DRA 2022 Top 10 Most Popular Articles

Even as I write this, the FTX debacle continues to hog mainstream headlines. Thankfully, other predilections take precedence in the dental orbit.

Judging by the many stories that could have made the cut in this closely fought category, it is pretty clear that DRA readers are a diverse bunch with eclectic interests. Still, we managed to narrow the field to only those most deserving of the Top 10 title.

See if you agree with the popular consensus, as you scroll down and partake the third and final DRA Top 10 category of 2022. Once again, it is not in any particular order.

Until next time!

#1: FDA clears first AI-powered radiologic detection aid

Pearl’s Second Opinion has obtained clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to the company’s press release. Second Opinion is a radiologic detection aid powered by artificial intelligence (AI). It can purportedly help dentists identify a number of common dental conditions – including tooth decay, calculus, and root abscesses – in patient x-rays.

The company claims Second Opinion is “the first and only chairside FDA-cleared” product of its kind. 

Read the full article: FDA clears first AI-powered radiologic detection aid.

#2: Neocis launches commercial robotic implant workflow

Yomi is touted as dentistry’s first and only robotic surgical system. Operating within the YomiPlan software suite and robotic guidance of surgical instrumentation, Yomi is designed to assist clinicians during all phases of implant placement via interactive digital planning.

Neocis has announced the commercial availability of its YomiPlan Go robotic workflow. YomiPlan Go works with the larger YomiPlan suite of software and Yomi, a robotic surgical system that helps clinicians during implant placement.

With Go, clinicians intra-operatively set the location and angulation of the implant using the drill tip. According to Neocis, this combines freehand surgery with precise robotic guidance.

Read the full article: Neocis launches commercial robotic implant workflow.

#3: In Focus: Japan’s intense dental market

For about 25 years, the annual value of Japan’s dental market has been hovering around the same level, close to the 2.6 trillion yen (US$30bn) mark.

Although the demand for dental treatments has not diminished – in fact it has increased in tandem with the explosion of cosmetic dental treatments – share of that sizeable pie has obviously shrunk, owing in part to a crowded marketplace having one of the highest dentist per 100,000 population ratios.

This article examines, among other peculiarities, the fierce competition in Japan’s dental marketplace.

Read the full article: In Focus: Japan’s intense dental market.

#4: Preventive maintenance checklist for dental equipment

The amount of work required for the routine cleaning and maintenance of your dental office may seem overwhelming.

By developing an equipment maintenance checklist, you will have an overview of the tasks, divided up into their proper categories and be able to assign specific tasks and duties to your dental team, according to regular time slots.  Magically, the work will suddenly seem a lot more manageable.

We have compiled a tried-and-tested dental equipment preventive maintenance checklist for most, if not all, of the regular maintenance tasks and dental office cleaning duties. They are what your team should be doing on a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly basis.

Read the full article: Preventive maintenance checklist for dental equipment.

#5: Definitive guide to dental equipment maintenance

When it comes to dental equipment maintenance, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Proper maintenance of dental equipment not only improves the durability and longevity of your investment but also helps you avoid costly repairs that can be expensive for both you and your practice.

Regular preventive care is an important part of maintaining any piece of medical or surgical equipment. The same goes with maintaining dental equipment; regular cleaning will help extend its life and ensure optimal performance.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the common issues dentists face when it comes to maintaining their equipment and how they can prevent them from happening.

Read the full article: Definitive guide to dental equipment maintenance.

#6: Should you invest in CAD/CAM for your dental practice?

CAD/CAM dentistry has become more popular in recent years. What used to be the exclusive domain of digitally oriented dental labs has now become a viable investment for tech savvy dentists that wish to have the convenience of a dedicated computer-enabled design and milling machine at their disposal.

This article will discuss the factors to consider when investing in the relevant software and hardware to fabricate digitally milled restorations in the comfort of your own practice.

Read the full article: Should you invest in CAD/CAM for your dental practice?

#7: 5 considerations when buying dental chairs

There’s no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” in dentistry. Something that works for the dentist down the road may not be your cup of tea. You need to know what type of work you will do with this machine: simple or complex? What are the best available dental chair options that fit your particular needs?

Choosing a dental chair is almost an art form. In this article, we take a closer look at five key factors and how they can and should affect your buying decision.

Read the full article: 5 considerations when buying dental chairs.

#8: Dentsply Sirona heralds “New Digital Universe” with DS Core

Dentsply Sirona held a live virtual launch event titled “The New Digital Universe from Dentsply Sirona”, during which it unveiled among other innovations, DS Core, which was created in collaboration with Google Cloud.

DS Core is an open, cloud-based platform that the company says is “designed around the needs of dentists and modern dental practices and with a focus on security”.

Read the full article: Dentsply Sirona heralds “New Digital Universe” with DS Core.

#9: AI is changing the face of orthodontics

AI technology applied in orthodontics has evolved over time, but its basic premise remains unchanged. It generally uses digital data collected by sensors attached to patients’ braces or other devices, a machine learning algorithm creates customised 3D models of their mouths based on these measurements. These virtual images are then used as reference points for planning individualised treatments.

Orthodontists are using AI to combine 3D imaging and machine learning algorithms to analyse digital data that contribute to what will become a comprehensive portrait of the patient’s teeth, jaw and facial characteristics.

As you will see in this article, we can even use this information to predict future changes in your teeth and jaw — and the benefits of having such information could be enormous.

Read the full article: AI is changing the face of orthodontics.

#10: Product Update: Intraoral Scanners 2022

From scanning speed to software integration; patient comfort to ergonomic operator handling, there are many features and benefits that make up a good intraoral scanner. With them in mind, we thought it would be useful to bring you this list of the feature-rich intraoral scanners that were released in 2022.

While the iTero Element 5D by Align Technology, TRIOS 4 by Sirona and MEDIT i500 are models that left a big impression – pun intended – in recent years, 2022 has also brought us a crop of superb scanners that may soon be joining that rarefied group.

2022 is not over yet, but already, it’s looking like a great year for new intraoral scanners. Check out these shiny new entrants!

Read the full article: Product Update: Intraoral Scanners 2022.