Since the dawn of Dentistry, several advancements have taken place. Dental industry is continuously evolving and technologies for easing the work of dental professionals and for better patient experiences is being updated. Here are 5 must – have technologies in dental practice by 2021.
#1 Digital Impressions in Dental Practice
Although conventional impression methods and materials are commonly used in dental practices due to their low cost, there is huge potential for digital impression technology to take over. With the ease of use, accuracy and shorter chairside time digital impressions can be of great advantage to dental professionals. This also benefits the patients by avoiding the discomfort due to conventional impression procedures and materials and by reduced dental visits as well. Higher cost of setup is a concern among several dental practitioners but over the years this technology can prove worthy.
#2 CAD- CAM technology
Computer Aided Design – Computer Aided Manufacturing is being used in dentistry since few years now. Many of the dental technicians have incorporated this technology in their labs. It has eased designing and production of works in very less time compared to conventional methods. A survey published in British Dental Journal reported that most technicians reported using some form of CAD/CAM in their workflow and CAD/CAM has influenced material selection, leading to an increase in the use of zirconia. However, high initial investment cost remains a barrier in adopting this technology.
#3 Dental Implants in Dental Practice
Dental Implants are not new in the field of dentistry. But with advancements in designs and components different systems have been introduced in dental market. According to Foundation of Oral Rehabilitation, more than 240 million people in 2020 are edentulous completely or partially. The demand for dental implants is expected grow rapidly due to its advantages over conventional dental prosthetic rehabilitation methods. Dental tourism is likely to grow dental implant demands in countries like India, Singapore, Srilanka and Dubai. Considering the above facts, incorporating dental implants in your dental practice is crucial for better growth.
# 4 LASERS in Dental Practice
Dental Lasers have resulted in several minimally invasive procedures which are gradually replacing the conventional dental surgical procedures. There are laser for both soft and hard tissue procedures. Advantages like less bleeding, minimum post-operative pain/ discomfort, faster recovery, shorter procedure time make the patient prefer lasers. According to Global Market Insights, Asia Pacific Dental Laser Market is poised to surpass US$ 40 million by 2025 due to rising awareness pertaining to oral hygiene, periodontics and gingivitis in the region. With growth of Dental tourism in several countries including India, Malaysia and Mexico among others further accelerates dental laser market growth
# 5 Artificial Intelligence and Digitalization in Dental Practice
Automated software eases the administrative works in dental practice. Scheduling appointments, reminders, communication with dental labs and consulting dental surgeons all becomes handy with good practice management software. Amazon’s Alexa and Apple’s Siri are virtual assistants that use Artificial Intelligence to help users accomplish small tasks in their day-to-day lives. Similar technologies are moving into dentistry as well. This would reduce on the time that dental professionals spend on looking through records and would free them up to take care of other patient needs.
Final Note
The good old Darwin’s theory says – ‘Survival of the fittest’; to add on it can be rightly said that – ‘Survival of the Updated’.
One who embraces knowledge continuously and puts them into practice shall definitely grow better. Let us keep ourselves open to learn and adopt newer things and grow better with each passing day. Dental professionals need to be abreast with the latest technologies to survive in the competitive world of dentistry.
