Going to the dentist is one of those childhood fears that we can still recall as we grow older. Sitting on a chair facing blinding light and enduring lengthy sessions where your mouth is poked at using frightening devices is what most of us remember. However, things have completely changed in the recent decade. Technology is providing dentists with all types of tech tools.
If you are interested in learning about the top 5 tech tools for dentists, you have come to the right place. This post takes a close look at the new technologies that are powering the future. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial intelligence or AI as it is normally called is being used by dentists for providing patients with next-level treatments. Software is employed by dentists to generate insights to make better decisions. AI algorithms are being used to integrate client data. Thus, clinicians are able to treat patients using the right techniques. The rise in health data is allowing healthcare AI to enter a new age of digitalization.
Smart algorithms are being integrated by the dental industry to analyze health data, treatment techniques, and research findings for offering therapeutic and diagnostic recommendations to patients. The accumulation of data will allow for personalized care to be provided to each individual. Only the best treatment options are suggested based on the probabilities of success of each treatment.
Moreover, by leveraging AI-based algorithms, it is possible to better tend to patients. Machine learning methods quantify immune cells accurately and provide better insights into the success of each treatment. In addition to this, dentists are utilizing neural networks to detect periodontal disease and tooth decay using radiographs. Thus, it is only a matter of time until these approaches become the norm.
- Augmented Reality (AR)
Another tech tool that dentists can use is augmented reality (AR). Chances are that you might have heard of it. It uses the same technology as Snapchat. The field of dentistry can use augmented reality for clinical and educational purposes. Dental students can use AR to perform procedures on mannequins and receive feedback immediately as every movement would be tracked. Hence, they will have no trouble identifying the issues and developing their skill set. More than 8,500 students across the globe are already using AR.
The latest technology allows for aesthetic and reconstructive procedures to be effectively performed. Besides this, patients can have a look at how they will look like if they decide to undergo the procedure. Each procedure will offer patients with the opportunity to see results without even having to go through any treatment. AR apps have been developed which allow one to use their smartphone camera to see a virtual depiction of improved teeth. Hence, dentists and patients can configure the teeth to achieve perfect spacing and height.
With AR, it is possible to make the right choice in terms of aesthetics and functioning. As more and more apps are being created, your dentist will be able to use the app to show you future results.
- Virtual Reality
Dental office anxiety is a lot more common than one might think. Dentists can help their patients overcome anxiety by utilizing virtual reality (VR). With VR, it is possible to close off the outside world from patients. All one needs is a dedicated VR headset to do so.
As the patient will be immersed in a virtual environment, they will be transported to a calming landscape while sitting at the dental chair. This means that patients will have a much better experience. Similarly, dental surgeons and dental students can wear a headset to be transported to the operation room from the comfort of their home to practice technique.
Moreover, VR cameras allow operations to be live streamed by surgeons for a global audience. This enables medical students to feel like they are present at the OR with the VR goggles. The truth is that dentistry has easily outpaced various fields when it comes to adoption of VR technology. You can assist surgeons virtually and more with VR goggles. Furthermore, the technology can help dentists gain empathy skills as they can experience being in the shoes of patients.
- 3D Printing and CAD (Computer Assisted Design)
Dentists are using 3D printing more than ever before. The rise of 3D printing has made our lives a whole lot easier. With the technology, it is possible to print prosthetics, medicines, and organ replicas. The coronavirus pandemic further revealed just how important 3D printing is in helping meet the demands of hospitals. The technology is crucial for the dentists of the future.
Dental labs are using 3D printing to produce low-cost crowns and more. In the past, dentists tool a mold of the tooth to prepare a temporary crown, while the permanent one took a long time to be created at the dental laboratory. CAM/ CAD technology allows for a crown to be made at the office. Moreover, 3D printers help produce retainers, aligners, surgical guides, orthodontic models, and other dental equipment.
- Cloud Accounting
Finally, a tech tool that dentists can use to better manage their financials is cloud accounting. As more and more industries move to the cloud, dentistry has also made the switch to the cloud. With cloud migration, it becomes incredibly easy to manage all your financial data, prepare reports, and work on the go. You can access all the information using your fingertips with Cloud accounting for dentists office. By taking advantage of cloud accounting, you get to streamline all your work. It also helps reduce the risk of data getting stolen as the cloud is more likely to be secure.
Conclusion
Once you finish reading this post, you will know about the top 5 tech tools for dentists. Use these tools to simplify your work and take your career to the next level. Each tech tool has something unique to offer. Hence, the tools are worth checking out.