Dentistry 2024: The Trends You Can Expect

Getting Ready for 2024

Every new year brings its challenges and trends to navigate. 2024 is no exception. Dentistry has undergone many changes in the last four years – and we will only continue to see more. 

It’s time to start getting ready for the new year. In this blog, we explore the different trends you can expect to impact your practice in 2024.

The Economic Climate

Intiveo explored this topic in depth in a recent webinar, as well as in a guide to 2024. And for good reason: preparing for the economic climate of 2024 will be of utmost importance to dental practices across Canada and the United States. 

For example, consumers are spending 18% more on the same amount of goods compared to 2021, and unemployment is likely to rise. 

For dentistry, this means that patients will be more discerning about which dental procedures they can afford. They will be less likely to choose elective treatments or treatments that require out-of-pocket payment. Patients without dental insurance will only seek treatment if it is absolutely necessary.

Dentists must respond proactively to the economic climate by collaborating closely with their patients. Tailoring solutions to meet their specific treatment and financial needs will be essential. Supporting patients during difficult financial times not only showcases the value you place on them but also serves as a strategic approach to securing patient loyalty.

Offering payment plans for treatments will be a meaningful way to support patients in 2024. While not a new concept in the dental industry, payment plans will become an even more important tool in the current economic climate.

To sustain or grow your practice, it is crucial to understand why your current patients chose you and how you can attract more patients like them. Analyzing and tracking the feedback provided by your patients is instrumental in gaining this insight.

Gen Z at the Dental Practice

As dental practitioners, it’s important to consider the needs and wants of Generation Z. This upcoming generation has been paying for their own dental care for a few years now, and this trend is set to increase in the coming years. This is due in part to a significant rise in part-time gig work, freelance opportunities, and a growing number of individuals opting for self-employment. In other words, the face of work is changing, and Generation Z is leading the way. It’s important to recognize that they are the long-term future of your patients. To ensure success in the years to come, it’s crucial to understand the needs and wants of Generation Z. 

Gen Z is a unique generation in that they have grown up with technology and internet access at their fingertips. It’s no surprise then that they have also turned to social media for healthcare advice or information. In a recent study, a doctor noted that his Gen Z patients come to appointments armed with questions and having researched their health concern beforehand.

 As healthcare professionals, it’s essential that we understand how to communicate and establish trust with this digitally savvy generation. It’s clear that establishing meaningful connections with Gen Z goes beyond traditional communication methods and requires a willingness to adapt to their unique digital preferences.

The Expanded Role of Tele-Dentistry

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the dental industry. One of those changes was the use of tele-dentistry for certain types of appointments.

What we discovered is that tele-dentistry is not only accessible, but also cost-effective. It has become a permanent fixture in our industry, and we can expect its usage to continue growing in 2024.  Tele-dentistry offers great convenience for patients and has the potential to reach underserved communities. It can also help you expand your patient base.

If you haven’t yet explored tele-dentistry, now is the time to do so. Consider if it’s feasible for you and your team as you prepare for 2024. Assess the training needs of your staff and decide on the tele-dentistry software that best suits your practice.

Cosmetic Dentistry

One prediction about cosmetic dentistry in 2024 shows that it will account for about one-third of all the trends in 2024. This is significant. 

Part of the reason for this is that the technology and software involved in cosmetic dentistry have innovated quite a bit in recent years. An example of this is a predictive model called digital smile design. This model enables dentists to create the optimal smile for their patients. Artificial intelligence will also come into more common use for cosmetic dentistry because of its ability to accurately predict outcomes for different treatments.

It will be worth it for many dental practices to consider offering or expanding their cosmetic dentistry offerings as 2024 progresses.

Innovations in Advanced Dental Implants

Dental implant advancements continue to progress, offering enhanced outcomes as dental procedures evolve. The year 2024 will witness further exciting developments in this field. 

Notable improvements in dental implants encompass computer-guided placement and milling techniques, as well as the introduction of Zygomatic and pterygoid implants. Furthermore, surface technologies have undergone refinement. 

These advancements have contributed to increased patient comfort, reduced treatment timelines, and improved predictability of treatment results. OMS practices, already acquainted with these advancements, will have the opportunity throughout 2024 to deliberate on investing in cutting-edge technology to provide optimal implant solutions for their patients.

The Prevalence of AI

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing our reality. Leveraging and harnessing the potential of AI brings numerous advantages to your dental practice. Due to its versatile applications, it impacts various aspects.

AI is increasingly utilized in diagnostics, theoretically leading to more accurate diagnoses and better treatment outcomes. However, the benefits of AI extend beyond diagnostics. Many dental practices and dental software companies already integrate AI chatbots to enhance the patient experience.

As AI development continues in 2024 and beyond, we will no doubt have a lot of exciting innovations to look forward to. 

What to Expect from 3D Printing

Many dental practices already utilize 3D printing for various purposes such as creating direct bonding trays, crown and bridge wax-ups, and even orthodontic devices. This technology has significantly reduced costs for dentists, thus benefiting patients as well. By incorporating 3D printing, practices can maintain affordability while ensuring the production of vital pieces for their patients without compromising quality. Further innovations and uses of 3D printing are predicted to continue through 2024 and beyond.

Best of Luck in 2024

2024 will be an exciting and challenging year for our industry. But, with the right tools and the right strategies, every challenge that comes your way can become an opportunity.

Intiveo offers a number of resources to support your practice, including guides, ROI calculators, messaging templates, and more. If you’re curious to learn more about how Intiveo can help elevate your practice, book a meeting today!