INVESTING IN THE FUTURE

Whether it’s the latest smartphone or a 3D printer, most of us regularly feel the “pull” of new technology. But between the speed of advancement and a rightful aversion to being sold to, the current moment can inspire just as much caution as it does excitement. And although there’s no harm in taking a beat before investing, delaying for too long undeniably has its downsides. This is especially true in dentistry, where waiting can mean missing out on immediate opportunities to improve patient care and build a more successful practice.

THE “RIGHT TIME” TO INVEST

When considering new practice technology, many dentists believe they’re strategically putting off purchases until the “right time” – a radical price drop or future update that renders previous models obsolete. However, according to Ben Oliver, an equipment specialist with Patterson Dental’s Los Angeles branch, this hesitation frequently hinders more than it helps. “I remind doctors that dental technology is no different than the technology they use daily in their personal lives,” Oliver said. “It’s everchanging at a rapid pace and it’s not going to slow down. At some point, you just have to jump in with both feet.”

Instead of waiting for a “perfect” moment that may never come, Oliver suggests that practices focus on the immediate benefits of investment, and conversely the opportunity cost of delaying. In turn, dentists can ask themselves questions to determine whether a given solution aligns with their short- and long-term goals:

• Will this technology empower me to provide safer, more effective patient care?

• Will it enable the team to work more efficiently?

• Will it allow me to implement new services and grow my business?

• Will it help my practice remain competitive in the marketplace?

Technologies that satisfy these criteria generally make for true practice builders –investments dentists can count on to deliver reliable returns for the foreseeable future.

DIGITAL FOUNDATIONS: INTRAORAL SCANNING & CBCT IMAGING

As Oliver shared, clinicians have varying perceptions of technology’s place and value in clinical practice depending on their exposure. Take, for example, intraoral scanning (IOS) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Traditionalists may be surprised to discover that digital impressions and 3D imaging are neither overhyped fads nor cutting-edge trends, but mainstays in the modern dental landscape.

“Gone are the days when having a scanner or CBCT puts you ahead of the curve – early adopters are reinvesting in the second or third generation of these technologies,” Oliver said. “Today, not only are they your primary diagnostic tools, but their use is also expected by the general public.”

Beyond improving dental diagnostics, treatment planning and patient engagement, IOS and CBCT are foundational to digital workflows that unlock new service opportunities. This makes for a smart initial investment strategy for any dentist looking to match the pace of modern practice and stay competitive going forward.

NEXT STEPS: IN-OFFICE MILLING & 3D PRINTING

Once a dental office has implemented digital imaging, it’s in a prime position to adopt additional practice-building technologies. This includes chairside milling and 3D printing –both of which offer immense utility now and are only expected to provide more value over time.

“CAD/CAM is a game changer for practices,” said Marianne Nolan, a Patterson Dental CAD/CAM specialist based in Baltimore, Maryland. In-office milling of permanent indirect restorations with CAD/CAM technology minimizes the need for temporary crowns and reliance on dental laboratories while offering patients the convenience of completing treatment in a single visit. “That’s why we see offices succeed with CAD/CAM,” Nolan explained. “It enhances the patient experience, and practices gain control over the restorative process, reducing treatment costs and eliminating headaches often caused by communication issues with the lab.”

3D printing also is becoming one of the most popular investments for dental practices, a phenomenon Oliver attributes to the tech’s “low-cost barrier to entry and ever-expanding uses.” 3D printing shines in a range of indications that historically depended on collaboration with outside labs. This makes it, as Nolan affirmed, an excellent complement to chairside milling. Common applications for 3D printing include fast, accurate fabrication of dental models, surgical guides, nightguards, clear aligners, dentures and more. However, given the ongoing development of increasingly resilient materials, both Nolan and Oliver predict that offices may also be using the 3D printers they purchase today to provide patients with permanent restorations in a few years’ time.

LOOKING FOR LONGEVITY

Nothing is 100% future-proof, but strategic selection can ensure doctors get the most out of their technology investments. Oliver recommends starting with a rigorous assessment of the manufacturer. “A company with a long track record, as well as an established support system and user base has distinct advantages over a startup,” he explained. “The best manufacturers engineer robust hardware capable of accommodating technological advancements over the next seven to 10 years,” Oliver noted.

Usability and flexibility are equally important considerations. “We’re finding that the simpler the workflow – the fewer clicks required to get the end result – the more apt clinicians and staff are to fully utilize the technology,” Oliver shared. In addition, equipment should, as he explained, offer a “runway” for longevity and scalability without requiring replacement.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST…

Support is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to “future-proofing” tech investments. “Technology is different than most purchases a dentist will make – it needs support, and there is no way around it,” Oliver explained. “Partnership with Patterson provides that support, plain and simple. Because we’ve been there since the early days of dental technology sales and implementation, we’ve built the infrastructure needed to support dentists.”

Nolan echoed this, adding, “Patterson can do everything but the dentistry itself – whether it’s software or equipment updates, service calls or training. We’re not looking to make the sale and move on; we want to make sure practices are comfortable with their investments from day one and happy with them years to come.”

“The reality is, these tools are not taking away from dentistry – they’re helping offices work more efficiently and effectively,” Nolan reassured. “It’s an exciting time to have technology on your side.”