3D printing in the dental office

3D printing in the dental office

The DSO market is booming, and a new report highlights how this trend will continue over the next several years. We also take a look at the ins and outs of adopting 3D printing in a dental practice and the results of a study that compares opioids and OTC meds for dental pain. 

Are you dreaming of a long career? Dr. Richard Zink can show you how it is done. The 97-year-old is the oldest dentist practicing in Ohio

SMALL BITES

Opioids vs. OTC meds. Opioids don't have the edge when it comes to dental pain. New research shows that OTC meds did just as well, or better, for pain management following wisdom tooth removal. 

Brushing with lead. A class action lawsuit alleges that an independent lab found "substantial" lead levels in Colgate's hello kids toothpaste. 

Divorce in the world of dentistry. Divorce can impact dentists' professional lives. A practice valuation can help dentists navigate the financial aspects of separation. 

Onboarding a new dental assistant. Dental assistants are valuable team members, but they need training to be integrated into a dental practice.  

Gum disease in men. New research pinpoints how men's immune systems make them more prone to periodontal disease

FRONT LINES

To 3D print or not

Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, PhD, MSD, digs into the growing trend of in-office 3D printing. The technology has multiple clinical use cases, and it can be quite affordable to get started. Dentists who are considering integrating 3D printing into their practices can realize significant benefits, but they need to be prepared to learn how to use these systems and train their staff.   

Why it matters: Adoption of 3D printing is growing in dentistry, but dentists should evaluate whether it makes sense to adopt the technology in their practice. (Dental Economics)


DSO market value to continue growing

A new report expects the DSO market to grow significantly in the coming years. The market size for DSOs in the US is $44.7 billion in 2025, and it is expected to grow to $196.5 billion by 2034. The report notes that general dentists hold the largest share of the DSO market, but the dental surgeon segment of the market is growing rapidly. 

Why it matters: The growth of the DSO market suggests practice models in dentistry will continue to evolve. (Towards Healthcare)


Credit card surcharging in dental practices

The California Dental Association (CDA) explores the potential upsides and downsides of surcharging patients to cover credit card processing fees. This model can save dental practices money, but owners need to understand the regulations that come with these charges and how much they can actually save. Patient satisfaction and response to these additional fees is another factor to consider. 

Why it matters: Dental practice owners need to think about how credit card processing fees impact their bottom line, regulatory compliance and patient satisfaction. (CDA)

FINAL BITES

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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Lesley McKenzie.