Recently, Dentaltown published an interview with a young dentist after purchasing his first practice. In the first year of his ownership, the practice grew revenue from $90,000 to $300,000 a month. A major factor in this increase? Investing in dental technology.
This is an exciting time in the dental industry, when unprecedented innovations create opportunities to grow your practice. Dental technology is changing how dental and oral surgery practices operate, making things better for both dentists and patients. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of some of the exciting new innovations taking place in our industry.
Dental Technology and Recent Innovations
Dental technology includes all the tools and systems that make dental work easier and more effective. This can range from simple gadgets to complex machines, all designed to improve the quality of care and efficiency in dental and oral surgery practices. Some of the most recent exciting innovations include:
- The use of AI in diagnostics. AI is becoming a game-changer in dental care. AI-powered imaging systems can look at X-rays and scans very closely to find issues like cavities, gum diseases, and even early signs of oral cancer. This means problems can be detected and treated sooner, giving patients a better chance of recovery.
- 3D printing for restorative dentistry. 3D printing is revolutionizing restorative dentistry. It allows dentists to make crowns, bridges, and even dentures right in their office. This technology allows patients to get their dental pieces faster and with a better fit, reducing the number of visits needed.
- The ongoing prevalence of teledentistry. Teledentistry is making it easier for people to get dental care, especially if they don’t live close to a dentist. Through video calls, dentists can do consultations and follow-ups remotely. This is incredibly helpful for those in rural or underserved areas who might otherwise struggle to get dental care.
- Digital impressions instead of molds. The days of uncomfortable molds are numbered. Digital impression systems use small cameras to take precise scans of your teeth. This makes the process much more comfortable for patients and ensures that restorations, like crowns, fit better and are completed faster.
- Augmented reality (AR). AR is finding its way into dental education and patient communication. In dental schools, AR can create immersive learning experiences, helping students understand complex procedures better. For patients, AR can show what their teeth will look like after treatment, helping them make more informed decisions.
- Blockchain technology. Blockchain is being explored to make managing patient records and dental insurance claims more secure and transparent. This technology can protect patient data and make sure that information is accurate and easily accessible.
With all of these impactful innovations, it’s no wonder that investing in dental technology is rising among dental and oral surgery practices.
The Potential Benefits of Dental Technology
The reasons for investing in dental technology are varied. The doctor in the Dentaltown article had a desire to bring his practice into the 21st century — but there are many reasons that dental and oral surgery practices might choose to invest in technology.
One main reason could be to improve patient care. The right tools can help provide diagnoses earlier, leading to even better outcomes. Another is increased efficiency. As we’ve noted, tools like computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems help in creating dental restorations on the same day. Practice management software and patient engagement platforms can also create efficiency at dental and oral surgery practices. These can automate many different administrative tasks, depending on the platform’s scope. This reduces the workload on your front-office staff, allowing them to focus more on patient care and other important tasks.
Balancing Technology With Human Connection
Balancing technology with a human, emotional presence in a dental office is crucial for delivering exceptional patient care. While advances in dental technology have improved efficiency and accuracy, the human element remains irreplaceable.
Dentistry is a healthcare service built on trust, and patients often feel vulnerable when undergoing dental procedures. Technology alone, no matter how sophisticated, cannot address the emotional needs of a patient who may be anxious, fearful, or in pain. This is where the importance of human connection comes in. Dentists, hygienists, and office staff must ensure that they provide warmth, empathy, and reassurance to make patients feel comfortable and understood.
The goal is to use technology as a tool to enhance the patient experience, not to replace human interaction. Although digital diagnostic tools can make consultations more precise, the dentist’s ability to explain treatment plans in a compassionate, patient-friendly manner is what builds trust and reduces anxiety.
What Intiveo Has to Offer
Navigating the changing landscape of the dental industry can be a challenge! That’s why Intiveo offers a variety of resources, in addition to our podcast and blogs like these, to support dental and oral surgery practices in making the right decisions for their staff and patients.
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