The world of dentistry has changed for the better with the advent of digital technologies, notably the digital impression system. It allows dentists to view the interiors of the patients’ buccal cavities in 3D and diagnose any underlying ailment. The clarity and precision of the images are way ahead of what could ever be obtained by the traditional method. A digital intraoral scanner allows dentists to streamline their workflow, cut bottlenecks, speed-up delivery, and deliver a better patient experience. However, notwithstanding the slew of benefits that dentists and dental laboratories can derive from using digital technologies, some dentists are reluctant to incorporate them into their workflow. Let us discuss the reasons in detail.
Reasons for dentists to avoid going digital
Cost: The initial cost of buying an intraoral scanner often can be offputting for some dentists. They think of the likely return of investment or ROI on buying such a piece of advanced equipment. However, what they overlook are the advantages that buying such equipment can bring to their clinic in the long run. Besides creating value and enabling massive efficiencies, they can save time as well. Also, intraoral scanners are more accurate, which removes the need to retake impressions. These devices have precluded the possibility of receiving ill-fitted impressions from the laboratories. Further, dentists, instead of buying big scanners, can opt for something like the Panda 2 scanner, which is relatively smaller, easy to carry and operate, and precise.
Changing the workflow: Dentists get attached to their clinic and workflow, and are reluctant to embrace change. Before purchasing a dental scanner, find out if the existing workflow at the clinic can incorporate the device. Many dentists and laboratories have gotten used to a certain workflow, which has been serving them well. Installing a digital impression system can upset the applecart and force them to learn and change their way of working. Moving away from one’s comfort zone can be difficult at times. However, change is inevitable and dental clinics should not shy away from embracing digital technology. By changing the workflow to a digital one, dentists can optimize the workflow, improve productivity, and increase efficiency at their clinics. These are the key factors to determine their long-term growth potential.
Not tech-savvy: Installing a dental scanner like a Panda P2 scanner would mean learning about its features and usage in detail. Some dentists would shy away from going digital by stating that they are not tech-savvy. And for them, learning how to operate the equipment could be a tall order. But what they miss in doing so is that the 3D intraoral scanner can be a powerful diagnosing tool to view the patient’s oral condition. Since the patient is able to view the images on the chairside monitor, treatment adaptability and user experience can enhance significantly.
Not convinced about technology: In the initial stages, intraoral scanners were evolving and there was a scope for improvement. This was mainly in the areas of usage and accuracy. This left an impression among dentists that such scanners have a steep learning curve and their accuracy can leave much to be desired. Thus, dentists thought why to invest in a technology that has a few shortcomings and the results are not as precise as a traditional one. However, over time, digital scanners have improved massively in terms of precision and usability. Today, the quality of any digital impression system is far ahead when compared to its previous avatar.
How to choose the best IO scanner: Today, the competition in dental scanners has increased and dentists may find it difficult to choose the right one. Moreover, the huge range of such devices in terms of cost and features can leave any new entrant bewildered. Dentists should know the tips to choose the right intraoral scanner and achieve long-term benefits.
Conclusion
Embracing change is difficult and takes time. It involves the consideration of several factors. May dentists have made a move to installing an intraoral scanner in their dental clinics and reaping rich dividends. However, for a few, the time has not come yet. After reading the blog, such people may realize the need to adapt, deliver quality and precision, and increase patient footfall.
