We practice and live on opposite sides of the country—Brewer, Maine, and Los Angeles, California, could not be further apart. As fate would have it, however, we met through the Guiding Leaders program in 2023. Having both attended continuing education courses at the Glidewell campus, we were encouraged by their team to apply to the leadership and development program for women dentists. The Guiding Leaders curriculum exceeded our expectations, filling in the gaps in our knowledge of the business side of dentistry and introducing us to a community of like-minded women.
Our alumni group chat has become an invaluable resource where we can ask questions, find out about industry trends in different parts of the country, and offer encouragement as we navigate our respective career journeys. For this article, we wanted to bring the spirit of the Guiding Leaders group chat to the readers of Dental Economics, by exploring the topic of technology and offering practical advice to practitioners.
The increasing relevance of technology
When we graduated from dental school, we found there were still many offices stuck in the old ways: having patients spit into a “toilet bowl,” alginate impressions, hand-developed x-rays—you get the idea.
The truth is, there are still many practices that are behind the curve by 2024 standards. Whether you are a recent graduate, an associate, or a multiple-practice owner, it is important to be discerning when choosing your work environment. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who are open to change and who embrace technology as a vital part of dentistry.
Although there is always a learning curve, the benefits of having a technology-forward practice are endless. With the proper applications, you can:
- Streamline your workflows
- Improve case acceptance rates
- Enhance patient perception
- Gain referrals
- Increase ROI
Technology is being integrated more and more into every facet of our lives. It is never too late to get started or get better at implementing technology. The great news is that the latest products are designed to be easy-to-use for dentists.
Technology we use every day
As practitioners, we often wonder which products and services are truly helpful versus which are overhyped. These are some of the technologies we actually use every day, rely on, and love!
Intraoral scanners: Most dentists would agree that intraoral scanners have completely revolutionized how we practice. The ability to see imaging of the teeth in real time helps us get an accurate and full picture of what’s going on in the mouth. Plus, the information is reflected in a way the patient can easily understand. If a picture is worth a thousand words, an intraoral scan is worth a thousand exams. If you haven’t invested in an intraoral scanner yet, we believe this should be a top priority.
CBCT scans: Digital x-rays marked one of the most important advancements in modern dentistry when they were widely adopted in the 1990s. Offering reduced radiation, improved image quality, and reduced waste, the benefits clearly outweighed the cost of switching over. Now, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans offer an even more detailed 3D view of bones and soft tissue. CBCT scans are useful for obtaining accurate dimensions of the jaw, identifying periodontal concerns, and evaluating the nasal cavity. You should make sure you have the office space to accommodate the machine, but you will enjoy the rewards of not having to refer patients outside of your practice for this service.
In-office mills: Same-day dentistry is no longer a hope for the future—it’s happening right now. Patients practically do cartwheels when they don’t have to wear temporaries for long periods of time or take extra time off work. It’s great for dentists, too, by empowering them to take control of the final outcomes and reduce lab fees.
Some in-office mills are even supported by AI-powered design proposals, drawing on massive databases of past successful cases. That means your patients receive the highest quality designs, tailored to their specific needs. Be sure to purchase a milling system that offers manufacturer-direct support and continuing education to go along with the device itself.
Once you become familiar with your first mill, you may consider getting another one. Especially in a group practice, having two or three mills ensures that patients and dentists won’t have to wait for the mill to be free, saving time and making scheduling easier.
Practice management software: As dentists, staying organized is often one of the hardest parts of practicing. From forms and notes to appointment schedules, reminders, and follow-ups, it often feels like there are a million things to keep track of. Let’s face it, the practice management software you choose has a major impact on whether organization becomes easier or more difficult. The tricky part is knowing which program is right for you.
Some factors to consider:
- The comfort level and capabilities of your office staff
- Your priorities: Is speed most important to you? Personalization? Simplicity?
- How much the software costs versus the features you gain
How to make smart purchases
There’s no doubt about it, technology is expensive! The right technology will pay for itself, but how do you know if it’s the right technology? We have compiled a set of questions that should help you have peace of mind by giving you the confidence to make a well-informed purchase.
Is it going to save time/money?
When purchasing new technology, this is the first question you should ask yourself. If the answer is no, you should not invest in the technology, in most cases. A good way to analyze this is to calculate your hourly rate versus the time savings the technology will give you. If it allows you to see more patients or spend more time with your patients, it’s probably worth it. If it pays for itself over time in reduced lab fees or increased case acceptance rates, it’s also probably worth it, so long as the timeline to recoup costs is reasonable.
Is there a need?
Technology is created to fulfill a distinct purpose. Only you can answer if that purpose is relevant to your practice. Instead of letting flashy advertising dictate your purchases, let your needs dictate the types of technology you seek out. Defining opportunities is a crucial component of growing your practice. Once you know where most of your time and money is spent, you can make a plan to optimize your practice with technology.
Can you reasonably implement it?
Then, there’s always the question of implementation. You must be realistic about what you can take on. If tech is too complicated, you may not have success implementing it. The worst outcome is when something you purchased remains in the box, never to be used. Involve your team in the discussion of implementation whenever possible. Getting the buy-in of everyone who will use the technology is the key to effective implementation.
What options do you have for financing?
When approaching the financial aspects of purchasing, look for ways you can make the purchase work for you. Low APR and reasonable monthly payments are always a good sign, and purchasing toward the end of the year can be advantageous for tax write-offs. For large purchases, we always recommend consulting with a financial expert.
Other resources
After you have identified opportunities to upgrade the technology in your practice, it’s time to do your research. This may include listening to podcasts, reading magazines, or speaking with trusted dentists in your network.
As we mentioned earlier, our Guiding Leaders group chat is helpful because we can get honest opinions from dozens of other dentists. If you don’t have a group chat, there are always online reviews, social media demonstrations, or good old-fashioned emails. Don’t be afraid to utilize all available avenues of gaining insight from real users.
Conclusion
We live in an exciting time where technology has transformed the landscape of dentistry. To remain competitive, it’s important to be aware of new advancements and their potential contributions to your practice’s growth and sustainability. With the proper strategies, technology will undoubtedly support a better future for you and your patients.
Editor's note: The article appeared in the November/December 2024 print edition of Dental Economics magazine. Dentists in North America are eligible for a complimentary print subscription. Sign up here.
