Digital dentistry: the future of your dental practice

Modern-day dentistry is often termed as digital dentistry, representing high-tech and easy-to-implement solutions. Digital dentistry uses technology and devices to perform dental procedures instead of using mechanical or electrical means.

The following are some of the major areas in digital dentistry:

• CAD/ CAM (computer-aided design/ manufacturing) devices for bio-printing
  
• Intraoral imaging and photography
• 3D printing
• Caries diagnosis
• Computer-aided implant dentistry
• Digital radiography
• Cone-beam computed tomography
• Electrical and surgical implants
• Lasers
• Occlusion and TMJ diagnosis and analysis
• Digital record management
• Shade matching

Introducing new technologies can be a disruptive process, and for the same reason it can take up to 25 years to fully implement a new technology. However, an integral part of implementing digital dentistry is understanding how it can impact the work of dental practitioners. The advantages associated are:

1. Cost and time efficiency
2. Improved accuracy
3. Predictable outcome

Yet, like any other form of technology, digital dentistry is also not free from drawbacks. The major drawback of digital dentistry is cost, and hence, it still retains its early adopter stage. Shining3d Scanner DS-300 comes with a price tag of Rs. 7,45,137. Intraoral scanners can cost anywhere between Rs. 19,43,840 to Rs. 32,39,730. However, you can overcome this drawback by availing a business loan for doctors offering funds up to Rs. 80 lakh.

Another drawback can be a lack of knowledge and appropriate workforce training. Before adopting any new technology, it is important to train your existing workforce or hire new personnel. If the cost of such investment exceeds your current budget or puts pressure on your cash flow, you can use funds procured from a business loan for doctors for this purpose.

Here is how you can achieve success in digital dentistry:

• Doctor centric service: Evaluate your workflow, clinical skills, team behaviour and leadership style. Accordingly, plan how to adopt these new technologies and help your staff overcome the learning curve.
  
• 100-day plan: Break down your long-term goals into more realistic short-term 100-day plans. These plans help you mobilise the required training support necessary to improve service quality and productivity and achieve greater ROI.
  
• Patience is a virtue: Be prepared to meet some roadblocks and speed bumps. All new technologies are met with their share of opposition; do not lose heart. Encourage your staff to learn new skills, take their feedback into account and provide all necessary resources to ensure success.