An increased focus on sustainability, the widespread adoption of AI and improving salivary diagnostics are three of the most impactful advancements in dentistry during 2024, according to dental leaders.
These six dentists and dental executives recently connected with Becker's to share their opinions on what the biggest dentistry advancement was this year.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What has been the biggest advancement in the dental industry in 2024?
Avinash Bidra, DDS. Program Director, Maxillofacial Prosthodontist and Clinical Professor at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine (Farmington): The biggest advancement in the dental industry in 2024 is the deeper penetration of intraoral scanners across all dentists enabling further growth of digital dentistry. Intraoral scanners are the main gateway into digital workflows for all aspects of dentistry.
George Hanna, DMD. CEO of New Mexico Dental Clinics (Rio Rancho): I believe dental sleep apnea screening and appliances were the biggest advancements this year.
Geith Kallas, DDS. Dentist and CEO of Smile Makers Dental Center (Tyson's Corner, Va.): The dental industry has witnessed significant advancements in 2024, transforming the way dental care is delivered and experienced. Here are the top trends that have made a lasting impact.
No. 1: Expansion of cosmetic dentistry. The growing focus on aesthetics has propelled cosmetic dentistry to new heights. Treatments like teeth whitening and veneers are in high demand.
No. 2: Advancements in digital dentistry. Digital dentistry is revolutionizing the industry with cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing and AI. These innovations enhance treatment quality, streamline workflows and improve the patient experience.
No. 3: Rise of teledentistry. Teledentistry has become increasingly popular, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. This trend is expected to continue growing until 2030, making dental care more accessible and convenient for patients.
No. 4: Increased focus on sustainability: The dental industry is becoming more eco-friendly, with clinics adopting sustainable practices and using environmentally responsible materials. This shift is driven by growing consumer awareness and concern for the environment.
No. 5: Growth of dental chains. The dental industry is experiencing a rise in dental chains, which are transforming the traditional clinic model. This trend offers opportunities for dentists to join larger companies and improve their processes and treatment offerings.
These advancements are transforming the dental industry, enhancing patient care and improving the overall dental experience.
Ryan Lee, DDS. Chief Dental Officer of Caring Health Center (Springfield, Mass.): The biggest advancement in the dental industry in 2024 was the wide adoption of dental AI for not only diagnostic and radiographic purposes, but also for dental-medical integration and interoperability with EHR systems for coding and billing.
Andrew Mintz. CEO of The Smilist (Great Neck, N.Y.): I think the implementation of AI technologies overlaying x-rays is a game changer for 2024 and going forward as the technology continues to improve.
Michael Perpich, DDS. Dentist of Gentle Dental (Coon Rapids, Minn.): Lots of things are happening in the dental industry. AI and its ability to diagnose and the insurance companies' ability to deny. 3D imaging will also help dentists show patients what they see in their patients mouth. Salivary diagnostics and the entire mouth body connection. My biggest concern is the lack of dental personnel. Nationally, dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants continue to be in a shortage, which does not help with the huge demand in our services.
Robert Trager, DDS. Dentist at JFK Airport (New York City): Some of the newest technology in dentistry has been around for a few years. Some of these are AI-powered diagnostic tools, 3D digital impressions, dental imaging and the use of CBCT imaging. The latest AI technology system is a smart toothbrush, which is AI-powered with sensors that can reveal the effectiveness of your brushing technique. The results can reveal how long you have been brushing and how effective your technique is. These are all determined by a number of built in algorithms. Some of the results can be printed out or transferred to your smart phones. The next thing you know that in the future someone will invent a robotic toothbrush that will brush your teeth while you are shaving.