Throughout the years, technology has come a long way. Think back to what things were like when you were growing up. For many, it feels like they’re living in a different world. The same thing goes for dentistry in the sense that new technologies and innovations have made the field much more advanced than even before. We can only expect for all sorts of new dental trends to emerge in the coming years. Here are just a few of them that you will see in the next decade.
Teledentistry
We have already seen dentists utilizing teledentistry to make communicating with patients easier and more convenient. In the next ten years, this will only become more and more popular. Dentists are hoping to expand their skills outside of their normal office spaces so they can work with patients more often. This will make cleanings and checkups easier to schedule. Ultimately, patients will get every opportunity they need to get care in an easier and more efficient way.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
You have already seen artificial intelligence become much more complex in the past few years, and it certainly isn’t going to stop here. It will only become more advanced and useful throughout the next decade. You will be able to see AI reviewing x-rays and scans, crown margins, and establish aligners more accurately than ever before. This will not only save time for your dentist, but it will allow for higher quality care for patients.
Group Dentistry
Navigating dental insurance and maximizing your benefits can be confusing. With so many different plans and providers out there, it’s no wonder that patients find it difficult. However, in the near future, dental offices are planning on joining together in order to provide more affordable services and standardized systems for their patients. This will offer a better understanding of benefits.
More Hygienist Responsibilities
Depending on your state, the overall supervision laws for hygienists may broaden. This means that hygienists are likely to begin receiving additional responsibilities in preventive, diagnostic, and restorative care in order to allow for dentists to spend more time on complex and specialty procedures.
Payment Models
Dentists are going to be finding new ways to offer bookings, payments, and pre-authorization for patients. Dental will become integrated into systematic healthcare systems online, so it will become easier to track dental data, and payments will become more transparent than they have been in the past. This means that there will also be additional security.
Ten years will past before you know it. New dental trends are just a small fraction of the great developments you can expect to see when the day comes.
About the Author
Dr. James K. Kramer is an experienced dentist whose career in the field expands more than 30 years. He is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry and a member of numerous other organizations including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Delaware State Dental Society. For more information on dental technology or to schedule an appointment at his office in Selbyville, visit his website or call (302) 436-5133.