Dental industry has long been considered as one of the largest contributors in the global health industry, and it is expected to continue its steady growth in the near future, mainly driven by implant treatment segment. The industry market size will grow by $37 billion from 2019 to 2023. Here are the 5 most important dental industry trends in 2019.
1. Dental 3D Printers
3D printers are revolutionizing dentistry and orthodontics by helping to drastically reduce time and costs associated with the production of custom aligners, tooth replacements, veneers, and crowns.
In-house 3D printers also decrease the dependency of private practices, on third-party labs and companies that typically design and develop these products. Hiring a specialist who can successfully manage and handle the equipment will eliminate this reliance and save you thousands of dollars long-term.
Same-day dentistry, thanks to 3D printing, will ultimately enable you to earn more revenue by taking on new patients and increasing client retention with faster appointments, and less time waiting for dental items to be created in-house.
2. Natural Dental Products
Going green is a popular trend across all industries, especially in the world of personal and professional healthcare.
As consumers increasingly opt for more natural products like charcoal toothpaste and bamboo toothbrushes in their personal lives, the incorporation of natural oral hygiene products within your dental practice will be a necessity moving forward.
Rid your inventory of artificial dental products made with unnecessary chemicals, in exchange for natural alternatives with healthier, more sustainable and less-abrasive ingredients.
3. Digital Impressions
Digital impressions are eliminating challenges, like cracked or deteriorated casts, that have consistently frustrated dentists and patients over the last few decades.
While computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software aren’t new to the dental industry, the prevalence of these programs will continue to grow as more practitioners gain access to this technology.
If you’re still using wax molds and clay casts to take impressions of your patients’ teeth, it’s time to upgrade your equipment in 2019.
4. Laser Dentistry
Laser technology is one of the many dental trends that’s taking the field by storm for various reasons. Its wide array of uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Whitening teeth
- Removing tooth decay
- Preparing the tooth’s enamel for the receipt of filling
- Reshaping the gums
- Removing bacteria during a root canal
- Eradicating lesions
Benefits of Laser Dentistry
Dentists choose laser dentistry because of distinct benefits that make the procedures go more smoothly, and also reduce discomfort and healing time for patients.
- Patients are less likely to require sutures
- Anesthesia may not be necessary
- The laser will sterilize the gums, making infection less likely
- Less damage to gums shortens the healing time
- Patients lose less blood than traditional surgery
5. Dental Group Practices
Individual dental practices are on the decline, and group dental practices are on the rise. Treating patients in an efficient and time-friendly manner is more important now than ever before.
Eliminate the increasing costs and challenges associated with owning and managing your own practice by joining forces with other trusted professionals in your area.
Creating a joint practice with other skilled practitioners is one common, simple, and effective solution, especially if you’re interested in keeping your business running post-retirement.
