Cindy Roark, DMD, MS, is Chief Clinical Officer & SVP at Sage Dental and a member of Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Board of Fellows.
As digital technologies rapidly evolve in the dental industry, patient expectations are following suit. Patients are increasingly seeking more convenient care solutions that provide them with quick and efficient treatment, without compromising on quality. As a result, the industry is experiencing a notable shift toward same-day dentistry, a new wave of innovative treatment solutions that condense certain procedures into one dental office visit.
Most traditional dental procedures have historically required multiple office visits and long waiting times, creating a gap between the diagnosis period and actual treatment. However, the rise of certain cutting-edge technologies is now enabling dental professionals to cut down on these extensive waiting periods and maximize treatment efficiency—for both patients and dental office staff.
Through my work as a chief clinical officer at a dental company, I’ve seen firsthand the impact certain technologies can have on streamlining care. To stay ahead of the curve, dental service organizations (DSOs) and private dental practices will need to embrace the latest technology that enables same-day care and more comprehensive treatment.
The Rise Of CAD/CAM Technologies
Traditionally, the high costs associated with implementing computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology have been a significant barrier preventing widespread adoption across the dental industry. However, the capabilities of in-house computer labs have grown dramatically in recent years, creating new cost- and time-efficient options for traditional lab work.
With advanced imaging technology, dental professionals can now design and place prosthetics in one appointment with noticeably greater precision. One of the most notable benefits of this technology is that patients now avoid the unpleasant and inconvenient hassle of wearing temporary restorations and prosthetics.
More specifically, intraoral scanners are one of the key technologies driving this new level of efficiency, enabling dental professionals to produce highly accurate 3D models of a patient’s mouth quickly and effectively. This is a modern alternative compared to uncomfortable traditional analog impressions—which consist of patients biting into trays filled with impression material resembling a gooey-like texture and holding while the material sets.
Intraoral scanning generates extremely accurate digital impressions of a patient’s mouth in just a matter of seconds, without the mess. Not only do intraoral scanners allow for better fittings of crowns, dentures and splints, but due to the digital nature of the process, dental professionals can more easily assess and correct any errors with the impressions along the way compared to traditional methods.
Chairside 3D printing is another advanced technology that enables dental practices to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively by promoting an in-house workflow. 3D printing streamlines the creation of custom-fit dental prosthetics, including crowns, dentures, implants, aligners, retainers and more. When leveraged with intraoral scanners, this level of customization not only improves treatment effectiveness but also reduces the need for multiple appointments. This cuts down on patient wait times and enables both the patient and dental practice to save on the significant amount of time typically associated with developing physical molds.
Artificial intelligence (AI) can also enhance the functionality of these CAD/CAM systems by improving the speed and accuracy of dental restorations in a variety of ways. As AI adoption continues to rise, dental professionals are increasingly identifying the potential of AI to enhance patient satisfaction, reduce restorative fabrication time and enhance design analysis.
AI has the potential to further augment 3D printing by fine-tuning printing parameters and optimizing restorations to more closely match patients’ unique needs. AI can help automate much of the manual design while still ensuring that a human dental expert is overseeing the process to make any adjustments as needed.
Other Solutions Enabling Same-Day Dentistry
Another transformative solution driving same-day dentistry is the rise of teledentistry. Telehealth solutions can expedite the same-day care process by enabling dental professionals to conduct initial consultations remotely and address any preliminary concerns before an in-office visit. Teledentistry can also streamline post-treatment care, allowing dental professionals to provide follow-up instructions and answer any patient questions asynchronously, reducing the need for additional in-person visits and supporting faster recovery after procedures.
Same-day dentistry is driving the industry by enhancing patient satisfaction, streamlining treatment options and clinical workflows and enabling practices to operate more efficiently. As patients continue to prioritize faster and more convenient care, keeping pace with technological advancements is no longer optional. Dental practices that invest in the right technology will not only remain competitive in the market but also reinforce new standards for patient care throughout the industry.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
link