- Role of businessmen in promoting modern dental technology in Pakistan
In present day dentistry, technology stands as a formidable ally, revolutionising traditional practices and enhancing patient care. From diagnostic tools to treatment methods, technological advancements have reshaped every facet of dental care, ushering in an era of precision, efficiency, and patient comfort.
Digital radiography
Cutting-edge imaging technologies such as digital radiography and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provide unparalleled insights into oral health, enabling dentists to diagnose conditions with pinpoint accuracy and plan treatments effectively.
Intraoral scanner
The intraoral scanner stands as a game-changer in modern dentistry, reforming the traditional process of dental impressions. This device utilizes advanced optical technology to capture detailed 3D images of the oral cavity, replacing messy and uncomfortable traditional impression materials. With its unparalleled precision and efficiency, the intraoral scanner streamlines treatment planning and fabrication of dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, and aligners. Its use enhances patient comfort by eliminating the need for bulky impression trays and minimizing chairside time.
Tooth decay detection devices
Technological advancements have made caries detection easy, enhancing dental care outcomes. Among the caries detection devices, Diagnodent employs laser fluorescence to detect early-stage caries, aiding in timely intervention. Spectroscopic techniques like Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) provide detailed images of tooth structure, aiding in accurate diagnosis. Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence (QLF) detects demineralisation by measuring fluorescence changes, facilitating preventive measures. Fiber-optic transillumination allows non-invasive visualization of carious lesions. These devices not only enhance diagnostic accuracy but also promote preventive dentistry, ensuring optimal oral health for patients
Lasers
Innovations like Laser dentistry represents a transformative paradigm in oral healthcare, offering a myriad of benefits across diagnostics, treatments, and patient experience. By harnessing the power of concentrated light energy, lasers enable precise and minimally invasive procedures, reducing discomfort, bleeding, and recovery times for patients.
In diagnostics, lasers facilitate early detection of oral conditions by enhancing the visualization of tissues and aiding in the identification of abnormalities. They also enable precise soft tissue procedures, such as gum contouring and frenectomy, with minimal trauma and faster healing. Lasers are also instrumental in various restorative and cosmetic procedures, including cavity preparation, dental bonding, and teeth whitening, offering superior precision and aesthetics compared to traditional methods. Their antimicrobial properties make them effective tools for Periodontal therapy and Root Canal Therapy.
CAD/CAM
Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology offers precise and efficient solutions for the design and fabrication of dental restorations. With CAD software, practitioners can design custom restorations with intricate detail and precise fit, tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy. These digital designs are then seamlessly transferred to CAM software, which utilizes milling machines or 3D printers to fabricate the restorations from materials like ceramics or composite resin. Its utilization ensures consistently high-quality results and enables practitioners to offer same-day restorations, significantly improving efficiency and convenience in dental practice.
Virtual simulator
In Pakistan, integration of modern technology in dental education will profoundly transform the way students learn and practitioners refine their skills. Virtual simulators and augmented reality platforms offer immersive, risk-free environments for students to practice various dental procedures, allowing them to develop proficiency and confidence before working with real patients. Its utilization in dental education will not only enhance the learning experience but also prepare students for the complexities of contemporary dental practice. By embracing innovation, dental education continues to evolve, ensuring that future generations of dental professionals are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver high-quality care in an ever-changing healthcare landscape.
Electronic health records
Beyond clinical and educational applications, technology also streamlines administrative tasks, improving workflow efficiency and patient communication. Electronic health records and appointment scheduling software optimize practice management, enhancing the patient experience.
Role of businessmen
Encouraging dentists to embrace technology is pivotal for modernizing dental practices and improving patient care. The adoption of technology within dental practices and education could not gain popularity and faces hurdles such as cost, awareness, and access to training. Business promotion is necessary to overcome these challenges, especially considering the significant impact of economic factors on decision-making in this regard. To ensure that upcoming dentists are well-prepared to leverage technological progress in dentistry, it’s essential to incorporate modern technology into the dental curriculum.
Businessmen can play a crucial role in promoting modern technology to dentists in Pakistan by acting as intermediaries and facilitators in the process. They often serve as distributors or representatives of technology companies, bringing the latest dental equipment and tools to the attention of practitioners. They can
- create awareness among dentists about the benefits and functionalities of modern technology through marketing efforts, demonstrations, and educational seminars.
- collaborate with dental schools to integrate the latest technology into their curriculum and training programs. By exposing dental students to cutting-edge technology early in their education, can help drive future adoption among practicing dentists. This effort will provide dental students with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the changing requirements of modern dentistry, encompassing both practice and patient care.
- offer hands-on workshops and training programs where dentists can gain practical experience using the latest technology in a controlled environment. This allows them to see the benefits firsthand and build confidence in incorporating the technology into their practice.
- offer financial solutions such as installment plans or leasing options to make the acquisition of technology more affordable for dentists.
The Author is Dean Faculty of Dentistry, Baqai Medical University