As it has so many aspects of modern life, digital technology is revolutionizing the dental industry. After evolving over the past two decades, digital equipment in the dentist's office has hit its peak, with an increasing number of manufacturers turning their focus to sleek, efficient, precise digital tools. Most dentists are using some form of digital technology in their office to varying degrees, from the simplest electronic filing system to the most advanced chairside CAD/CAM (computer-aided manufacturing and design) machine.With the widespread proliferation of digital dentistry, the field is on the precipice of a new age of dentistry. In the coming years, digital technology in the dental practice will become less of an exciting bonus and more of a necessity to keep up with the twenty-first century market. The five tips listed below can help you embrace digital dentistry and leverage it to your advantage.1. Read up on the latest technologies.Not everyone can be an early adopter, especially since digital technologies can be expensive, but it is important to include digital dentistry training as part of your continuing education work. Most dentistry conferences and seminars nowadays include training and courses on digital tools so you can hone your skills and try out new machines to see if they suit your office's needs.As well as continuing education, you also need to diligently research any equipment you're considering purchasing. Fortunately, the digital dental market is booming, so you have lots of options, but make sure to look past a salesperson's buzzwords and promises to find out key pieces of data (cost per unit, materials required for upkeep, the expected return on investment of the equipment, etc.).If you already have digital equipment in your office, it behooves you to keep reading up on the most recent technological advances so you can stay ahead of the curve.2. Invest in an intraoral scanner.If you want to try out digital dentistry without breaking your bank, purchase an intraoral scanner for your practice (after having researched the brands thoroughly, of course). These machines typically cost about $10,000 to $15,000 but can easily pay for themselves in time. With an intraoral scanner, you'll avoid using messy PVS for impressions, replacing them with precise, 3D digital images and videos that can often be directly input into your or your lab's software to create restorations. Intraoral scanners are also very versatile machines-they can improve patient education, assist with orthodontic planning, and even detect caries.
3. Consider a chairside CAD/CAM system.Once you've tried out your intraoral scanner, you may want to invest in a chairside CAD/CAM system. This is an increasingly popular investment option for dentists because it means you can create same-day restorations, saving you and your patients' time and money. It can also lower your lab costs and expand your services, which could you're your business. However, CAD/CAM machines are significantly more expensive than intraoral scanners (often in excess of $100,000), so you should crunch the numbers with your accountant before taking the plunge.4. Digitize your files.While equipment like intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems are very important to your practice, the safety and functionality of your files is arguable just as vital. Over 90 percent of dentists have already switched to EHR, or Electronic Health Records, which allow front office staff, hygienists, dentists, and specialists to review patients' files on the computer. EHR systems make scheduling appointments, making diagnoses, creating treatment plans, and billing patients much more efficient and effective processes. If you're concerned about meeting HIPAA standards, EHR can also safeguard your patients' privacy and therefore protect your practice from the ramifications of violations. For even simpler, more streamlined filing, consider using a cloud-based system over EHR stored on a LAN (local area network). This allows any of your staff to access files on any tablet or device and backs up your information to secure servers via the Internet.5. Train yourself and your staff in new devices.Your first concern with regard to digital dentistry might be the cost of your machines, but remember that making these changes also requires an investment of time and energy. Your expensive CAD/CAM machine won't do you much good if you and your employees don't know how to use it properly. When you decide to transition to digital dentistry, involve your staff in this decision and take the time for everyone to learn how to use the new equipment.Embrace the Digital Age of DentistryBy following these suggestions, you can ensure your dental practice's long-term success. Doing proper research, making wise investments, and making an effort to learn the ins and outs of new technology can allow your office to thrive for many years to come.
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