May 14, 2023 
Dr. Ioanna Gidarakou received her dental degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Magna Cum Laude. She then completed her orthodontic specialty at Eastman Dental Center, University of Rochester, NY. At the same time, she received her TMJD degree and completed a 1-year fellowship on genetics at the Pediatric Department, School of Medicine, University of Rochester, NY. She pursued her PhD thesis on Class II growing patients at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Dr Gidarakou has been actively involved in academics, teaching pre- and post-graduate students, giving lectures worldwide and publishing numerous articles in prestigious orthodontic journals. She currently maintains 2 orthodontic practices in Katerini and Litochoro, in Central Macedonia, Greece. She is married with 3 children. Dr. Gidarakou will be speaking at the upcoming Dental 3D Printing event.
When was the first encounter you had with 3D printing? What was that experience like? What were you thinking at that moment?
Ioanna: My first encounter with 3D-printing was in 2017. We acquired a Formlabs printer for the fabrication of dental resin models that would then be used for orthodontic retainers and active Aligners. Since big manufacturers were aggressively entering the orthodontic market with aligner treatment options I strived to maintain my independent as a clinician.
At that time the printing speed was quite slow, the build platform small and our learning curve quite steep.
What inspired you to start your journey?
Ioanna: The orthodontic profession deals with both function, aesthetics, and dental and skeletal changes. The paradigm shift from fixed orthodontic appliances (ie braces) to the clear aligner therapeutic protocol opened our field to a more commercialized approach. Direct-to-consumer and non-doctor supervised treatments were available and I personally strive to provide the best, safest, appropriate, and most scientifically sound individualized treatment to my patients. Big manufacturers also entered the clear aligner market adding to that disruption. Fully controlling the whole aligner treatment process, from diagnosis to digital treatment planning, aligner fabrication and patient delivery was my objective.
Who inspired you the most along this journey in 3D printing?
Ioanna: My orthodontic professor Dr. J. D. Subtelny was and is my constant inspiration. He taught me patient-centered ethics in practicing orthodontics. Although not physically present with us, and not a 3D-printer pioneer himself, he has paved my way towards staying technologically and scientifically up-to-date to better serve my role as a clinician in the medical field.
What motivates you the most for your work?
Ioanna: Being innovative, not staying stagnant, learning from peers all over the world. Progress and knowledge is my goal.
What is/are the biggest obstacle(s) in your line of work? If you have conquered them, what were your solutions?
Ioanna: My country is under constant economic stress for more than a decade. Thus advancing my practice takes a lot of effort. If that was not an obstacle I might have started a company that would collaborate only with specialists to produce individualized clear aligner treatments.
What do you think is (are) the biggest challenge(s) in 3D Printing/bio-printing? What do you think the potential solution(s) is (are)?
Ioanna: For the orthodontic field directly printed aligners are the next challenge.
The challenges are the material properties, the post-processing workflow, the recycling of the used materials, and pricing.
Constant experimentation may provide solutions to those issues.
If you are granted three wishes by a higher being, what would they be?
Ioanna:
- To have ample time to study different fields of knowledge
- To make humanity realize that arrogance is self-destructive. Nature and kindness are our blessings on this planet
- To travel back in time to observe major historical events.
What advice would you give to a smart driven college student in the “real world”? What bad advices you heard should they ignore?
Ioanna: Be true to yourself.
Knowledge is power. Read as much as possible, including studying ancient philosophy and classical literature.
Human connection is uplifting.
Be humble and grateful.
Money is not a good measure of success.
Do not sacrifice your conscience and moral standards.
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