Emerging Trends in Modern Dentistry

Today, technological advances are reshaping the dental care industry. From emotional dentistry to laser technology, new methods are improving treatment techniques and enhancing the patient experience. This article is a brief discussion of the emerging trends in modern dentistry.

What is emotional dentistry?

Emotional dentistry encourages patients to directly participate in their treatment and forsee the outcome. Through the use of digital photos and virtual mockups, patients can envision their final restorations, try different smiles and choose one that is most appealing. This approach can  improve the trust of patients and also makes them emotionally committed to the process.

How has technology improved dental care?

A number of new and evolving technologies are presently being put to use in the dental industry. These include:

  • Laser technology — One of the most promising trends in dental care is laser technology. Lasers are now being used to treat an array of dental conditions, from filling cavities to treating tooth sensitivity, from treating bacteria to improving oral hygiene. Laser dentistry not only eliminates patient discomfort, it also makes dentists more efficient.
  • 3D printing — Although this technology is still in its nascent stages, 3D printing is poised to revolutionize dentistry. Despite the cost, 3D printing is now being applied to the development of resins and other materials that may help in the production of crowns inlays and veneers, while “printing” teeth may soon be a reality.
  • Blockchain — A form of cryptography that is essentially designed to streamline financial transactions, blockchain technology is also impacting the healthcare and insurance industry. Blockchain-based applications are being used to develop a specific dental industry cryptocurrency that ideally would make dental care available to people, regardless of their financial status.
  • Artificial intelligence — AI has the potential to ease the workload of dentists through the compilation of all types of patient data, such as appointments, treatment cycles, and patient reviews. By streamlining administrative processes, dentists have more time to build dentist-patient relationships. 

The Takeaway

While technology is improving dental care, there are a number of variables involved in running  successful practice. Whether you are just entering the field, have an established dental practice, or looking to acquire and retain patients, there are a host of business and legal issues to consider, from billing patients to employment concerns. The best way to achieve your objective is by working with an attorney who provides legal services to dentists.