High-Tech Game Changers

In addition to digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, chairside mills and printers, there are also a host of game-changing technologies that are impacting—or will in the future—the way dentists learn, operate, diagnose and treatment plan as well as transform the patient experience and quality of care.

For example, artificial intelligence is helping dentists detect caries and other conditions in X-rays and CBCT scans and make treatment recommendations. Interestingly, machine learning algorithms also have proved to outperform dentists in diagnosing tooth decay or predicting whether a tooth should be extracted, retained or have restorative treatment.

Another innovative technology—virtual reality—is becoming an important tool in dental education. For example, the Simodont Dental Trainer, from Promethean Dental Systems, simulates working on a live patient. “To practice or learn a specific dental procedure, you press a button and start...