The Aurum Group has been a trailblazer in the dental industry, recognized as one of North America’s foremost dental laboratories.
Their journey began in the 1960s, when 19-year-old Hans “Hyo” Maier moved from Germany to Calgary and transformed a small dental lab into a North American leader in dentistry. Driven by a commitment to education and technology, Hyo Maier’s entrepreneurial vision laid the foundation for the company’s growth. Today, under the leadership of his son, Mark Maier, and supported by family, the Aurum Group employs 350 people across six locations, pioneering comprehensive, functional aesthetic dentistry that sets them apart in the industry.
Building a Better Dental Lab Through Continuous Education
Education has always been central to Aurum’s philosophy, grounded in Hyo Maier’s belief that continual learning is essential for advancing in dentistry. In a rapidly evolving field, keeping up with the latest skills, technology, and insights is crucial—not just for professional growth but for meeting the demands of a well-informed patient base. The Aurum Academy was designed with this in mind, offering an array of courses, videos, webinars, and workshops covering clinical skills, technology, business, and leadership. By focusing on the “why, what, and how,” the Aurum Academy goes beyond theory, equipping dentists with actionable skills and systems that translate directly to patient care and practice success.
Click here to view upcoming events hosted by the Aurum Academy.
Leveraging Digital Tools in Dentistry
Leading advancements in digital dental care, the Aurum team integrates multidisciplinary solutions to reduce treatment time and improve predictability. New products and technologies are continuously evaluated to find the best fit within the digital ecosystem, enhancing the patient experience at every step.
When asked about the goal of their educational initiatives and digital tools, Maier explained, “The goal is to make it simple for the patient. Fewer visits mean more convenience for the patient, better efficiency for the clinic, and improved outcomes for the lab. With today’s diagnostic tools—and emerging ones—we can achieve better information capture, diagnosis, design, and delivery.”
For example, Aurum’s emerging expertise in 4D dentistry whereby, real-time jaw tracking combined with layering and integrating intraoral, CBCT and 3D facial scans, enables dentists to attain a complete picture of a patient’s morpho-dynamic profile, allowing for truly comprehensive oral-facial diagnosis and predictable treatment outcomes.
“We bring it all together and give them the complete image,” he said. “With this comprehensive approach, dentists can design clinical and restorative solutions that truly change a patient’s life.”
Another solution is exemplified via a partnership with Keystone whereby Aurum offers AURUMTEK™ Full Arch Fixed Implant Restoration, powered by Nexus IOS. The solutions scan gauges make it easy to capture accurate intraoral scans, which are used to create precise full-arch implant impressions without physical modeling. The AI-driven protocol is implant system-agnostic and compatible with most intraoral scanners.
“We’re able to eliminate three or four appointments from the process—the messy appointments that are typically challenging and uncomfortable for patients getting multi-unit restorations,” Maier said, noting that dentists can obtain scan gauge kits through Aurum’s loaner program. “As technology advances, adapting to new protocols becomes essential. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of these changes, helping clinicians integrate them into their practice for better outcomes.”
Looking Ahead
Aurum Group will continue to grow by offering products, services, and resources that empower dentists to raise the standard of excellence in dentistry. There are many possibilities, and Aurum plans to stay abreast of them all through collaborations, education, and training.
In this vein, relevant and impactful continuing education and training through the Aurum Academy will remain a priority. Aurum also plans to lead the field of “integrative dentistry”: the fusion of interdisciplinary and 4D dentistry – a true differentiator to optimize patient care. In parallel, Aurum’s service will remain second to none as they roll out programs and guide dentists to unparalleled growth.
“Aurum’s unwavering commitment to education through the Aurum Academy and other programs is meant to inspire, motivate, and create a shared quest for dental excellence,” Maier said. “The Aurum Advantage is clear: by EMPOWERING EXCELLENCE IN DENTISTRY™ through groundbreaking innovation, comprehensive education, and premium products & services, we’re committed to empowering practices to greater success."
