One cannot look toward the upcoming trends in dentistry for 2022 until reviewing the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dental industry. The ADA reports two years after the pandemic, there are low infection rates among dentists and dental staff. The dental industry was already familiar with using protective gear and maintaining sterile conditions. Dental offices experienced shutdowns in the very beginning of the pandemic, but were soon back to operating quickly due to precautions already in place, including wearing PPE. The pandemic continues to challenge the dental industry, but the trends for 2022 are looking brighter. The following technologies are expected to expand in 2022.
Augmented Reality (AR)
Augmented Reality provides users an image or video of a real-world scenario and “superimposes” another visual over it. The altered image shows a changed or augmented reality. Cosmetic dentistry and orthodontics can use AR to let patients preview their results before receiving their treatment for smile transformations, adjustments, and enhancements. AR is enabling dentists to practice “emotional dentistry.” This type of dentistry helps to improve the experience of the patient by calming the patients’ nerves and making the process of receiving dental care less intimidating.
Teledentistry
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, teledentistry proved to be a time-saving, convenient option for patients and providers. The patient’s experience has expanded through use of virtual consultations/referrals, patient education, and emergency care consults and triage. The ADA has provided an updated policy for the use of teledentistry. As technology evolves, new uses for this technology will expand beyond the reach of a physical location. Secure sharing portals will be used by allowing clinicians secure access to patient data and collaboration opportunities from anywhere at any time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The ability to process vast amounts of information by machine learning and AI to identify patterns will be especially valuable for patients with at-risk dental issues. The technique of machine learning is a branch of AI that is analogous to an adult showing several photos of cats to a child. The child eventually learns the patterns involved in recognizing a cat and identifying one in new images. For instance, AI will be able to identify caries or bone and tissue conditions, thus increasing the time and accuracy of the diagnostic process. It will help patients feel more confident about treatment and increase the claim approval by insurance providers.
3D Printing
3D printing technology is projected to double its market share every three years. It has numerous benefits, including faster treatment and reduced costs. A few benefits of 3D printing are:
- Onsite printing saves time and lab costs
- The timeline for crown production (for example) can be reduced with onsite 3D technology
- Chair time is maximized and patients experience faster procedural turn-arounds
- Patients can get some services now in a single office visit
Chatbots
According to estimates by IBM, up to 80% of clients’ frequently asked questions could be answered by a Chatbot. A chatbot is a computer program that simulates a conversation with a real person (either written or spoken), allowing humans to interact with digital devices as if they were communicating with a human specialist. This particular technology can streamline inquiries and save office staff time by answering routine questions and can even be used to schedule appointments. The technology has the potential to save businesses up to $8 billion in 2022, according to IBM.
Appointment Confirmation Software
Just like chatbots, appointment confirmation software automates a previously time-intensive process prone to error and neglect. Many appointment confirmation software systems even offer patients the option to make their own appointments. Look for confirmation software to continue to integrate with online payment, virtual dentistry, and office and data collection software in 2022.
Dentistry Will “Go Green”
Dentistry has a significant environmental impact. Dental practices discard approximately 680 million chair barriers, light handle covers, and patient bibs, as well as 1.7 million sterilization pouches each year, according to the Eco-Dentistry Association. Concerns over the field of dentistry’s environmental carbon footprint will move patients to choose more environmentally conscious dental practices. Newer high-tech innovations will allow for more waste reduction. In 2022 and beyond, it is predicted that more dental practices will seek ways to reduce pollution. And will use this appeal for impacting patient recruitment and retention.
Times are changing and standards of healthcare are constantly evolving. What are you doing in your dental practice to keep up with the changing times? Strategic Practice Solutions offers three primary engagement models that offer a lot of flexibility in how dental practices work with us; everything from one-on-one dental consulting, to guided dental practice coaching, to classroom training and workshops.
No matter how you choose to engage with us, we use the methodology and tools from our SparkPlug Dental Practice Management System. Without definitive systems, policies, and procedures in place, your practice will not operate as efficiently as it could. And you will continue to spend time on non-revenue-generating activities. Moreover, your dental team will handle situations differently, leading to inconsistencies in patient care. Be proactive, not reactive! Call us today for a consultation.
Strategic Practice Solutions, LLC