The dental industry will see an increased focus on new technology to make care more accessible for patients, according to one dentist.
Bruce Smoler, DDS, of Smoler Smiles Family & Implant Dentistry in Westland, Mich., recently spoke with Becker's about his predictions for the industry and what he has planned for his practice this year.
Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are the biggest challenges facing the dental industry today?
Dr. Bruce Smoler: To me there are two answers, the staffing of offices and the affordability of our services. With a paucity of qualified applicants, we have to do more with what we have so efficiencies and training become critical. The other factor is making comprehensive care affordable. With the specter of higher interest rates now a reality, the ability to fund high-end, comprehensive full-mouth dentistry with affordable options is paramount.
Q: What technologies/innovations are coming into the industry that will improve efficiency and quality of care?
BS: The expansion of 3D printing for full arch and single units will become more pervasive. Plus, the ability to integrate [artificial intelligence] or machine learning in all aspects of our businesses will increase, not only for marketing to the general public but also in our intraoffice communications to patients. Providing services at scale will become easier, more precise and at a lowered cost. Personally, I look forward to a more affordable robotic dental implant device, the Yomi, to become more widespread so more of my colleagues can enjoy the vast number of benefits of such a device.
Q: How do you see the industry evolving in the next three to five years?
BS: More focus on proven technologies via the use of evidence-based dentistry to determine more efficacious services. Moreover, this will help expand access and utilization of dental services with more affordable options.
Q: If you could change one thing about dentistry, what would it be?
BS: Decrease insurance companies' hold over limiting reimbursements via requiring predetermination, eliminate insurance companies from steering patients to in-network providers to dictate treatment and interfere with the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship, and finally, allow state insurance commissions to hold dental insurance companies more accountable for their blatant abuse of power in denying claims for frivolous reasons.
Q: What are you most excited about for your career or practice this year?
BS: Implementing advanced technology procedures to help as many people as possible change their lives with dental implants [that are] more affordable, quicker and [come] with reduced pain and swelling.