Embracing new technology can be one of the most effective ways to streamline your operations, enhance the quality of patient care, and achieve better outcomes.
While challenges may accompany the search and implementation of the latest and greatest technology, the advantages it brings to your practice far outweigh the time it takes to find and implement new tools. The rapidly evolving orthodontic landscape is causing some doctors to become more conscious of the transformative potential of technology. However, there are still many practices that seem to overlook the realities of this fast-moving field.
I have adopted cutting-edge technology in my own practice, which has completely transformed the effectiveness and efficiency of my team's work. By integrating an AI-driven aligner treatment planning software into our workflow, I now have more dedicated time to provide personalized attention to my patients.
In light of my experience selecting and implementing new AI-powered tech, here are five considerations to help you assess whether new technology is suitable for your business:
1. Essential Features: Robust technology shouldn’t be overly complicated. Many features in new orthodontic technology are designed to simplify the complexities of treatment planning and make challenging cases more manageable. Assess whether common features like automated segmentation or more complex features like CBCT integration, virtual articulator or automated tooth extraction planning align with your specific needs. Prepare a checklist of non-negotiable features to reference when evaluating different technologies. This will help you to stay focused and avoid getting bogged down with extra bells and whistles that won’t pay off in the long run.
2.Team Training and Onboarding: The ease of learning and implementation is the second most critical factor I look for. A technology that is challenging to grasp and incorporate into your workflow is likely to consume too much time and money. It is essential to get an understanding of the onboarding process and the support provided by the product's developers. While every new technology and process requires an adjustment period, some solutions are inherently more user-friendly, ensuring a smoother transition.
3. Precision and Reliability: The level of accuracy and dependability is crucial. Certain technologies yield faster and more accurate results, leading to time savings and improved patient outcomes. Ensure that the technology minimizes tedium and reduces the need for manual corrections without compromising on quality. High-quality graphics, akin to those seen in modern video games or movies, can significantly enhance precision throughout a patient's treatment journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for detailed demos from the technology provider and ask them to show you different parts of the software more than once if you are unsure of its functionality.
4. Quantifiable Time Savings: The foremost aspect to contemplate when evaluating technology is its impact on efficiency. Will this tool enable better patient case management and facilitate delegation among team members? It is crucial to understand whether the technology provides tangible time savings, such as a significant reduction in treatment planning time. Not all time-saving features hold the same value – prioritize selecting tools that provide measurable time savings and those that have a substantial impact on crucial tasks related to patient care.
5. Patents and Credibility: Patents = credibility. Patents distinguish a tool’s performance by proving it is unique and has been backed up by a lot of testing. Patents are a testament to the research, testing, and scientific rigor behind the functionality of the software. When possible, I always try to select technology solutions that are backed by patents.
Advanced Technology – Improved Outcomes:
While adopting new technology may introduce a different approach to your current practices and feel challenging at first, it can significantly transform your workflow and increase efficiency. The key takeaway is not to fear technology but to trust that it will bolster your practice's success. By adopting a thoughtful approach to assessing technology, you will be equipped to make informed decisions that align with your workflow and lead to the best possible outcomes for your patients.