Artificial intelligence (AI) for x-ray analysis and revenue cycle management (RCM) automation were the hot trends in dental service organizations (DSOs) in 2023, and adoption is expected to grow even more in 2024.
Plus, cloud-based software that enables the secure sharing of data across practices and providers is making life easier for clinicians, support staff, and DSO executives.
To find out how DSOs ranging in size from startups to groups with more than 75 locations are using technology solutions, we asked the following questions:
- What types of technology did you add to your practice in 2023?
- What types of technology are you exploring for 2024?
- What problem(s) would it solve?Some of their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Dr. Kalpesh Patel, founder and CEO of Active Dental (four locations in Texas)
“We added iTero Element 5D+ scanners in 2023 and have been impressed by the ability to use this technology both as a patient education tool and as a teaching tool for our newer doctors.
“We’re a small DSO, and I can now have my clinical director access patient data virtually to help guide and coach our doctors better. We can access x-rays, the full digital exam, patient notes, and other data to conduct peer-to-peer patient reviews easily.
“In 2024, we’re adding 3D printers to make us more efficient with creating and delivering dental implants, night guards, crowns, and composite veneers. They will give us the ability to print out dental implant guides so we can combine them with a cone-beam computed tomography scan, plan out the implant placement, and deliver treatment faster. Guided implants make everything so easy and predictable.
“We anticipate that having the 3D scanners will help us increase patient compliance with night guards because we’ll be able to turn them around in just one day while the patients’ motivation to wear them remains high.
