Dental care has always been neglected by many, but it has witnessed a rise in demand in recent years. With the advancement of technology, this industry is evolving. With new techniques, equipment, facilities, and new services, the process of people caring for their dental problems has become more manageable. All these add up to upscale the overall experience of the patient. It is a fact that people dread going to a dentist because of the procedures involved in it; however, the current trends in the dental care industry tells a different story altogether.
Are you procrastinating your appointment with the dentist, thinking of all the discomfort? It is one of the most prevalent issues when it comes to dental care. However, we can help you here. We have rounded up some of the biggest trends in this industry, which will help make your visit to the dental expert less worrisome. Without further delay, let us move forward.
What Are Biggest Trends In the Dental Care Industry?
Every industry follows specific trends in terms of their functionality and ways of delivering results. The dental care sector is also a part of it and hence, observes several trends. It keeps changing with time; yet, we have listed below a few of them currently being witnessed in the industry. Let us take a look at it.
- 3D Printing
3D printing, although a relatively new technology, has sipped into almost every industry in recent years. Be it healthcare, automobile, or dentistry, it has had a significant impact on these sectors. This technology has helped lower costs of several procedures such as the production of crowns, aligners, veneers, etc. and has also been successful in lessening its time. It, in turn, also reduced the costs which patients had to pay. 3D printing has proved quite useful for the doctors as they no longer depend on third parties for the patients’ products.
- Laser Technology
Another trend in demand in the dental industry is laser technology. It can be used in various procedures such as teeth whitening, removing lesions and tooth decay, etc. This technology has been proved to deliver efficient results. It is a hit in this sector because procedures executed with this technology are smoother, which leads to patients experiencing less to no amount of pain or discomfort. Laser technology also reduces healing time to a significant extent and the risks of infections. When doctors use this technology, the best part is there is no requirement of using anesthesia on patients. There is also less blood loss and lesser damage to the gums.
- Natural Products
Doctors are now recommending and preferring the use of more natural dental products. These commodities only contain natural ingredients which do not have any side effects. It is beneficial for you, the doctor, and also the environment. Dentists encourage natural toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes, which do not have any chemicals in it. Simultaneously, they are cheaper and healthier and are excellent for oral health and hygiene.
- Convenience
A trend of giving more importance to the patients’ convenience and comfort is now prevalent in the healthcare system as a whole. Dentistry is no different and has been witnessed to ensure fewer complications in procedures and processes concerning patients. For instance, take the ability to book appointments from home with a phone call or through an online process, which is very convenient. Payment options have also gone digital and can now be done through your phones.
- Digital Impressions
Digital dental impressions are also one of the latest trends in the dental care industry. Dental molds create the shape of your teeth for various procedures such as crowns, etc. If cracked or disrupted, these casts often prove to be challenging for dentists in the process of making the aids for you. However, digital impressions have eliminated such hurdles. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) has significantly helped practitioners overcome such difficulties.
- Artificial Intelligence
There is no denying that artificial intelligence (AI) has helped increase efficiency in several industries and is expected to operate almost every process in the future. The dental industry is not left untouched by it. This sector has integrated AI to store and manage patients’ data, including treatment history and reviews. It has been helpful for most of the clinics for handling patient records systematically.
- Dental Group Practices
It is often witnessed that young and less experienced dentists find it difficult to start practicing independently. In such circumstances, a dental group practice is what they opt for. This practice is another most significant trend in the dental industry in the current scenario. This practice is where professionals belonging to the same field come together to generate more substantial revenues and lessen costs they have to bear. On the other hand, it helps patients receive efficient treatment in one place, which simultaneously saves a lot of time.
- Automated Management Software
Dental Practice Management software is useful to handle the workload in several areas. This automation technology has also been integrated into the dental care industry, which is now aiding professionals to notify and confirm patients’ appointments. As social media has become an integral part of any industry, this technology also takes care of various digital marketing needs. Furthermore, it helps to increase the dentist’s efficiency by allowing them to focus on other essential things. An automation technology helps make processes organized and smoother in numerous dental clinics using it.
Conclusion
Like any other sector, the dental care industry will keep on developing for the better with time. Now, as per trends, patient care, comfort, and convenience is given more importance. You might have already understood that enhancing the patient’s experience is what is leading to the emergence of all the trends mentioned above. A satisfied patient is beneficial for all as they are likely to recommend the experience they had to people they know, which also helps the dentists and the industry as a whole. We hope we have been able to paint a clear picture of the dental care industry’s biggest trends.