Bringing Digital Innovation to Developing Markets – The Egypt Model

In most countries, the digital transformation of dentistry is still in its early stages, and access to high-end technology can be limited by geography, cost, or lack of education. But innovators like Dr. Rami Gammal — a digital dentistry entrepreneur and clinical technology pioneer based in Cairo, Egypt — are proving that digital workflows are scalable far beyond just high-end boutique practices.

After originally training as a conventional dentist, Dr. Gammal made an early shift into 3D digital imaging and implant planning. In 2013, he introduced one of the first dental 3D printers into the Egyptian market — long before most clinics or labs were adopting these tools. Rather than build a traditional dental practice, he developed an entirely new business model: centralized digital planning and manufacturing services that provide clinics throughout Egypt with digital implant planning, guided surgery, and digital diagnostic services.

In his own words, “The doctors didn’t have access to scanners or 3D printing, so we built centers where they can send patients for cone beam scans, IOS scanning, and guided implant planning. We’ve now grown to 70 employees across multiple branches.”

This type of hub-and-spoke model demonstrates an alternative growth path for labs and service providers, especially in emerging dental markets where many individual clinics may not yet have full in-house digital capabilities.

Here in San Diego at Advanced Dental Laboratory, we echo similar values — although our model serves an entirely different geography. While our partner practices may have varying levels of digital infrastructure, ADL’s in-house Straumann-authorized custom abutment milling allows clinicians to access top-tier technology without needing to fully invest in the hardware themselves. Our role is to function as both manufacturer and technical partner, enabling clinicians to expand into digital restorations with confidence.

Dr. Gammal summarizes it best: “Education is what bridges the gap between technology and real-world use.” His experience is a reminder that labs can do more than fabricate — they can lead and educate.