The world is being digitized, and dentistry is no exception. With practical efforts to keep up-to-date, digital technology can be integrated into practice to enhance and simplify procedures, helping dentists to maximize return on investment in more ways. Newer technologies enable dental clinics to provide advanced, more streamlined services, receive more patients and provide more efficient treatment.
Integrating technology into practice requires a combination of clinical and management skills and should not be undertaken without careful planning. Since technology is an investment in time, money, and humans, a detailed continuous action plan can help practice achieve its goals and goals more effectively. The following are some considerations for developing such plans to ensure implementation and financial success.
Learn about changes in dental practice
Practice may find it easy to make minor changes, but major changes may be more difficult. Many practices have the greatest difficulty compared to fundamental changes. This change is
CAD / CAM, digital radiography or laser dentistry and other advanced dental supplies technologies generally fall into the category. Fundamental changes require a change of mindset, many people do not want to experience, especially when it will disturb their habits and comfort zone.
Integrating technology into practice requires a combination of clinical and management skills and should not be undertaken without careful planning.
Introducing CAD / CAM and changing the repair methods we provide is not just about technology and equipment. It also includes scheduling patients for a single visit to repair and changing the way they handle appointments. Patient visits are less frequent but longer. The staff is initially hesitant to learn a new method of repair; it is unfamiliar and intimidating. Now, it is a seamlessly integrated practice process that we cannot imagine without it.
Integration goals and specific measures
When considering the implementation of new procedures, procedures or techniques, the dentist should consider its economic feasibility.
Understanding the return on investment may not be realized immediately. If new equipment is not needed, it may not be wise to buy just to buy new things. For example, if you do little indirect remediation every month, your current technology and processes may meet your goals. It is important to distinguish between what you need and what you want.
However, even if the expected return on investment is not very high and urgently needed, the integration of new technologies may help. My practice does not require the purchase of a digital vertex locator, but proof of purchase is successful in a way we have not considered. We have greatly reduced the radiation exposure of our patients, the procedure is more simplified, and patients are more happy with their care.
In addition, using CAD/CAM can increase productivity by allowing the assistant to design restorations in the office. The entire process is simplified in the office.
Humanization of management technology
When the dentist first started accepting impressions, it was a frustrating experience that required a lot of effort. No one knew how to do it correctly. The same applies to the introduction of new technologies. Once you learn and master new procedures, office productivity will increase.
Dental professionals must master new technologies. Learning opportunities are easy to obtain, and can be found online especially in online seminars, discussion groups and dental communities. Dental professionals should use these options to develop and improve their skills and continuing education.
One of the biggest mistakes an exercise can make is to give up too quickly. When change is frustrating, it is easy to achieve, success is not immediate, or the integration is not welcomed by the staff. This highlights the need for a detailed integration plan that includes staff opinions. When everyone sees that this change does not only mean the introduction of new dental equipment technologies, but a new way of thinking and how they will be practiced, they can become active participants in the transition.
Multiple roles for dentists
On any given day, the dentist wears one of three types of hats: the clinician, the manager, and the practice boss. As a clinician, we consider what is best for the patient. As managers, we are responsible to our employees, so we should let them participate in decisions so that they can accept changes more easily. As practice owners, we should consider what is best for practice. Therefore, digital technology should provide return on investment, whether it be through currency profit, new patients, enhanced patient care, or a more efficient and efficient teamwork process.
Ask the right questions to solve the right questions
The well-thought-out plan can speed up your return on investment.
The potential problems in practice need to be solved in advance. These changes are an excellent opportunity to recalibrate systems and procedures that may be overlooked. Incorporating new technologies into practice does not solve what is wrong, but it will improve what is already working well. No matter what changes need to be implemented, you must know that you must be willing to provide leadership and attention to your employees throughout the process.
