Innovation in dentistry is often discussed in terms of new products; however, its clinical significance lies in how materials and technologies change the decisions made at the chairside, in the laboratory and across the wider dental team. At the sixth GC International Dental Symposium, to be held on 3 and 4 October at the Tokyo International Forum, a series of sessions will explore how biomaterials, digital workflows and future-facing restorative technologies are reshaping treatment planning and clinical outcomes.