2024 Dental Industry Round-Up: The Year in Review

One of the fun things we do on the Intiveo blog is to note exciting current dental news. As the year progresses, themes emerge that have a story to tell about what matters in our industry. And in 2024, one theme stood out loud and clear: patient engagement. Across our blogs, we explored how engaging with patients can improve their experience, understanding, and overall health. But this wasn’t the only theme! Our industry is also exploring dental technology, AI, eco-dentistry, and how to achieve work-life balance.

Welcome to the 2024 dental industry round-up: the year in review!

Patient engagement in 2024

Patient engagement showed up as an underlying theme in many dental current events this year. After all, patient engagement is about more than just sending appointment reminders and feedback surveys, although those are important. It’s also about building trust. And, it’s about educating patients so they feel empowered to take control of their dental health. When patients have a fuller understanding of their dental health, they’re more likely to follow treatment recommendations and make healthier choices.

An article in the New York Times about surprising ways to do damage to your teeth inspired our blog about how to use patient engagement software to educate your patients. We emphasized the importance of setting KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) for patient engagement. Knowing what you’re aiming for — whether it’s appointment follow-ups or patient satisfaction scores — makes it easier to measure success.

Patient engagement and education also showed up in discussions about the connections between dental and overall health on our blog in relation to current events, as well. For example, informing patients about how gum health impacts heart health can inspire them to take preventive steps. It’s also a great opportunity to dispel common dental myths and give patients accurate information. At the end of the year, engagement becomes even more critical: use mass messaging to remind patients about maximizing their dental benefits before they expire.

Inclusivity is another vital piece of patient engagement, which we explored in a blog that included a look at this incredible clinic for patients with disabilities at NYU. Creating accessible dental spaces for individuals living with physical disabilities ensures every patient feels valued and included in their care.

Technology in modern dentistry

This year, current dental news was abuzz with impressive advancements in dental technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) played a transformative role, with innovations in preventative treatment planning, diagnostic imaging, robotics, and even smart toothbrushes. AI also entered classrooms, shaping the next generation of dentists.

Teledentistry continued to grow in popularity, making dental care more convenient for patients while expanding access to underserved areas. Meanwhile, leveraging technology through the digital workflow streamlined processes in dental offices. From 3D imaging to computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) for restorations, digital tools boosted both accuracy and efficiency. An article in Dental Town highlighted how practices can use digital workflows to enhance patient outcomes.

However, even as technology advances, it’s essential to remember the importance of the human connection. Balancing innovative tools with compassionate care ensures patients feel seen, heard, and supported.

As 2024 draws to a close, these trends remind us of the exciting possibilities for the dental industry — and the importance of staying patient-focused every step of the way.

Eco-dentistry is on the rise

Eco-dentistry was also a hot topic in dental news this year. Eco-dentistry focuses on reducing the environmental impact of dental practices through waste reduction, energy conservation, and the use of eco-friendly materials. This approach aligns with global environmental efforts and meets patient expectations for sustainable healthcare.

Some key strategies in eco-dentistry include:

• Reducing single-use plastics: Traditionally, dental practices have relied heavily on single-use plastics, from gloves and suction tips to packaging materials. However, the environmental toll of plastic waste has prompted a shift toward more sustainable alternatives. Practices are now exploring biodegradable and recyclable materials to replace conventional plastics. For example, some clinics use biodegradable suction tips and instruments made from recycled materials.
• Energy conservation: Implementing energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems can significantly reduce a clinic’s carbon footprint. Additionally, some practices are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to power their operations. This shift not only helps the environment but can also lead to cost savings in the long run.
• Sustainable practice management: Eco-friendly practices include implementing recycling programs, reducing water usage, and sourcing supplies locally to minimize transportation emissions. Some dental offices are also achieving certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Adopting these eco-friendly practices not only contributes to a healthier environment but also enhances patient care by promoting a sustainable approach to dentistry.

Security at the dental practice matters

We all know that enhancing cybersecurity in dental practices is crucial for protecting patient information and maintaining trust. What we discussed on our blog is how setting team goals and establishing KPIs can significantly strengthen a practice’s cyber defenses (inspired by this article from Group Dentistry Now).

The first step is understanding how KPIs can be helpful in this context, just as they are in patient engagement. Of course, KPIs are measurable values that help track progress toward specific objectives. In the context of dental cybersecurity, KPIs can monitor various aspects such as the completion rate of security training, the frequency of software updates, or the number of detected intrusion attempts. By setting clear KPIs, dental practices can assess how well they’re doing with cybersecurity and identify areas needing improvement.

Then, establish team goals aligned with cybersecurity KPIs. This ensures that all staff members are aware of their roles in maintaining data security. For instance, a practice might set a goal for all team members to complete cybersecurity training within a specific timeframe. The benefits of this approach include:

• Enhanced awareness through regular training and clear objectives keep cybersecurity at the forefront of daily operations.
  
• Improved compliance through meeting established KPIs, which ensures adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of data breaches.
  
• Proactive defense through a unified team approach, which enables the early detection and mitigation of potential threats.

Work-life balance

And last, but certainly not least, work-life balance was an important subject in dental news in 2024. Achieving work-life balance is essential for dentists and oral surgeons to maintain personal well-being and professional efficiency. Our blog post emphasized that time is an invaluable asset that, once spent, cannot be reclaimed. It highlights the importance of recognizing the trade-off between professional responsibilities and personal life, suggesting that conscious time management is crucial for balance. A great article about redefining success by Dr. Jeremy Ueno was part of the inspiration for this blog.

The significance of strategic planning in reclaiming time cannot be overstated. Dentists and oral surgeons often juggle multiple responsibilities, and without a clear plan, inefficiencies can consume valuable hours. Implementing effective time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, can help professionals achieve a harmonious balance.

Time is truly one of our most valuable resources. By consciously managing and allocating time, professionals can achieve a healthier work-life balance, leading to improved well-being and sustained career success. 

Wishing you all the best in 2025!

At Intiveo, we proudly serve dentists and oral surgeons across Canada and the United States. Our best-in-class patient engagement software can be tailored for any size or specialty practice. And, we are also proud to share resources that touch on the key issues in our industry, including reports, template packages, our podcast, and more. 

We will continue to proudly serve the dental industry in the coming year. We wish you a successful 2025!

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