What is the biggest problem affecting modern dentistry

What is the biggest problem affecting modern dentistry

Like other healthcare fields, dentistry is also a fast-growing field. With the advancement of science, there is also advancement in dentistry which is leading this field toward modernity. When a healthcare industry goes through a disastrous pandemic, it has to face a plethora of challenges during and after the pandemic. Similarly, although dentistry has adapted to many modern changes, this field still faces many challenges and problems. With the growth in this profession, the issues have also grown, leading dental practices to decrease revenue. So, “what is the biggest problem affecting modern dentistry?” is the biggest concern, and we will discuss some of these problems in this post.

Challenges facing modern dentistry

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Staying ahead of competition

Staying ahead of the competition is a significant challenge for modern dentistry, as the field is becoming increasingly crowded, and patients have more options than ever. According to a survey by the American Dental Association (ADA) in 2020, the competition was identified as one of the top three challenges facing dental practices, with 32% of respondents indicating that they were concerned about competition from other dental practices or non-dental businesses offering dental services.

Tips to stay ahead of competition

Here are some tips to overcome this challenge:

Emphasize patient experience: Besides providing high-quality dental care, focus on creating a positive patient experience. This can include offering amenities like comfortable chairs, TVs, and free Wi-Fi in the waiting room and being attentive to patient needs and concerns throughout the visit.

Invest in technology: Dental technology constantly evolves, and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques can give you an edge over the competition. According to a survey by the American Dental Association, 90% of dentists believe that technology positively impacts their practice. Consider investing in tools like intraoral cameras, digital X-rays, and laser dentistry to improve patient outcomes and differentiate your practice.

Build a robust online presence: Many patients use the internet to research dentists and read reviews before choosing a provider. According to a National Institutes of Health survey, nearly 80% of patients search online for health information before scheduling an appointment. Ensure your website is modern and mobile-friendly and your practice is listed on popular online directories like Google My Business and Yelp. Encourage satisfied patients to leave reviews and respond promptly to any negative feedback.

Offer specialized services: Consider offering specialized services that aren’t widely available in your area, such as dental implants, orthodontics, or cosmetic dentistry. This can attract patients specifically seeking those services and set your practice apart from others in the area.

Develop a referral network: Referrals from other healthcare providers, such as physicians or chiropractors, can be an excellent source of new patients. Develop relationships with these providers and ensure they know about your services.

Continuous Learning and Professional Development: According to a study published in the Journal of Dental Education, continuous learning and professional development are critical for dentists to stay ahead of the competition. Participating in continuing education courses, attending conferences, and subscribing to dental journals can help dentists stay current with the latest advancements in their field.

Student loan debt and cost of a private practice

The high cost of dental education and the resulting burden of student loan debt have become significant challenges for modern dentistry.

  • According to the American Dental Education Association, the average debt for graduating dental students in 2020 was over $292,000. This level of debt can be a significant barrier for new graduates who may want to pursue specific career paths, such as opening their private practice.
  • Moreover, a survey by the American Dental Association in 2019 found that nearly 40% of dentists aged 21-34 reported that student debt was their primary concern regarding practice ownership.

Additionally, the high cost of establishing a private dental practice is a significant challenge facing modern dentistry.

  • According to a 2018 report from the ADA, the average cost of starting a new dental practice was approximately $500,000. This cost includes equipment, office space, and marketing, which can be prohibitively expensive for young dentists.

Extreme dental phobia

Extreme dental phobia, or dental anxiety, is a significant challenge for modern dentistry. It is estimated that approximately 10-20% of people have dental anxiety to some degree, and for some, it can be debilitating and prevent them from seeking necessary dental care.

Factors

Various factors can contribute to a dental phobia, including:

  • Dentist’s injection and other tools
  • The sight of blood
  • Pain that the patient may experience
  • The sensation of being tense

Strategies to overcome dental phobia Fortunately, there are several strategies that dentists can use to help those with dental phobia. Dentists can ensure that patient knows what to expect during their appointment. This can include:

  • Describing the tools that will be used
  • Telling how the procedure will be conducted
  • Clarifying any risks associated with the treatment

Additionally, dentists can work with patients to help them identify any dental problems. This can include:

  • Providing instructions on how to inspect their mouth for signs of problems
  • Seeking the help of a dental specialist

In addition to strategies geared towards easing anxiety, dentists can also work to address the root cause of the fear. This can include:

  • Examining the patient’s dental history
  • Discussing any past experiences with dentists
  • Addressing any psychological issues that may be contributing to the fear

Raising the revenue

A typical dental office with one dentist may cost $941,600 a year. However, it is difficult for dentists to balance providing treatment to patients and the reimbursement process. It becomes challenging for a dental facility to increase its reimbursement and raise revenue.

Tips to boost the dental practice revenue

  • Automate your practice
  • Outsource your billing section to a trustworthy and experienced company
  • Implement effective marketing plans
  • Apply beneficial strategies to follow up with patients
  • Reduce no show-up
  • Provide different payments plans and options

Upgrading to the latest equipment

Teledentistry:

Teledentistry is the latest yet beneficial technology in the modern era, especially after COVID-19; however, it is not easy to immediately implement this technology, and it is a tremendous challenge for dentists.

Laser dentistry:

Although upgrading to laser dentistry is an issue for many dentists, it is reliable for repairing damaged gums and filling cavities with less bleeding and no pain.

3D printing:

The scope of 3D printing is increasing, and it is estimated that from 2021 to 2028, the 3D market will grow by 21%. This is a great change to dentistry as it provides x-rays with 3D images.

Re-configuring dental practice

Extending time between patients: Unlike before the pandemic, it is challenging yet necessary for dental facilities to extend the time between patients so that the treatment area or room and treatment equipment may be disinfected to kill the bacteria or microbes to prevent any infection.

Staff protection strategies: As a dentist, you must implement strategies to keep yourself and your staff safe from any infection, specially COVID-19.These strategies might include:

  • Wearing safety masks
  • Wearing surgical gloves
  • Wearing aprons
  • Putting distance stickers
  • Use of sanitizer frequently
  • Proper ventilation
  • Vaccination plans

Limiting the number of patients in the waiting room: Although it is mandatory in order to minimize the spreading of infection, it is a challenging task for dental organizations to limit the number of patients in the waiting room. To implement this step, dentists should set the appointment time accordingly.

New policies to reduce the risk of COVID: To implement new approaches to minimize the risk of Corona is not easy; nevertheless, it is necessary. These policies might include

  • Minimizing gathering in dental organization
  • Mandate everyone, including patients and staff, to vaccination
  • Implement screening tests, especially high temperatures, to check if the person is at risk or not

Attracting and keeping new patients

After the pandemic, dentists’ greatest challenge is finding and keeping patients. This is due to several factors.

  • One reason might be that many individuals have no idea what they need for a dental checkup or treatment.
  • Another reason might be that individuals aren’t mindful of good dental hygiene practices and how to avoid developing dental issues initially.
  • The price of dental care has discouraged them.
  • This is another reason consumers are more inclined to hunt for dental treatments online.

Choose MedsDental billing company to raise your revenue

MedsDental Dental Billing Company understands that raising revenue is the biggest problem that you are facing. Therefore we are offering our expertise to streamline your revenue cycle management using HIPAA-compliant, affordable services. Moreover, we implement the latest technology to ensure efficiency and accuracy in every billing step and increase reimbursement. We are available 24/7, so collaborate with us and take your dental practice to new heights

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