Integrating new technology – Stuart Clark

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  Posted by: Dental Design      6th January 2019

Integrating new technology into the dental practice is no easy task and there are many who are hesitant to do so. Some practitioners regard it as a complicated and costly endeavour, while others are simply averse to technological change, content in the knowledge that they are turning a steady profit and providing good services. Yet, new technology continues to enhance patient care and improve the outcome of treatment, enabling practitioners to increase productivity and profitability. Those who are yet to take advantage of the benefits offered by new technology risk falling behind the competition.

This is not to say that practitioners should invest in any and all systems that are available on the market. In fact, technology develops at such a rapid pace that there are now a near-infinite number of solutions to choose from – the impact of which can be complex and far-reaching. As such, it is important to weigh your options carefully and determine how much return on investment could be gained from successfully integrating the latest technology within your practice. There are some key questions that should be answered before you decide to invest in a new product.  

  • Is it cost-effective?During initial evaluations of new technology, it is crucial to determine the financial impact it may have on your bottom-line. Many practitioners believe that they can never gain true value from CAD/CAM and milling equipment, for instance. However, the irony is that these advanced systems now facilitate the delivery of various restorations, which can be produced and fitted within a single appointment. As a result, laboratory fees required to fabricate restorations are reduced, as are the costs involved with additional patient visits and traditional impression-taking materials. This enables practitioners to streamline restorative treatment, so that they can accommodate even more patients and immediately increase practice profits, thus helping to grow the business.

 

  • What impact will it have on clinical care? Patients are always seeking effective treatment that can deliver desirable results quickly. New technology helps practitioners to meet patients’ demands and expectations in a time-efficient way. However, it is important that you invest in solutions that do not compromise on quality – particularly in regards to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, which has grown incredibly popular in recent years. By investing in high quality equipment, practitioners can achieve natural-looking restorations that provide optimal function. The latest CAD/CAM and milling technologies improve the standard of treatment by minimising the margin for error. This enables you to deliver a service that is safer, less invasive, more comfortable, and puts the “wow” factor back into dentistry, which is an element of clinical practice that patients are likely to recognise and appreciate in the long run.

 

  • Is it user-friendly?The cost-effectiveness of new technology is often reliant on a clinician’s ability to operate it. Some systems have incredibly steep learning curves, making any claims of productivity misleading. Other products – although they may be relatively easy to learn how to use – can, in fact, slow practice workflows with laborious operational steps. Trialling the system may be useful for these reasons, and you should also ascertain what kind of training and ongoing support the technology manufacturer offers. A robust training programme can ensure that staff acquire the necessary skills to competently operate the technology, while ongoing technical support can ensure your confidence in using the solution long-term. Faced with a choice between products from competing brands, training and support could be a deciding factor.

 

  • How easy is it to implement? Many of the systems used by your practice are closely interconnected. When you introduce new technology, it could have an effect on other operations within your practice, so it is important that you consider how easy it may be to implement. Otherwise, you and your dental team might struggle to work cohesively. Innovative technology such as the sophisticated CAD/CAM and milling system from MyCrown offers a complete solution to delivering crowns, veneers, inlays, onlays, and small bridges. Featuring an advanced intraoral scanner and simple 5-step guided software, many practitioners are amazed that they are able to use MyCrown to capture digital impressions and design beautiful restorations in under 10 minutes. These consistently accurate prostheses can then be fabricated in as little as 12 minutes. This system delivers on the promise of ultimate ease-of-use, ensuring that practices can improve the efficacy of treatment without having to drastically adapt current workflows.

 

Today’s patients are exposed to technology every day and expect to see it within modern dental practices. The latest systems are enabling practices to increase efficiency and deliver higher quality services to patients. Practices are now challenged to keep up with the pace of technology in order to remain productive, efficient, and competitive. However, when integrating new equipment, it is crucial to apply a well-thought-out plan that addresses the key questions discussed above. The success of doing so will ensure you are able to gain valuable return on your investment.

 

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.ukor visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

 


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