Becker's has spoken with several dental and DSO execs this year about the technology they are paying close attention to and how technology is affecting dentistry.
Here is what eight execs have shared with Becker's:
Why integrating AI will be Dental365's core focus in 2024
Terri Krauss. COO at Premier Care Dental Management (New Hyde Park, N.Y.): In 2024, Dental365 is gearing up for a shift in dental care. We're focusing on integrating AI technology to aid and assist dentists in making their diagnoses. By using advanced AI tools, we aim to support clinicians in pinpointing dental issues swiftly and precisely, leading to better outcomes for patients. We're also expanding our approach to include state-of-the-art diagnostic tests, giving us a deeper understanding of oral diseases, like periodontal problems and their impact on overall health. This means more personalized and effective care for patients, marking a significant advancement in the way we approach dental health.
Why 1 CEO believes 2024 holds 'great promise' for dentistry
Heather Foster. CEO of Heritage Dental Group (Dallas): With rapid advancements in technology, the dental industry is poised to witness a surge in innovative tools and techniques. Cutting-edge technologies such as 3D printing, artificial intelligence and virtual reality will revolutionize various aspects of dentistry. These advancements will enhance precision, efficiency and patient comfort.
What's next for medical-dental integration, tech and more in 2024
Cyrus Lee, DMD. CEO of Permanente Dental Associates (Portland, Ore.): The integration of cutting-edge dental technologies is set to continue its rapid advancement. I anticipate the incorporation of artificial intelligence-driven diagnostics and the increased adoption of digital workflows such as 3D-printing technology. Teledentistry may experience further growth, offering patients increased convenience and accessibility for consultations and follow-up care. These technological innovations will significantly enhance treatment precision and elevate the overall patient experience.
How a multi-site healthcare veteran plans to lead a dental brand's growth
Troy Bage. CEO of Tend (Nashville, Tenn.): The industry has big opportunities for innovation through technology, AI and digital care. Dentistry was slow to innovate for many years and the momentum in the profession now is significant, which is especially exciting for us as a technology-enabled company well positioned to advance in these ways. This is a significant tailwind if we can help these areas work for the practices and the patients.
How the dental industry has evolved over the past year, per 18 leaders
Creed Cardon, DDS. Co-founder of Lumio Dental (Jenks, Okla.): Technology advancements have had a massive impact over the past 12 months. Technology that revolves around patient/consumer specific needs is being developed and adopted at faster rates than ever seen before. AI diagnostic tools, digital scanning, patient scheduling and patient financing are a few examples.
Why Select Dental Management's new CEO is keeping an eye on AI
Stephen Saukaitis. CEO of Select Dental Management (Florham Park, N.J.): I'm very interested in everything that's going on with [artificial intelligence] right now. We're taking advantage of AI-assisted software in some of our practices. It's certainly not a replacement for great clinical care but can support the process. In dental, like medical, there is still a wide variation in practice, so I love the idea of exploring where technology can support great clinicians in caring for their patients. That's something that's interesting to me, that speed of change across healthcare, including AI and what it will bring. I don't know exactly what that looks like yet.
How technology will continue to shake up the dental industry, per 1 DSO exec
Barry Lyon, DDS. Chief Dental Officer for the Division of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry at Dental Care Alliance (Sarasota, Fla.): Advances in modern dentistry will be based primarily on artificial intelligence and digitization. AI and its developing algorithms will affect the diagnosis and treatment of all dental diseases.
Everything from augmented reality, virtual reality and even smart toothbrushes will become standard fare for tomorrow’s dentists. There will be advances in patient education, dental student education, oral diagnosis and treatment. The old paradigm of a differential diagnosis that guided dentists for generations will be streamlined by advanced technology. Imagine how virtual reality can be used in dental education. Students will be able to directly and intimately view how various treatments are performed. A huge step forward from peering over an instructor’s shoulders.
What's next for Sage Dental after hitting 100 offices
Jim Mizouni. Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President at Sage Dental (Boca Raton, Fla.): One thing we're spending a lot of time on right now is AI. The development of the software that does not replace the doctor, but helps the doctor to more quickly diagnose long-term history issues for the patient and helps them present patient treatment plans is a big thing. Most groups are not yet doing it, but I think it's going to become more standard as we go forward.