Featured Image Caption: Dentist Holding a Dental X-ray Film
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As with other forms of medicine, dentistry requires constant innovation and evolution to better meet patient needs. A good dentist doesn’t stop learning after graduation. Instead, they continue to grow and explore new technologies and ways of practicing to avoid stagnation. Predicting where the field will go and staying ahead of trending research is an integral part of the job. Here are the top five trends that Dentists are paying attention to as we move into 2025.
3D Printing
In 1981, when the first design for a 3D printer made its way to a patent office, converting digital data into a three-dimensional object was revolutionary, but today the idea is almost commonplace. The introduction of biocompatible printing materials has made the technology ideal for dentistry. The dental market for 3D printers will reach 8.1 billion dollars by 2029. 3D printing has a quicker turnaround and more flexibility than most traditional methods when it comes to customized dental products, and the technology can be used to fill a variety of needs that include dental implants, PPE, surgical guides, and retainers. The use of 3D-printed products in dentistry is only expected to grow as we progress in biocompatible materials.
Laser Dentistry
Laser Dentistry has increased as a field in recent years. Lasers are currently used in several procedures, including filling cavities, gum surgeries, and even tooth sensitivity treatments. Studies have proven that the use of lasers is effective in reducing pain and anxiety in patients and improving recovery times. Many dentists have opted to include lasers in their practice to avoid drills with patients whose anxiety centers around traditional drills, and more have noted the benefits of reducing risks of infections after a procedure.
Dentist Groups and Teledentistry
The pandemic shifted the landscape for healthcare, and dentistry was no exception. In the past few years, we have seen innovations in the structure of dental practice as a response. Single-practice dental offices are becoming increasingly rare as many dentists choose to merge practices in an effort to consolidate expenses and combat the rising cost of dental schools and the increased burden of student loans. One benefit of joining practices is offering a broader treatment range than would be possible.
Alongside consolidating practices, many dentists are restructuring how they handle patients. With the help of technology, we saw the expansion of healthcare through telemedicine, offering millions of people the opportunity to access their healthcare providers remotely. While there are limitations on what can be accomplished through a screen, more and more dentists are turning to teledentistry to improve wait times and manage simple consultations.
AI Analysis
AI chat services like ChatGPT have skyrocketed in popularity. Companies have diverted resources to exploring how this new technology can be used. AI can improve diagnostic accuracy for dentistry through radiographic imaging analysis and pattern recognition. Increased diagnostic capabilities also offer opportunities for more personalized treatment plans. Beyond that, we’re seeing an increase in using AI chatbots to streamline the general workload of the average dental office, increase efficiency, and free space for employees to focus more on patient care.
Patient Focus
While many innovations in modern dentistry focus more on high-tech solutions, dentists also focus on the more personal side of patient care, citing statistics of patients reporting heightened anxiety associated with dentist visits. More and more dentists are putting energy into addressing patients’ anxiety about visiting the dentist. At times, this looks like using technology such as VR simulations to assist with projecting outcomes for cosmetic dentistry. In other ways, this might look like a focus on emotional intelligence skill-building or antianxiety medication use during even simple procedures. Some dentists are even offering up Netflix or other streaming services as an option for patients to focus on while undergoing routine procedures, all to reduce the fear and stress that patients often experience when it comes time to sit in the dentist’s chair.
Conclusion
Every year, the field of dentistry expands, utilizing new discoveries to improve patient care. Technologies like 3D printing, artificial intelligence, and laser technology make innovating in the field a fun and exciting prospect. Beyond improving patient outcomes, a focus is also placed on office efficiency and advancing patient access to care. All of these things combined make for a bright future in dentistry.
By Aaron Smith
who is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys swimming, swing dancing, and sci-fi novels.
Member since December, 2024
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