If you are running a dental practice, you may be wondering what the latest trends are in the field. These trends may include 3D printing, Artificial Intelligence, and Group dentistry. However, if you are a dental practice owner and would like to improve your practice and find innovative ways to accelerate your dental practice’s growth, you should consider a few things. This article discusses the latest trends in dentistry and how these trends can benefit your practice. Here are some of the most important trends for dental practices today.
Group dentistry
Previously, dental facilities were one-person operations. A dentist would clean patients’ teeth, and assistants would assist with the rest. Over the last five years, however, dental service organizations have gained popularity to attract more patients and employees and provide better service. Moreover, the cost of maintaining a group practice is lower, which is a great plus for patients. However, these organizations face staffing challenges as the demand for dentists has increased.
Traditionally, most dentists would prefer to work as solo practitioners, but that is no longer the case. Only 50% of practising dentists are working as solo practitioners, and the average dental school graduate is averaging approximately $300,000 in student loan debt. This debt makes it difficult for any individual dentist to sustain a solo practice, let alone a profitable one. However, the benefits of group dentistry outweigh any disadvantages. Not only does it provide better care and save patients time, but it also helps boost profits and reduce costs.
Artificial Intelligence
While AI is still a few years away from being used daily, technologies already help dental practices run more efficiently and effectively. Although these technologies are not yet transforming the way we practice dentistry, they will help sharpen dental leaders’ skills and improve practice management efficiency. They will help dentists improve their scheduling, diagnose and treat patients, and improve communication.
First, AI can help dentists manage their practice transitions more efficiently. Historically, this process is low tech, but with the help of AI, dentists can explore their options and discover new favourites. ADAPT, a software platform for dental practices can help dentists find their ideal match, manage details and complete the transaction more efficiently. Once integrated into the dental practice transition process, AI will help improve dentist and patient retention and reduce the average cost of transitioning a practice.
3D printing
The end-game manufacturing solution for the dental industry has arrived with 3D printing and advanced photopolymers. Currently, the industry is at an early stage of digital evolution, but the complete digital workflow of dental technology is the key to more efficient treatments and improved patient care. The use of 3D printing is an important part of this process. A dental 3D printer is a highly versatile tool, allowing dental practitioners to print many different types of objects. These models are particularly useful for labs since the cost of these machines can range anywhere from $500 to $100,000. With their versatility and ease of use, these systems can save up to ninety percent of dental practices on many different applications. Though these printers are expensive, their initial cost may be prohibitive to single practices, considering the benefits of 3D printing for dental practices.
COVID-19
The effects of COVID-19 on dental practices have been felt by solo practitioners and practices located in the top twenty U.S. cities. As a result, many practices are raising fees to counteract the effects of COVID-19. But what will consumers experience as a result of the new law? Dentistry 4.0 is a new approach that incorporates advanced technologies. During the COVID-19 outbreak, the use of new technologies is heightened. Smart sensors and wearable devices are now available and enable real-time data analysis. In addition, advanced analytics powered by an electronic health record system network will improve diagnostic capabilities and help practitioners anticipate when they need to respond to an infection. Dentistry 4.0 is one of the latest trends in the dental industry.
Convenience
Today, most people expect a high level of convenience from a dentist. That’s why you should focus on streamlining the work process in order to improve the patient experience. Whether it’s creating a patient profile online or offering a mobile payment solution, your website should be easy to navigate. This way, your clients can book appointments online and pay their bills without leaving their homes. Streamlining the work process will not only make the entire process more efficient but will also increase your return on investment.
The dental industry has seen increasing numbers of add-on transactions, which allow practitioners to gain economies of scale by contracting with a larger management company or platform. Platform transactions have also become more prevalent over the last several years due to the increasing visibility of professional management and familiarity with the dental industry as a whole. For many practice owners, this trend can be an extremely beneficial one. Ultimately, it helps patients and practices alike.
