Modern technology can help dental practices become more efficient – and more profitable.
In the modern age of dentistry, technology has revolutionized the way dental practices operate.
Adopting new technologies can help your dental practice streamline operations and improve patient care.
Yet modernizing a dental practice can be a daunting task, given the costs associated with upgrading equipment and software.
The good news is – you may qualify for government funding that will help take the edge off that invoice, and give you the tech you need to boost your business.
In this blog we’ll explore:
- Technologies to enhance dental practices
- Government funding to invest in dental tech
Technologies to enhance dental practices
Modernizing a dental practice with new technologies can have a huge impact on patient care and business operations.
By upgrading equipment and software, dental professionals can provide more accurate diagnoses, improve treatment outcomes for their patients, and enhance the patient experience from appointment booking to follow-up care.
Modern tech can also help streamline a dental practices administrative tasks. With the right software, you can:
- Schedule appointments
- Manage patient information
- Process insurance claims
- Save administrator time
- Reduce the risk of human errors
To stay ahead of the competition and attract new patients, many dental practices are turning to modern tech to help enhance the efficiency and profitability of their practices.
Here are eight examples of dental technologies that have helped to transform the industry.
1. Intraoral Scanners
Intraoral scanners are electronic devices that capture a digital impression of a patient’s teeth and gums. These scanners allow dental professionals to create accurate 3D images of the mouth that can be used for a variety of procedures, including crowns, bridges, and clear aligners.
How it helps:
- Intraoral scanners help improve the accuracy of dental procedures
- They reduce the need to take physical impressions
- Create a more comfortable experience for patients
2. Digital Shade Matching
Digital shade matching technology uses advanced software to determine the exact shade of a patient’s teeth. This is especially useful in cosmetic dentistry, where colour matching is essential for creating natural-looking restorations.
How it helps:
- Digital shade matching technology improves accuracy of cosmetic restorations
- Reduces the need for remakes
- Help to create a more natural-looking smile for your patients
3. Practice Management Software
Practice management software is designed to streamline administrative tasks in a dental office. It allows dental professionals to manage patient information, appointments, billing, and insurance claims from a single, easy-to-use platform.
How it helps:
- Practice management software can help dental businesses streamline administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and manage patient information
- This helps to make a practice more efficient and reduce the risk of errors
4. Electronic Health Records
Electronic health records (EHRs) are digital versions of a patient’s medical history. EHRs allow dental professionals access to update patient information in real-time, making it easier to provide accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
How it helps:
- Electronic health records help businesses improve the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans
- EHRs also improve patient safety by providing dental professionals with real-time access to their patients’ medical history.
5. Digital Radiography
Digital radiography uses digital sensors to capture high-quality images of a patient’s teeth and gums. These images can be viewed on a computer screen, making it easier for dental professionals to identify and diagnose dental problems.
How it helps:
- Digital radiography can help your dental office thrive by providing high-quality images of a patient’s teeth and gums
- This allows dental professionals improved accuracy of diagnosis
- This reduces the need for retakes, which saves time and increases patient satisfaction
6. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing has become an essential part of promoting dental practices. By using social media, SEO, and other digital marketing techniques, dental professionals can reach a broader audience and attract more patients.
How it helps:
- Digital marketing is essential to help small businesses thrive by reaching a wider audience and attracting new patients
- Digital marketing tech can also improve patient engagement and loyalty by providing educational content and personalized messaging
7. Patient Communication Tools
Patient communication tools, such as email and text messaging, allow dental professionals to communicate with patients more efficiently. These tools can be used to send appointment reminders, follow-up messages, and other important information.
How it helps:
- Patient comms tools help dental businesses improve communication with patients and reduce the number of no-show appointments
- This tech can increase patient satisfaction by providing convenient options for appointment reminders and follow-up messages
8. RFID Technology
RFID technology uses radio waves to identify and track objects. In dental practices, RFID tags can be used to track equipment, supplies, and even patients. This technology can help dental professionals manage inventory and improve patient care.
How it helps:
- RFID tech can help your practice improve inventory management and reduce waste
- This tech can also increase patient safety by providing dental professionals with real-time access to equipment and supply information
Dental technology worth investing in
Adopting modern technologies like those we’ve described above can help your practice significantly improve ROI.
By improving the accuracy of diagnoses, treatments, and restorations, these technologies can increase patient satisfaction, leading to more referrals and repeat business with loyal customers.
Additionally, streamlining administrative tasks with practice management software and EHRs can increase the efficiency of the practice and reduce errors, ultimately leading to increased profitability.
Digital marketing and patient comms tools can help you attract new patients and increase engagement leading to increased revenue.
Overall, implementing modern tech can greatly improve patient outcomes and their satisfaction — which is great news for your business!
Government grants for digital adoption
One of the most significant pain points for small businesses trying to integrate new technology is the cost.
You need to have a budget prepared to:
- Research the best technologies for your practice
- Purchase the software and equipment
- Integrate the new technology
- Train your staff to use the new tech
For some businesses who struggle to make ends meet, this may seem like a huge barrier.
Fortunately, the Government of Canada has developed the CDAP program for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to access the tech they need to stay competitive in the digital age.
Find out if you qualify for the CDAP Boost Your Business Technology $15,000 grant – which will buy you a digital adoption plan prepared by a digital advisor that will tell you which software and equipment you may want to consider investing in.
If your digital adoption plan is approved, you can access up to $100,000 in interest-free loans that will help you make the purchases, and integrate the new tech into your practice.
Contact a digital advisor today to get started
You can reach out to a CDAP-approved digital advisor today. If you know you qualify for the CDAP Boost Your Business Technology grant, you can book an appointment with an advisor straight into the calendar.
If you still have questions – visit our website and start a LiveChat with one of our friendly CDAP-Approved Digital Advisor agents.
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