Technological developments in the dental industry
Technological progress and developments in the field of digitization accompany us not only in our private everyday lives, but also in our professional lives. And even if the wheel does not turn quite as fast in the business to business (B2B) context as in the business to consumer (B2C) context, it is still present and a topic that you should deal with continuously in order to remain competitive.
Fields of innovation in dentistry
In the article Demographic change in the dental laboratory we have already talked about the changed roles of the players in the dental sector. These changed roles of dental technicians and therapists, for example, are not only due to demographics, but also due to technological developments and innovations.
The most obvious developments include digital techniques such as CAD/CAM-based manufacturing. Those who dare to invest design using CAD software and manufacture using the CAM process themselves.
For smaller laboratories that cannot utilize the machines to full capacity, there is the option of outsourcing this step to a manufacturing center.
We pick up the less obvious developments for you below:
Digital imaging
On the one hand, digital imaging is the basis for CAD/CAM in dental technology, in that impressions are taken with intraoral scanners or plaster models can be digitized with desktop scanners.
But digital imaging technology can also be used a step earlier. For example, in backward planning (3DIP) in the field of implantology.
The optimal position, length and alignment of implants as well as the optimal drilling depth are determined on the basis of DVT recordings. Optimal because the function and aesthetics of the fitting are already taken into account during the planning phase. Based on the information obtained from this planning, the drilling template, the abutment belonging to the implant and a temporary crown (e.g. made of FAB Polymer) can be manufactured in the dental laboratory in one step, which the patient can use as an immediate restoration.
Close cooperation between the practitioner and the dental technician is essential for backward planning.
Processing of new materials
In addition to the more careful use of resources, CAD/CAM technology brings other benefits to the dental industry. Because the use of additive and subtractive manufacturing processes makes it possible to process innovative materials that could not be used in conventional dental technology due to their physical properties.
A very good example of this is PEEK plastic. The high-performance plastic has been used in medical technology for implants for a long time and can now also be processed in the dental field thanks to the use of milling machines.
With the advancement of technology, the focus is increasing on material competence and thus the advisory function of dental technicians to those treating them.
Internet of Things (IoT)
Perhaps you have already heard of the fridge that keeps its own shopping list and places its order directly online. Or from the communication between the refrigerator and stove regarding the possibility of preparing food.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is slowly making its way into our private lives. But we should also be prepared for it in everyday work, because what the fridge and stove can do is also possible with 3D printers and storage shelves..
For example, the 3D printer reports when the material runs out. If the 3D printer is connected to an ERP system, for example, a material reorder can be placed automatically.
Data collected from different devices can also be statistically evaluated and used for analyzes or predictions. These in turn serve to improve quality, avoid failures and thus contribute to process improvement and reliability.
Digitization of (administrative) processes
Not only dental work processes benefit from the use of new technologies, administrative processes can also be made more efficient through progressive digitization. For example, patient cases can be archived completely digitally, so that they are immediately available at all times to save space.
The Mercateo study from 2017 provides other interesting figures about digital processes in companies. The establishment of digital procurement processes in purchasing should reduce process costs by around 40%. Anyone who has the courage to digitize will be rewarded with a strategic advantage, because digital business data can be used for benchmarking and strategic corporate development. However, the study also shows that around 70% of companies (primarily SMEs) do not feel up to the challenges of digitization.
Augmented Reality (AR) in dental technology
So far, augmented reality is more familiar from the gaming sector. But this technology does not only bring new possibilities in gaming. AR offers the opportunity to involve patients more closely in the process and thus obtain consent regarding aesthetics. This way saves disappointment and time-consuming rework.
Platform idea in communication
New technologies are also bringing the platform idea to the dental industry. This simplifies communication between practitioners, dental technicians and patients. System freedom and uniform file formats are important here, so that this new type of communication runs smoothly and without barriers.
Critical success factors for technological advances in the dental laboratory
The dental industry is changing. In order to stand out from the competition, a rethink is necessary.
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Humanity and the idea of service should be in the foreground in order to gain access to digital patients.
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Solution providers (networkers between the various players in the dental industry) are in demand.
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Dependencies should be avoided, both from individual customers and from supplying companies. Open data formats that can be used and processed by a wide variety of companies offer system freedom and thus independence.
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As Charles Darwin said, it is not the strongest of a species that survive, but the most adaptable. Flexibility and thus the ability to adapt quickly to changes is particularly important in the digital upheaval.
Conclusions
Technological progress influences and changes the job profile of dental technicians. For dental technicians, the service concept is becoming more and more important. This way of thinking is like a paradigm shift in the dental industry, which should already be given to the next generation during their training. Just like digitization, this idea still plays a rather subordinate role in vocational schools at the moment.
Aber nicht nur der Nachwuchs der Dentalbranche sollte in Bezug auf den Dienstleistungsgedanken und die Digitalisierung gefordert und gefördert werden. Auch jahrelang loyale Mitarbeiter:innen müssen abgeholt werden, denn von ihrer Erfahrung profitieren auch Berufseinsteiger:innen.