Prototyping the Future: Early Innovation with Ricky McDaniel from Dentsply Sirona

In this episode of Make It Better, we're diving into the earliest—and often most critical—stage of the innovation pipeline: turning ideas into physical reality. Joining us is Ricky McDaniel, R&D Engineer III at Dentsply Sirona, to explore how prototypes go from napkin sketch to functional form using tools like 3D printing, small-scale injection molding, and precision machining.

We'll talk about the real-world challenges engineers face when trying to get low-volume parts made, why finding a machine shop willing to take on tiny runs is harder than it should be, and how the best innovators are often the ones who learn to make it themselves.