Humans and technology – harmonious or discordant?

The future is nigh

It could be argued that the fear of technology stems from the unknown, and the uncontrollable. For example, robotics replacing our human workforce is a real fear among the profession, but it would be more productive to view technology as something that will enhance the work delivered by professionals, rather than as competition. Innate human traits and skills, such as empathy and manual dexterity, are essential facets for the field, and so it is unlikely that a robot or an AI device will ever be able to replace a human professional in this capacity. However, we cannot ignore the ways that technology has improved processes within the healthcare sectors.

Healthcare and technology

Our population is now an aging one – Census 2021 confirmed that in England and Wales, there were more people in older age groups than ever before. That is 11 million people, approximately 18.6% of the total population, who are aged 65 or older.[i] It follows that, as the current life expectancy in the UK is 81.65,[ii] the health needs of the nation have become more complex and are putting strain on our healthcare services. Some of the recent, smaller-scale innovations include apps that remind individuals to take their medication,[iii] in addition to e-consultations and telemedicine. More advanced, developmental solutions include the implementation of AI into healthcare processes like illness detection, disease classification and decision-making processes.[iv]

Within dentistry specifically, where oral health and the quality of life (QoL) are linked,[v] new technologies have helped to improve the way care is delivered to all patients, especially to older individuals and those with more complex needs. The best example would be the introduction of intraoral scanners (IOS), which have been noted for their enhanced comfort over traditional methods of impression taking.[vi] Digital planning and previsualisation modalities have bridged the gap between treatment and patient understanding, helping to boost case acceptance, enhance patient education and improve their comfort during their visit. In the non-clinical aspects of dentistry, such as record keeping, communication and appointment booking, patient management systems have streamlined the patient experience, making the process of contacting the practice, all the way to attending the appointment, far easier than ever before. Such software can also save money for the dental practice, keep meticulous records and improve patient satisfaction.[vii]

While digitalised dentistry has not become adopted by all dental professionals, its use is becoming more widespread. The benefits to the clinician have also been noted, especially when you can combine systems, along with software, to create a fully digitalised workflow. For instance, intraoral scanners, 3D printers and in-house milling units can be used alone or in combination for various types of indications, from creating splints and surgical guides for implant dentistry, for prosthetic planning, and for working models. With such systems, clinicians are able to work efficiently, both individually and with other members of the dental team. Communication can be enhanced between the dental practice and the laboratory, too, as well as with patients.

A new paradigm

Clark Dental is proud to be one of the leading suppliers of exceptional digital systems, including the Primescan, Primeprint and Primemill. The Primescan intraoral scanner captures exceptional images, thanks to its impressive depth scan technology and Smart Pixel Sensor. Primeprint, a medical grade 3D printer, combines seamlessly with your existing digital workflow. The high level of automation reduces handling times, supports delegation and encourages productivity. Finally, Primemill enables you to print beautiful restorations in as little as 5 minutes in Super Fast mode. Whether used together or on their own, these systems are designed to elevate your dentistry to new heights.

Nowadays, many dental practices are growing as a result of implementing digital tools, software and equipment. Technology has almost become another member of the dental team, supporting the clinician’s workflow and simplifying processes for various other staff. Right now, adopting digital systems might not be viable for every dental practice, but there is no denying that the future of dentistry lies in the digital landscape.

For more information call Clark Dental on 01268 733 146, email info@clarkdental.co.uk or visit www.clarkdental.co.uk

[i] Office for National Statistics (2022). Voices of our ageing population – Office for National Statistics. [online] www.ons.gov.uk. Available at: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/birthsdeathsandmarriages/ageing/articles/voicesofourageingpopulation/livinglongerlives#:~:text=The%20population%20of%20England%20and [Accessed 12 Dec. 2022].

[ii] www.macrotrends.net. (n.d.). U.K. Life Expectancy 1950-2022. [online] Available at: https://www.macrotrends.net/countries/GBR/united-kingdom/life-expectancy#:~:text=NOTE%3A%20All%202020%20and%20later [Accessed 12 Dec. 2022].

[iii] Armitage, L.C., Kassavou, A. and Sutton, S. (2020). Do mobile device apps designed to support medication adherence demonstrate efficacy? A systematic review of randomised controlled trials, with meta-analysis. BMJ Open, [online] 10(1), p.e032045. Available at: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/1/e032045 [Accessed 13 Dec. 2022].

[iv] Kumar, Y., Koul, A., Singla, R. and Ijaz, M.F. (2022). Artificial intelligence in disease diagnosis: a systematic literature review, synthesizing framework and future research agenda. Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing. [online] Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8754556/ [Accessed 13 Dec. 2022]

[v] Saarela, R.K.T., Hiltunen, K., Kautiainen, H., Roitto, H.-M., Mäntylä, P. and Pitkälä, K.H. (2021). Oral hygiene and health-related quality of life in institutionalized older people. European Geriatric Medicine. [online] Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41999-021-00547-8 [Accessed 12 Dec. 2022].

[vi] Siqueira, R., Galli, M., Chen, Z., Mendonça, G., Meirelles, L., Wang, H.-L. and Chan, H.-L. (2021b). Intraoral scanning reduces procedure time and improves patient comfort in fixed prosthodontics and implant dentistry: a systematic review. Clinical Oral Investigations. [online] Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00784-021-04157-3 [Accessed 12 Dec. 2022].

[vii] Spagnuolo, G. and Sorrentino, R. (2020). The Role of Digital Devices in Dentistry: Clinical Trends and Scientific Evidences. Journal of Clinical Medicine, [online] 9(6), p.1692. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7356564/ [Accessed 12 Dec. 2022].