Recently, Dental Economics, a US journal about dental innovations in management and technologies, published an industry review from Peter Khoury, cofounder of Halo Dental Technologies, a Canadian dental equipment firm.
As a representative of modern dental hardware developers, he shared thoughts about the latest trends in dentistry, which will define the field's progress over the following years.
Here are a few of Peter's key statements.
Dentists' demography
According to the 2023 RTI report, a new generation of dental professionals is more diverse than ever – 48% of all dental students are non-white individuals, and about 53% of all dental graduates are women.
Also, older dentists started retiring from their professions earlier: 67.9 years in 2022 compared to 69.1 in 2018.
New Generation Abilities
Dentists-millennials, as a generation that grew up "with a phone in hand," are strongly predisposed to digital technology learning; they can solve appointment and scheduling tasks with appropriate software much faster than their older colleagues. Also, they can easily adapt to novel technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality interfaces, etc.
The Upgrade of Dentistry
New generations of clinic clients are changed as much as a new generation of dentists – they feel more comfortable surrounded by cutting-edge digital technologies and trust facilities that demonstrate fascinating hardware and software capabilities.
Diagnosis
Novel developments in X-ray technology and 3D imaging software offer new diagnostic approaches. They provide a comprehensive three-dimensional view of tissue structures, including nerves, teeth, and bones. Thus, dentists can detect problems earlier and plan treatment more precisely.
In addition, such technology allows using minimally invasive dental treatment tools, sophisticated restoration and cosmetic techniques, etc.
Patient Education
Patients' education and engagement in the treatment plan are important for their comfort and satisfaction during therapy. By demonstrating to patients how the treatment is going and showing them the teeth/gum condition, we can precisely explain to them which procedure they need.
As an example of such technology, Mr. Khooury gives us digital mirrors – modernized dental mirrors equipped with a flashlight and cameras, which allow us to record and transfer images of oral cavity conditions to monitor.
We at Remedico work in the same direction, providing patients and dentists with educational practices via the Virtual/Artificial Reality App – Dentaverse. This first-ever treatment presentation software allows dentists to demonstrate to patients the treatment plan, operation process, and other important therapy details in a 3D environment.
