We’re living in a golden age of innovation, where new technologies are developing at a rapid pace and transforming every industry—dentistry included. New developments in dentistry are improving precise diagnosis potential, increasing accessibility, and expanding treatment options. These advancements improve the quality, dependability, and efficiency of your dental lab partner; but only if they adapt to meet the moment.

For example, digital dental technology is replacing traditional techniques with solutions that offer more accurate treatments, while also trimming time and costs. Dental laboratories who are not investing in, and making use of digital solutions, will quickly fall by the wayside in a competitive market. After all, clinicians are searching for the best quality and most advanced treatments at the most affordable cost so they can pass these benefits onto their patients and grow their dental practice.

dental lab technology
Digital dental technology is replacing traditional techniques with solutions that offer accurate treatments while saving time and costs.

New Technology Increases the Product and Service Value of a Dental Practice

New technologies are transforming every stage of the dentistry workflow. One of the most significant recent advancements in the dental world is 3D printing technology. 3D printing improves dental labs’ model-making, surgical guides, and wax-ups, influencing the cost, speed, and accuracy of dental services and products. A lab that produces high-quality products while minimizing costs empowers dental practices to offer increased benefits to their patients.

Additionally, robotics are making an increased mark on the industry. The first robot designed specifically for dental implant surgery was endorsed by the FDA back in 2017, and since then robotic additions have become more and more prevalent. These surgical robots—specifically designed to allow more precise control over surgeries—enable less invasive procedures and precipitate healing.

Ultrasound technology, while not new to the medical field, offers a radiation-free alternative to many 2D and 3D imaging solutions common in modern dentistry. Although resolution and accuracy capabilities required for 3D images of the teeth and jaw in dentistry still lag somewhat, advancements in ultrasound technology hold incredible promise for safe imaging solutions.

If you thought virtual reality was just for video gaming, think again. VR is poised to revolutionize dental education and training. You will soon be able to use VR systems to hone skills and test the latest techniques and technology under the guidance of an expert without live patients. VR promises immense dental training capabilities, operating essentially as a virtual lab.

Quality Management Systems Ensure the Efficiency of Dental Laboratory Services

Dental labs deal with a range of complex operations every day. Thus, quality management systems and workflows are integral to business operations. Good management ensures that a dental lab can handle partner demands without sacrificing quality, accuracy, reliability, or timeliness.

Dental laboratories need to reduce inaccurate measurements and tests to an absolute minimum—but this is no easy feat. A 99% accuracy rate may sound impressive at first. But in a system where even the smallest slip-up can have drastic outcomes, a 1% error at any point in workflow could be significant enough to cause major harm. That 1% of mistakes can spawn unnecessary treatment or diagnostic testing, complications, delays in diagnoses, or failure to provide required treatments.

From organizational structures to process controls to customer service, an effective quality management system should involve all aspects of lab operations.

Expand Treatment Offerings With the Latest Dental Products

On the heels of a challenging year across industries in 2020, a full two-thirds of lab operators reported an increase in sales and profitability in the first half of 2021. As a dental practitioner, one of the best ways to expand treatment options within your practice and increase case acceptance rates is to partner with a dentla lab that has access to current technology and can deliver relevant services using cost-effective products.

When patients are comfortable with case recommendations, they are more likely to accept and receive the care they need. Using the latest tools and products streamlines dental care and contributes to your practice being viewed as a modern provider. State-of-the-art technologies offer an increased range of solutions and allow practitioners to provide reassuring care to patients.

Manufacturers like Sterngold Dental combine the latest dental solutions with cost-effective options, allowing labs and practitioners to expand treatment offerings and retain clients. Sterngold's Dental Lab Partnership Program, for example, enable the dental lab to extend a reasonable implant supported crown service fee that practitioners can pass on to their patients.

Why Pairing With the Labs That Have Current Technology Is Key.

Partnering with a dental lab that embraces current dental technologies can both increase patient satisfaction and boost your practice reputation. Seek out labs that have access to current dental technologies such as intraoral scanners, digital dentures, 3D printing, and guided surgery. Sterngold Dental can be a provider of all these. Contact Sterngold today and ask about dental laboratories that can work on acitvely getting your practice to the next level.