The question isn’t if digital will transform your practice anymore. The question is: are you ready to embrace it in a way that benefits your patients, your team, and your bottom line?
Discover the key areas of digital equipment that can help future-proof your practice, and the steps you can take to protect those investments for years to come.
Why Digital Dentistry Matters More Than Ever
Upgrading to digital technology is about more than just keeping up with trends. It’s about:
- Efficiency: Streamline your workflows and help ensure smoother appointments.
- Patient comfort: Offering faster, less invasive treatments.
- Growth: Attracting patients who actively look for dental practices with modern technology.
- Sustainability: Reducing waste by moving away from traditional impression materials and plaster models.
- Future readiness: Staying competitive as digital dentistry continues to evolve.
In other words, digital dentistry doesn’t just enhance the patient journey, it safeguards your practice for the years ahead. If you don’t grow alongside new technology, you risk a much harder adjustment in the future when having the technology doesn’t make you advanced, but not having it does make you outdated.
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The Future of Dentistry
Industry expert John Maloney from GC discusses the key trends shaping dentistry between now and 2030 and the challenges facing the industry today.
Smarter Imaging: The Power Of CBCT
When it comes to diagnostics, clarity is everything. That’s where Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has changed the landscape. By providing detailed 3D imaging with minimal radiation exposure, CBCT gives clinicians and patients confidence in decision-making.
Why CBCT is worth the investment
- High-resolution images with lower doses than traditional 2D imaging.
- Precise planning for implantology, orthodontics, and endodontics.
- Improved communication with patients thanks to clear visuals.
Our recommendations
- NewTom CBCT – Exceptional image quality combined with ultra-low radiation, setting new standards in patient safety and diagnostic reliability.
- Acteon X-Mind Prime / Optima 3D – Compact, versatile, and ideal for practices looking for advanced imaging without sacrificing valuable surgery space.
The End Of Traditional Impressions: Intraoral Scanners
If you’ve ever had a patient gag on an impression tray, you already know one of the reasons why intraoral scanners are so transformative. These handheld devices are not only faster and more accurate than traditional impressions, they’re also much more comfortable for patients.
Benefits at a glance
- No messy dental impression material.
- Real-time, high-accuracy scans.
- Easy integration with CAD/CAM systems and dental labs.
- Better patient understanding and treatment acceptance when they can see their scan during the appointment.
Our recommendations
- Shining AoralScan 3 – Integrated AI filters out unnecessary soft tissue data for a highly accurate scan in just 25 seconds for a single arch, and a full arch in one minute.
- 3Shape TRIOS – At the forefront of the new technology, with speed and accuracy that supports multiple treatment workflows.
- Medit i700 – Lightweight, affordable, and enhanced with AI to streamline scanning.
- Dentsply Sirona Primescan – Known for outstanding precision and seamless integration into digital ecosystems.
Bringing Production In-House: 3D Printing
Imaging producing a surgical guide, aligner, or denture base in your own dental practice. Imagine doing it chairside. That’s the power of dental 3D printing. Once considered specialist technology, it’s now accessible to practice of all sizes.
Why practices are embracing 3D printing:
- On-demand production: Models, splints, and guides created in-house.
- Faster turnaround: No more waiting weeks for lab work.
- Cost savings: Reduced dependence on external suppliers.
- Flexibility: Expanding material options mean wider clinical applications.
Protecting Your Investment: Service And Maintenance
Buying advanced technology is only half the journey. To truly future-proof your dental practice, you need to ensure that your equipment stays reliable, efficient, and supported.
Think about it: what happens if your CBCT fails in the middle of your working day? Downtime doesn’t just cost you money, it can damage patient trust.
That’s why service and maintenance are vital.
- Prevent problems before they occur with regular servicing.
- Extend the lifespan of high-value equipment.
- Keep your team confident and productive.
- Protect your ROI.
At Henry Schein, our Equipment Servicing team is here to make sure your technology works as hard as you do. From routine maintenance to urgent repairs, our qualified, manufacturer-trained engineers help you get the most from your investment, day after day, year after year.
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Henry Schein Equipment Services
We have a dedicated team ready to provide a range of comprehensive cover options, giving you peace of mind and minimising the cost of any unexpected breakdown
The Future Is Here
The future of dentistry is digital, and it’s already here. CBCT, intraoral scanners, and 3D printing aren’t luxuries anymore; they’re essential tools for delivering better care, improving workflows, and keeping your practice competitive.
By making smart equipment investments now, and by protecting them with ongoing service and support, you’re not just buying technology. You’re building a foundation for sustainable growth, happier patients, and a dental practice that’s ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
Your questions answered
1. What digital dental equipment offers the best return on investment for a practice?
The technologies likely to have the biggest impact are CBCT, intraoral scanners, and 3D printers. Together, they enhance diagnostics, streamline workflows, and allow for in-house production, helping practice save time, eliminate traditional materials, reduce lab costs, and improve patient experience.
2. How can I future-proof my dental practice when investing in new equipment?
Choosing the right equipment is only part of the solution. To truly future-proof your dental practice, pair your investment with reliable service and maintenance. This helps your technology runs smoothly, avoids costly downtime, and continues to deliver value for years to come.
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What’s The Next Big Thing?
Future-proof your dental practice by keeping up-to-date with the latest advancement in digital dentistry.
