The evolution of dental technology and AI has been a major talking point in the industry, causing optimism and excitement about the direction of dentistry.
The leaders featured in this article are all speaking at Becker's 2024 dental conferences. This includes our Spring Future of Dentistry Roundtable, which is set for June 19-21 at the Swissotel in Chicago, and our Fall Future of Dentistry Roundtable, which is set for Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago.
If you work at a DSO or dental practice and would like to be considered as a speaker, contact Randi Haseman at rhaseman@beckershealthcare.com.
As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who will speak at our roundtables. The following are answers from our speakers at the events.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are you most excited and/or optimistic about in the dental industry?
Alexander Einbinder, DDS. Dentist of Caterpillar Dental (West Babylon, N.Y.): The dental industry has been incorporating advanced technologies such as digital impressions, 3D printing, and laser dentistry. These innovations enhance precision, reduce treatment time and improve patient experience. The adoption of teledentistry was on the rise, allowing patients to consult with dentists remotely. This trend became even more relevant considering the global situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. AI applications were being explored for tasks such as diagnostics, treatment planning and administrative tasks, contributing to more efficient and accurate dental care.
Sodabeh Etminan, DMD. Senior Director of Oral Health of UI Health Mile Square Health Center-South Shore (Chicago): I am most optimistic about the strides being made to include electronic dental modules in existing medical practice management software. Treating complex patients is easier when you have full access to their medical history, medications and allergies with just a few clicks. While our practice sites have partial integration at this time, it is a goal of ours to have full integration in the coming years and the new software capabilities are really exciting from both a patient management and data perspective.
Justin Harlow, DDS. Dentist and Owner of Harlow Dental (Charlotte, N.C.): I'm most excited about the continued integration of technology in our practices. Streamlining our services with technology will continue to be a game changer, whether it be nonclinical needs through AI assisting with front office tasks or adaptations in clinical workflow with faster intraoral scanners, 3D printers and lasers.
Richard Huot, DDS. CEO of Beachside Dental Consultants (Vero Beach, Fla.): Dental workforce issues will drive technology to replace human labor, just as it is doing in other job sectors of the economy. The true winners will be the technology companies that will learn to integrate all types of digital processes into one seamless "package" for dental offices to utilize.
With the advent of application programming interfaces, it is now possible for different softwares to "talk" to each other, and it is impossible for one company to create individually all the digital processes that are being formulated for dental clinical care. Dental companies that create partnerships with specific companies that complement their services will leap ahead, and be attractive to dentists that are looking for true integrated seamless software. AI will facilitate this process, and help speed up that process over the next decade.
Gabriela Hricko, DDS. Partner Orthodontist of Great Expressions Dental Centers (Southfield, Mich.): The explosion of AI and new technologies in our field is quite evident. What I am excited about is how we integrate and implement these new technologies into our practices to yield a better experience and clinical outcome for the doctor, staff and patients. These technologies will not be replacing the clinician or staff; dental offices will always need the human brain and human touch. These technologies will be working with them to create a better experience for all. It will take training, time and patience, and there will be resistance and doubt along the way, but it will be worth it.
Deric Ikuta, DDS. Dentist of Ikuta Dental Health Center (Reedley, Calif.): What I'm most optimistic about in the long term is the use of stem cells to regenerate teeth! I know we are five to 10 years out from this becoming reality; however, stem cell advances have been moving quickly. Having managed congenitally missing teeth, currently there isn't an ideal option. Some people retain their primary teeth and they function for many years, other people exfoliate as they normally would and have a space that either has to be managed or closed. If you can grow a natural tooth, theoretically, you would not need to wait until the patient is 18. You could theoretically start growing the tooth as soon as you know it is missing.
Sara Mahmood, DDS. Founder and owner of Brush365 (Dallas): I'm extremely optimistic about how AI is taking the dental industry by storm. It's amazing to see the innovations and advancements that are taking place rapidly with everything from administrative workflows to the clinical experience. I have already started leveraging some AI in my practices, but I know it will only continue to create more efficiencies within my group. We're moving away from a DIY generation into a "do it for me" mindset. AI makes this possible.
David Ortiz. Director of Operations of Secure Dental (East Peoria, Ill.): I'm most excited about the impact of technology in dentistry. Especially the effect it has on clinic efficiency and patient care — advancements like 3D printing, AI diagnostics and virtual administrative solutions all promote efficiency within the clinic. It allows for same-day treatment, improved diagnostics and streamlined administrative processes. These advancements enable clinics to stay at the forefront of the industry and with more ways to offer patients the best possible care.
Kevin Owoc, DMD. Founder of Owoc Institute of Surgical Prosthodontics (Monroeville, Pa.): I'm most excited about the future of AI and how that will positively impact the dental industry.
Daniel Romary. Chief Information and Analytics Officer of North American Dental Group (Pittsburgh): The things that I am most excited and/or optimistic about in the dental industry is the impact, normalization and widespread acceptance of clinical innovation to support our practices and patients. Specifically, we have seen across the industry widespread adoption of tools and technologies that were only recently inaccessible due to cost, complexity, reliability and ease of use such as AI, 3D printing, intraoral cameras, digital impressions, and laser dentistry. Aside from these advancements being exciting, they have huge tangible benefits to patients, making access to care more expeditious, convenient and comfortable. They also benefit the practice and provider in many ways, including efficiencies, cost reductions, time and quality of care.