Digital Dentistry Transforming Oral Care Landscape in Singapore

SINGAPORE: Associate Prof Chng Chai Kiat, Chief Dental Officer of Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), emphasiSes the pivotal role of digitaliSation in fostering collaboration, exploring innovation, and propelling oral health into the future. This transformation unfolds as a vibrant space for scientists to delve into cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), digital dentistry, biomaterials, orofacial devices, therapeutics, and more.

Addressing Oral Health Challenges in Singapore

Oral diseases, affecting 3.5 billion globally, pose a significant economic burden. In Singapore, the 2019/2020 National Adult Oral Health Survey revealed high prevalence rates, necessitating effective strategies. 

Assoc Prof Chng underscores the significance of oral health surveillance studies for policymaking and health system planning. Research becomes a driver for innovation, ensuring the delivery of quality oral care.

Singapore Hospital Launches Global Fellows Alliance to Foster Healthcare Advancements

Population health, aligned with Singapore’s healthcare reform, becomes paramount through the Healthier SG initiative. With a focus on the ageing population, preventive care emerges as a crucial element to ensure good oral health. The SG70 cohort study, “Towards Healthy Longevity,” led by the National University of Singapore, integrates oral health research into public health initiatives, examining the effects of various factors on healthy ageing.

Advancements in Digital Dentistry Solutions

Digital dentistry takes a leap forward with the ongoing development of a clinically integrated workflow for efficiently producing removable partial dentures. Spearheaded by SingHealth-Duke NUS Medical School, this research proposal utilises 3D dental prosthesis printing, biomaterials, and regenerative dentistry to address the oral needs of an ageing population. Industry collaboration, such as the development of an antiseptic mouth rinse with anti-viral properties, showcases the synergy between oral health research expertise and industry knowledge.

Singapore Hosts IADR-SEA Conference

Digital dentistry solutions have transformed dental practices by offering precision, efficiency, and enhanced patient experiences. Utilising advanced technologies like intraoral scanners and CAD/CAM systems ensures precise measurements and accurate diagnoses. Digital workflows significantly reduce chair time, enabling same-day restorations and enhancing overall patient experience.

Customisation, Aesthetics, and Improved Communication

Digital tools like CAD/CAM systems allow for the creation of highly customized dental prosthetics tailored to individual patient anatomy. Precise colour-matching capabilities contribute to restorations that closely resemble natural teeth, achieving superior aesthetic outcomes. Improved communication between dental professionals is facilitated through digital platforms, fostering better coordination in delivering comprehensive patient care.

Beyond immediate benefits, digital dentistry offers long-term advantages such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and secure storage of digital patient records for better continuity of care. Ongoing technological advancements, including the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D printing, ensure dental practices remain at the forefront of emerging trends. Digital dentistry has become an essential component of modern dental care, providing practitioners with tools to deliver high-quality, patient-centered services in a technologically advanced environment.