Dentistry Trends to Look Out for in 2023
As we begin 2023, it is important to understand how potential changes and innovations can impact the year ahead. For dentistry, there are many factors at play in the transformation of the field as we know it—from technology to new processes to staffing and beyond. Take a look at this snapshot of key dentistry trends for 2023.
4 Impactful Dentistry Trends and Innovations for 2023
Alternative Therapy Practices on the Rise
A compelling trend forecasted to make waves in the dental care industry is the use of alternative therapy methods to treat various conditions—replacing the use of traditional medicine in the field. An article from Medical Device News Magazine outlines the cost-related benefits that therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy offer to dentists and their patients.
“Traditional medical care costs are rising, making alternative therapies more affordable,” the article states. “Furthermore, the efficacy of some alternative therapies is supported by increasing evidence.”
Of these studied therapies, virtual reality (VR) and music therapy have shown encouraging results in the treatment of anxiety and perioperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of impacted molars. In a January report from the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers found that the use of music therapy and VR during the procedure indeed “reduces anxiety and improves the patient’s physiological parameters.”
With these results in mind, the researchers further emphasize that “implementation of these interventions (noninvasive, nonpharmacologic, economic) in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry could improve procedures performed under local anesthesia, improving the clinical experience of patients.”
Implants Will Become a Main Growth Factor in Orthodontics
In the ongoing discussion around the need for orthodontic implants, the main challenge faced in widespread adoption has centered around cost—many implant procedures costing patients upwards of $3,000 with a lengthy recovery time to boot. However, this January article explains why the demand for implants amongst patients has never been higher.
“More than 20% of [orthodontic] patients have had implants placed within the last five years,” the article states. That number continues to grow in 2023, as over “20% of people seeking treatment also want to replace their previous teeth with an implant.”
With more and more people opting for metal and ceramic braces, demand for metal and glass implants will also be affected. But why now?
Much of this spike in demand for implants can be attributed to the accessibility of new and improved techniques in dental implant procedures like bone regeneration. “In 2023, bone regeneration will continue to grow with the complete integration of bone healing into orthodontic care routines."
Technology Use Will Continue to Evolve Dental Practices
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, a technological revolution has swept across the entire medicine world. Dentistry is no exception, with continued technological efforts poised to transform dental care in 2023.
Implementation of technology can offer a wide variety of benefits for dental professionals and patients alike—increasing care effectiveness for practices and satisfaction amongst patients.
At the base level, dental care providers are evolving their practice management, with online platforms providing seamless appointment scheduling, employee training, and patient care management with lower costs and higher security. This digital movement not only helps dental practices maintain efficient patient flow but also gives patients a more convenient dental care experience.
Other practical technologies have risen to the forefront of dentistry as well, with dental professionals investing in upgraded equipment and procedures. A survey conducted by the American Dental Association shows that dentists are committed to advancing their dental practices, with 49% of dentists surveyed saying they “plan to spend more money on technology in the next two years.”
The survey focused on CAD/CAM technologies, imaging, 3D printing, and intraoral scanners—the most prevalent, 50% of respondents anticipating practice improvements through 3D printing and 55% through intraoral scanners, respectively. With so much new technology emerging into the world of medicine, dental professionals have a treasure trove of options available to streamline processes and improved patient care within their practices.
Staffing and Retention Challenges Continue in an Unprecedented Market
Another byproduct of the lengthy COVID-19 pandemic has been its lasting impact on the medical labor market, with attracting and retaining quality staff an ongoing issue across many medical fields, dentistry notwithstanding.
Even in 2023, this challenge is expected to continue—a need for more dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants than ever to satisfy increasing demand for dental care amongst patients.
In a 2022 report, the ADA outlines staffing considerations for dental employers to focus on in 2023 and beyond regarding employee retention. Chiefly among them, remaining competitive as employers when it comes to employee benefits, adoption of responsive compensation for employees, a strong workplace culture, and long-term changes to shore up the workforce pipeline.
It is imperative for dental practices to continue making strides toward attracting high-quality staff as the medical job market continues finding its balance in a post-pandemic world. The effort to overcome these staffing shortages will be a key for dental care practices to continue delivering the best possible care to their patients.
Each of these impactful dentistry trends will play a part in shaping the trajectory of the industry in 2023 and beyond—both the challenges and the opportunities. This year also represents an amazing opportunity for dental professionals looking to work on the cutting edge of the field while enjoying flexibility and career autonomy.
With AMN Healthcare, you’ll be connected with a vast network of locum tenens dentistry opportunities across the country, each giving you the power to forge your own career path with top-down support from the AMN team. You choose the location, practice setting, and duration of your locums assignment—allowing you to explore new places, build valuable career experience, and provide vital support for dentistry practices nationwide.
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