Everything we do in dentistry is for the benefit of patients. The goal is always to enhance the care delivered, improving clinical outcomes as well as the treatment experience. There are many different elements involved with achieving this. Dental professionals must consider each area in order to continue raising standards across the board and ensure that all patients receive the very best care.
Clinical competence and confidence
One of the most important factors affecting the quality of patient care is the skill of the clinician. Professionals must be adequately trained and confident in delivering whatever procedures they offer to their patients. A practitioner’s clinical education has a direct impact on the success of treatment outcomes and the quality of the patient experience. For example, an Australian study found that students who had performed more extractions demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in academic outcomes. In dental implantology, those with more training have been shown to achieve higher implant survival rates and shorter operating times.
With increased training also comes greater confidence, which is important for any healthcare practitioner to ensure effective clinical decision-making for their patients. In turn, belief in the efficacy of one’s skills further facilitates better treatment results.
Research
For dentists not directly involved with academia, it is important to bridge the gap between practice and research. There is a substantial body of evidence within all dental disciplines, giving clinicians the opportunity to utilise scientifically-backed techniques and materials every day for more predictable outcomes.
To make the most of this research, it’s necessary for clinicians to remain abreast of the latest findings in areas appropriate to their practice. Once aware of new research, it’s then important for clinicians to be able to assess the quality, reliability and clinical relevance of its findings. Everything from the type of paper to its sample size and limitations should be considered. Clinicians can further ensure the highest research standards inform their practice by drawing independent conclusions rather than relying blindly on the authors’ interpretations.
Technology
Perhaps one of the fastest-growing areas that has the potential to influence both the quality of dental care delivered and the patient experience is technology. Solutions today, especially those driven by artificial intelligence, afford several advantages in improving patient communication, understanding and engagement with their oral health for enhanced long-term outcomes. Technologies also exist that help individuals visualise recommended treatment, increasing treatment acceptance and ensuring that more people get the care they need. From the dentist’s perspective, cutting-edge solutions facilitate diagnostics, guide treatment planning and streamline the professional workflow. There are also benefits to be had by the wider dental team, with technologies optimising everything from appointment scheduling to business analytics.
A well-thought-out combination of technology can provide a more predictable and enjoyable treatment journey for patients, as well as greater efficiency and productivity for dental professionals.
Thousands of products, people and learning opportunities
For dentists and teams looking to build upon each of these areas, it’s vital to find platforms that offer the necessary information, advice and guidance. It’s often beneficial to join a professional association or society, as they will provide training, share important research updates and provide a network of like-minded colleagues from which to seek product recommendations. For professionals to further broaden their reach and ensure they are exposed to a dynamic combination of training, research and technology, the BDIA Dental Showcase is a must for the diary.
As the largest and longest-running dental exhibition in the UK, BDIA Dental Showcase 2025 will return with hundreds of premier brands across the trading floor. This will be a hub of information and expert insights that dental professionals can utilise to guide critical decisions for their practice development. Exciting product launches and exclusive promotions and discounts mean that visitors can save money and maximise their investments in themselves and their businesses.
What’s more, all members of the dental team will benefit from face-to-face networking, with the chance to strengthen working relationships across the profession. Seven conference streams, plus the one-of-a-kind hands-on workshops, will provide comprehensive education for an enriched learning experience. The programme is also constantly being refreshed and optimised, with the launch of the brand-new ADI Implant Zone and BACD Aesthetics Theatre in 2024 and even more to come in 2025.
Pushing boundaries
No matter how long you have been in dentistry, where your special interests lay or what your future professional goals may be, delivering high-quality patient care will be a priority. Developing clinical skills and confidence, being aware of the latest research and utilising cutting-edge technologies will help you achieve the best results.