Digital X-rays, dental scanners and artificial intelligence programs are just some of the new technologies in the dental industry that are making a significant impact on dental practices.
These two dentists recently connected with Becker’s to share what pieces of technology have been game changers for them within the past few months.
Note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Huzefa Kapadia, DDS. Dentist at Kapadia Dental Care (Detroit): Digital X-rays and dental scanners are the two biggest impacts. In the future, the scanners will continue to get much faster and more accurate, as well as the prices coming down further. There are many comparable scanners out there with much better pricing, so it is not necessary to buy scanners from the biggest names.
Daniel Lingenfelter, DDS. Dentist of Fitch Mountain Dental (Healdsburg, Calif.): The piece of technology that has made the biggest impact in our practice this past year has been artificial intelligence, particularly in cavity diagnostics and treatment planning. AI has changed the way we deliver care in several important ways:
- Improved patient understanding – AI enhances radiographs with clear, easy-to-interpret visuals that help patients better understand their oral health and feel more engaged in their care.
- Empowered hygienists – It highlights areas of concern, giving hygienists the confidence to start meaningful conversations about potential treatment before the dentist enters to confirm the diagnosis.
- Objective bone level measurement – AI provides precise readings of past and present bone loss, shifting difficult conversations from being judgment-based to being grounded in objective data.
- Early detection and prevention – By spotting issues sooner, AI allows us to take a more preventive approach, which benefits patients in the long run.
- Efficiency in planning and design – Beyond diagnostics, AI has streamlined implant planning and the design of simple prosthetics, such as occlusal guards, making these services faster and more cost-effective for patients.
Overall, AI has enhanced communication, improved preventive care, and made our workflows more efficient — all of which have directly benefited both our patients and our team.
