When assessing the quality of the service you provide, consideration of your patients’ experience is as important as clinical effectiveness. Modern technology contributes to both of these ‘markers’ of quality; not only does it improve your diagnostic ability, but it will enhance your patients’ experience at every stage of their treatment. State-of-the-art equipment can encourage a higher return on your investment too. Making sensible decisions about the technology you purchase is therefore essential to the long-term success of your business.
Some practitioners are still reluctant to invest in modern technology, fearing the initial financial outlay and training the team will need in order to use it effectively and with confidence. Ignoring new developments for long is not really an option, however. The dental industry is technologically innovative and progress has been fast. The migration from film to digital imaging is the best example, with 3D imaging opening up another new world of possibilities.
The latest technology can enable dentists to keep up with the demands of modern practice. In the UK we have an ageing population and therefore an older patient base. Dentists using modern 2D and 3D scanners can see more problems instantly; previously hidden detail is immediately visible because the teeth can be examined from various angles. Not only will elderly patients benefit from a shorter (and far less uncomfortable) time in the chair, but phobic patients will too. Dental phobia is still a huge problem, with people who are very anxious avoiding the dentist altogether until they have an emergency. For a phobic patient, walking into your practice and seeing state-of-the-art technology and then having a speedy and relatively painless session with the dentist will go a long way in allaying their fears.
Modern technology enhances the patient experience by improving diagnostics. Effective diagnosis is based on things like experience, research, signs, symptoms and context but modern equipment will improve success by a considerable percentage. Enhanced diagnostics can also facilitate preventative care and may help your patient to avoid costly and lengthy procedures. Modern technology therefore supports choice, self-care and selfmanagement, encouraging a patient’s engagement with their oral health.
A more efficient service also has economic benefits to the practice in general; with powerful equipment at your disposal, treatment outcomes will become more consistent and successful. Happy patients are a fantastic marketing tool, helping to drive more people through your door with referrals.
Communication is a key element of the patient-practitioner relationship, and it is easy to forget the part that technology plays in this. Technology can support many patients’ communication needs, such as information and advice, consultation and care, accurate diagnosis and – ultimately providing successful treatment. The latest equipment will produce scans of such a high quality that it becomes easier for them to understand the diagnosis and for you to discuss treatment options; 3D models are also much easier to explain and dentists won’t have to use complicated terminology. Compared to using film, seeing images on screen in a matter of seconds is impressive and will encourage trust in the service you offer. Compliance is also improved when the patient can fully understand the benefits, risks and potential consequences of the plan you are proposing.
Cost-effectiveness is imperative when investing in modern technology, particularly with the array of options on the market. Modular systems are excellent, and mean your purchases can be easily added to as your needs change
or your team grows. Make sure that on-going support is available, to make the transition as stressfree and as smooth as possible. MyRay produce a range of imaging systems. The Hyperion X9 has multiple configurations enabling 2D panoramic imaging, and an upgrade to 3D status will result in no more than two hours downtime. It also covers multiple fields of view from 5cm and 8cm up to 11cm.
Embracing modern technology enables improvements in the quality of care you provide and your patients’ experience. With modern systems able to provide information that would be undetectable with other methods, diagnoses happen quicker and more successfully and patient compliance increases. In the long term, investing in state-of-the art technology has huge economic benefits. This means that modern equipment and software is within the reach of even the smallest practice. Ultimately, the relentless drive of technology to keep raising the bar in the dental industry is something that we should all pay careful attention to.