The Importance of Keeping Pace with Advancing Dental Technology

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Technological Innovations in Dentistry Create More Efficient Yet More Competitive Landscape

The Importance of Keeping Pace with Advancing Dental Technology

We are living in a veritable golden age of technology leading the field of dentistry to become more competitive. Dental practitioners are seeing the benefits of staying abreast of technological developments to stay two steps ahead of their competitors—rather than falling two steps behind.

Because of the increasing demand for technology, the global dental equipment market is predicted to reach $7,138.9 million in 2019, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 5.7% between 2014 and 2019. This is up from $5,416.3 million in 20141.

The need for increased efficiency is both operational and economic. New practice models are beginning to emerge as technology improves our ability to provide services to patients. Because of advancement in diagnostic and treatment technology, we are seeing reduced chair times and more precise diagnoses. Innovation in technology benefits practices of all sizes. Larger, multi-dentist, multi-site practices are starting to crop up as technology shifts the current landscape.

The industry is in a transitional phase as we move forward into the 21st Century. It was predicted that the dental landscape would change more in the next 20 years than it has in the previous 50 years2. Undoubtedly, what our industry looks like in a decade will be considerably different than how it looks today. Modern dentistry, which has also been dubbed “digital dentistry,” employs technology that was only fantasized about years ago.

Digital dentistry is faster and more precise but, most notably, more enjoyable. Fear of the dentist soon could be a way of the past. Patient comfort is vital. A study conducted by Columbia Dental School and the University of Washington revealed that 50% of Americans avoid the dentist because of anxiety and fear. This amounts to 30 to 40 million patients3. If we can ease pain and anxiety, we can pull in more patients. The increased accuracy of modern dental tools allows us to make patients feel more comfortable when they are sitting in the chair, thus alleviating the fear of the dentist while alleviating that toothache.

Furthermore, increased accuracy in early detection of dental problems can save patients the need for uncomfortable procedures further down the road. With digital dentistry, dentists can provide patients with a visual reference of the areas in need of treatment and what that treatment should be, thus increasing case acceptance. Additionally, patient information can easily be passed amongst staff members, allowing for increased teamwork. Digital dentistry enhances efficiency all around, making for a smoother environment.

As access to dental care improves, there is a higher demand for dental services. A higher awareness of the importance of dental health feeds this increased demand. According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. residents spent $108 billion on dental care in 20114. A recent Gallup poll found 64.7% of adults aged 18 to 64 had a dental visit in 20135. In 2013, the average dental specialist earned $283,900 according to the American Dental Association6

Additionally, we are seeing more educated patients. The modern technology that allows our lives to become easier also allows patients to Google information about dental services and to thoroughly research dental practitioners in his or her area. Modern patients are savvy. They know exactly what they are getting and who they are getting it from. Falling behind on the latest innovations could mean falling behind in the market.

Today's market is more competitive and, because technology is becoming an increasingly more important part of dentistry, it is vital to keep abreast of the ebb and flow of technological developments. However, the best tactic for the modern dentist is a more measured approach: investing in technology that will stand the test of time.

Lagging behind could be detrimental to a practice; the modern landscape dictates that today’s dentist stays on top of the latest technology. Investing in technology that has longevity is the best guarantee you will never lag behind. 

References
  1. “Dental Equipment Market (Dental Radiology, CAD/CAM, Dental Chairs, Dental Lasers) Current Trends, Opportunities - Global Forecast to 2019”; Markets and Markets; August 2014. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/dental-equipments-market-784.html
  2. Lavers, Jeffery. “Market Trends in Dentistry”; Dental Economics; October 1, 2002. http://www.dentaleconomics.com/articles/print/volume-92/issue-10/features/market-trends-in-dentistry.html
  3. Goldberg, Steven. “8 Ways to Take the Fear Away from Denta-Phobic Patients;” Dentistryiq.com. http://www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2012/09/8-ways-to-take-the-fear-away-from-dental-phobic-patients.html
  4. Potter, Wendell. “What Really Scares Americans Away from the Dentist”; The Huffington Post; October 31, 2013. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/wendell-potter/what-really-scares-middle_b_4179357.html
  5. Bushak, Lecia. “Oral Health isn't Much of Americans' Concern, Poll Finds: One-Third Didn't See the Dentist Last Year”; Medical Daily; April 29, 2014. http://www.medicaldaily.com/oral-health-isnt-much-americans-concern-poll-finds-one-third-didnt-see-dentist-last-year-279468
  6. Ehrenfreund, Max. “Why Dentists are So Darn Rich”; The Washington Post; July 29, 2015.https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/07/29/why-dentists-are-so-darn-rich/
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