If you are an engineer accustomed to designing mechanical parts, dental CAD will feel alien. Here is why:

The typical CAD phase is embedded within a broader digital workflow:

The transition from a patient's mouth to a finished restoration involves three primary stages: (PDF) An overview of dental CAD/CAM systems - ResearchGate

CEREC is the original "same-day dentistry" system. Unlike lab-based CAD, CEREC is designed for dentists to use in the operatory while the patient waits.

While many people have heard of "same-day crowns" or "digital dentistry," few understand the software engine that makes it possible. Dental CAD is not just a tool; it is the architectural backbone of modern prosthetics, implants, orthodontics, and surgical planning.