Increased adoption of more technologies like virtual reality digital workflows is one thing that dental professionals would like to see done differently in the industry.
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 to 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.
Editor's note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is something you would like to see done differently in the dental industry?
Brett Gilbert, DDS. Owner of King Endodontics and Partner with Specialized Dental Partners (Niles, Ill.): I would love to see more implementation of virtual reality among specialists to allow for a more integrated care model for our patients. The concept of bringing another specialist in on a consultation via virtual reality capabilities to share imaging and real-time views of the clinical exam with new online connectivity via microscopes is feasible and just makes sense. The benefit is that patients are able to get more information and treatment options without having to reschedule another appointment at another specialty office, which will likely require additional travel time, fees and inconveniences. This model is what we are building at Specialized Dental Partners, which allows us to create more efficiency, greater understanding of treatment options and fewer out-of-pocket fees for our patients.
Daniel Romary. Chief Information and Analytics Officer of North American Dental Group (Pittsburgh): I'd like to see improved adoption and standardization of digital revolution/digital workflows, including 3D printers for crowns, night guards and aligners, using AI for radiographs and increased cone beam usage. We can also improve the patient experience and expectations based on access to new and emerging technologies and clinical innovation by more effectively implementing, adopting, and leveraging AI capabilities. Additionally, by using the improved availability of teledentistry, access to care would be improved.