Part Four: Including Technology in Your Search for the Perfect Dentist

Dentistry had evolved significantly over the years, thanks to advances in technology. From the latest in digital radiography to laser dentistry, how influential is technology in your search for the perfect dentist? Satya Misra CEO of ActionRun Inc, offers these final suggestions for your consideration, when looking for the perfect dentist.

"What factors should you consider when looking for a dentist? Cost is definitely an important factor, but it shouldn't be the only one. What type of dental services do you require? Do you have dental insurance? These are just a couple of the type of questions you should ask yourself. Another important inquiry to make in your search for a dentist is the type of technology that is used.

Is technology in the dental industry really important in your search for a dentist? It is if you like the idea of dental procedures taking less time, spending less money for dental procedures, and experiencing less discomfort while sitting in a dentist's chair. The dental industry has experienced significant technological advancements that can greatly benefit both you and your dentist. Of course, a dental office with every possible gadget and instrument on the market is not necessarily the best choice. A dental office with current technology that enhances your experience without resulting in an astronomical increase in fees has the best interest of their patients in mind.

The technology you want a dentist to have depends greatly on what services you require. The following are a few of the current dental technologies from which most dental patients can benefit:

• Digital radiography that streamlines administrative and dental processes
• Digital x-rays that significantly lessen radiation exposure. Especially in case of panoramic x-rays, digital technology is important since ordinary panoramic x-rays expose your jaw and head to higher levels of radiation.
• Dental lasers that reduce patient discomfort
• Intra-oral cameras that enable better visual diagnostics
• Air abrasion that reduces patient anxiety with sounds associated with drills
• Digital Imaging Fiber-Optic Trans-Illumination that enables the dentist to diagnose conditions more accurately

If you require specialized dental services, such as cosmetic dentistry, you should research the current technology associated with these services and ensure that the dentist you choose has these tools available and is very knowledgeable and experienced in their use.

Using technology as one of the deciding factors for selecting a dentist can lead you down a path of exploration that may make you feel uncomfortable. There are many resources available to help you learn and understand the various technologies that are used in dentistry. The American Dental Association website (www.ada.org) is a good place to start. You can simply search their website for technologies used in the dental industry and learn what the standard is currently and what technologies are more in the experimental stage. It will take you a bit more effort to research this information, but your results will help you more closely identify the dentist that is best for you.

Resources

Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 136, No 10, 1358-1360 "Dental digital radiography"

Journal of American Dental Association, Vol 135, No suppl_1, 18S-22S "How technology can help improve office efficiency"

Journal of American of Dental Association, Vol 135, No suppl_1, 11S-16S "Can technology help dentists deliver better patient care?"