The field of dentistry is always evolving and dentists must keep up with the changes or risk becoming outdated. Here are two trends in the dental business that patients may have noticed:
The first is technology. The use of lasers is becoming commonplace and will continue to gain importance in the dental office. Lasers have a variety of applications such as removing cavities, reshaping tissue, and repairing fillings. You can expect to see the use of lasers in the dental office increase.
While you may not find 3D Printers in many dental offices, they are being used widely in the laboratories that make your dentures, crowns and bridges. If you are having your teeth straightened using clear aligners, there is a good chance that the aligners are a product of a 3D printer.
AI is gaining a foothold in the dental office. The diagnostic capabilities are significant and can be used by the dentist for a “quick second opinion”. Applications for AI in dentistry will certainly increase.
A second trend in dentistry is that dental practices continue to consolidate. The number of small dental offices is decreasing as dentists sell to DSOs (dental service organizations). DSOs certainly have a place in the dental market. They are often staffed with young dentists, participate in many dental insurances, and are open for longer hours.
The number of practicing dentists affiliated with DSOs increased nearly 100% from 2017 to 2023 (latest available numbers). Reasons for this increase include the high cost of dental education, cost of technology, and the cost of purchasing (or establishing) a dental practice.
At first glance, these two trends could seem at odds with a small family dental practice, like ours. But with my son, Dr. Mike Jr. at the helm, we are embracing technology and its applications within our office. As we continue to treat generations of patients – some 3rd generations! – we feel confident in our value to the community as an independent, family-orientated dental practice.
Call Bucks County Dental Design today at 215-364-2420. For more information, visit www.buckscountydentaldesign.com.
