10 Dental Industry Trends Improving Patient Experiences

Flashy dental trends may grab headlines, but these exciting features are often more hype than substance. The real dental trends that practices must keep an eye on are the ones with staying power. They are the ones that go from being trends to best practices in dentistry. To get an idea of which ones to keep an eye on, it’s essential to consider what patients are saying. Then, you can use those ideas to improve the patient experience. We’ve compiled some data to suggest these ten dental industry trends that you should follow to improve the patient experience.

Understanding the needs of modern dental patients

What frustrates your patients? What makes them delay treatment, cut corners, or avoid care entirely? Getting to the heart of that is also essential for understanding what affects the patient’s experience.

In one study of dental patient satisfaction rates, there were four areas of opportunity found:

If these are the most significant barriers to patient satisfaction, then it makes sense that they’re also the best opportunities to improve. That’s why the best dental industry trends address them in some way.

10 dental industry trends that improve patient experiences

The dental trends that will become commonplace in practices focus on enhancing the patient’s experience. By addressing common care barriers, these industry trends have the potential to transform the way care is delivered.

Here are ten trends to watch, each poised to improve patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Tele-dentistry solutions

For a rural patient, a dental appointment, even a single checkup, isn’t just a small part of their day. It may take up the entire thing, as they must travel, wait, see the dentist, and travel back. Invasive care may require hotel accommodations. This creates a massive care barrier that affects an estimated 70 million Americans. Tele-dentistry solutions can help eliminate some of these trips by allowing dentists to consult with the patient remotely from the comfort of their home. That keeps them engaged in care and connected to the patient, while reducing the burden that in-office treatment creates when possible.

Personalized explainer videos

Many dental practices take a one-size-fits-all approach to explaining treatment to patients, meaning that most content may be on a different level from the patient, either being over their head or coming across as condescending. Using personalized explainer videos tailored to the specific patient can help convey information in the right tone.

Digital patient communication platforms

Digital patient communication platforms streamline communication between patients and dental practices. When patients must travel or face long wait times to fill out paperwork, these tools can bridge the gap and reduce the wait.

Appointment scheduling apps

Patients in younger demographics, especially, enjoy being able to schedule their appointments and receive reminders quickly and easily through an app. This can help manage scheduling and improve wait times, as well, by allowing patients to choose blocks themselves that the dental team can later confirm during a streamlined information-gathering session.

AI-powered treatment planning

By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, AI-powered treatment planning tools can offer personalized treatment recommendations, improving outcomes and patient satisfaction while optimizing clinical workflows. These also help to validate the need more deeply for treatment and relieve overtreatment concerns.

3D printing technology

From crowns to aligners, 3D printing technology enables the creation of precise, customized dental appliances, enhancing treatment efficacy and patient comfort while reducing production time and costs.

Minimally invasive techniques

Patients are increasingly opting for minimally invasive procedures that preserve natural tooth structure and minimize discomfort. These procedures are especially preferable for those who must travel, as more extensive procedures often require them to be accompanied by a caregiver or to prepare for an overnight stay. Incorporating techniques such as laser dentistry and air abrasion can improve patient experiences and outcomes while reducing the burden for those who must travel.

Virtual reality distraction therapy

Virtual reality distraction therapy can help alleviate dental anxiety by immersing patients in calming virtual environments during procedures, promoting relaxation, and reducing stress levels.

Eco-friendly practices

Implementing eco-friendly practices such as paperless offices and biodegradable materials can enhance patient satisfaction and attract environmentally conscious clientele.

Intraoral cameras

Intraoral cameras allow patients to visualize dental issues in real-time, fostering better understanding and trust between patients and dental professionals. This can be particularly valuable for patients who seek reassurance or clarity about their dental health. By providing a clear visual representation of oral conditions, intraoral cameras empower patients to actively participate in their treatment decisions and enhance their oral hygiene practices.

These dental industry trends represent innovative solutions to longstanding challenges in the dental care field. By embracing these trends, dental practices can enhance accessibility, improve the quality of care, reduce waiting times, and address patient concerns, leading to better patient experiences and improved outcomes.