call it cadcam ?
All around though, I don't think it would hurt to take this basic cad course
now that I'm already enrolled

Education always helps.
 
Best of luck in your studies! 

hi sherry..i think you should follow the mechanical route..i think what you are really after is the cad/cam..  the cad/cam technology that you were saying is the combination of autocad and cnc machine, whereas the drawing in autocad is transferred to the cnc upon analysis of the various operation needed.. this is what they use in making molds in the plastic industry..i think the inventor will best suit your needs..

 Thank you.  So do you think the basic  autocad 2009 class I'm taking will
be of any use/help? I'll take a closer look at the inventor program.What about 3d animation? I want a well rounded basic and advanced course so i can program and change things to suite my needs. I'm not a big math genius.... I wonder how much this will play into it?
 
Sherrysherrym2010-01-28 15:39:31

yes, i really think that it would be a great help/use in what you are planning to do.. i think the 3d animation is what you really need..

Program and change things?
Whoa there Sherrym, dont have to high expectations for your class.
Most of what you will learn will be OTJ training, because its specialized.
All you can hope to learn in an Autodesk class is the basics. The program is simply too advanced to train you on it all...unless you shell out some pretty coin and spend...waste alot of time.
But yeah, inventor would be the way to go. Not sure how animation will help you (thats more for interactive parts, such as gears and moving assemblies), but 3D is DEFINETLY the way to go.
And forget math, lol, thats why these programs exist. They do calculations for you.