In the context of rapid technological change and evolving industry standards in dentistry, equipment, software, materials, and surgical techniques can quickly become obsolete. While innovations within the industry have greatly improved the efficacy of treatment, the pace of change presents some problems, including an environmental impact, an increased need for capital investment, and pressure on training budgets.
The challenge for innovators in dental technology is to continue to develop exciting solutions that meet the ongoing needs of clinicians and patients, which are also intuitive, repairable, maintainable and upgradeable. New technology should be designed to last, while enabling a sustainable approach to waste management at the end of their lifespan. As much as possible, digital technology should have capacity for growth and development, and should be upgradeable without clinicians having to relearn their use from the ground up.
Areas of risk in dentistry
The development of new technology in one area will often create a need for innovation in other areas. For example, artificial intelligence (AI) is a very power-intensive technology, which has required new specialist circuit design. Traditional data centres are designed with an average of five to 10 kilowatts per pack, while AI requires 60 or more. New data centres, and new strategies for data security have had to be built to accommodate this. There is a risk that when one area of technology is left behind, a slew of inter-related technologies will then also become obsolete.
This is certainly true in the dental industry. For example, clinicians often encounter complications associated with vintage implants. The general incidence rate of prosthetic failure after five years due to screw loosening is 11 per cent. Implant design has developed at such a rapid pace that there are occasions where available prosthetic components may no longer be compatible. In cases such as these, approaches to treatment can be complex and may sometimes require the removal and replacement of well-osseointegrated implants.
Software and hardware upgrades often make older digital systems incompatible, forcing practitioners to replace entire setups rather than parts. This includes computer systems, electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems, databases, and some digitally-assisted technologies like CAD/CAM equipment or intraoral cameras. Keeping up with the latest technology requires significant investment, which may not always be feasible for smaller or independent dental practices who may struggle to amortise the cost of expensive equipment before it becomes obsolete. Investments purchased at high costs may lose value quickly, offering limited returns or resale potential.
The environmental impact of electronic waste (e-waste)
As old equipment becomes obsolete, disposal becomes a concern, particularly for electronic devices or materials that require special handling. If not strategized responsibly, a focus on continuous change to dental devices can conflict with efforts to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
E-waste is one of the fastest growing sources of solid waste in the world. In 2022, an estimated 62m tonnes of e-waste was produced globally. This is up by 8.4m tonnes of e-waste reportedly produced in 2019. The United Nations university has estimated that only 17.4 per cent of all e-waste was collected and recycled. Common e-waste includes non-renewable materials that are difficult to extract for re-use if not recycled properly.
Mitigations
To mitigate against obsolescence, dental practices can invest in scalable technology. Some modular systems can be upgraded rather than replaced entirely. For example, the Implantmed Plus from W&H, offers the flexibility of upgradeability allowing it to remain up to date, by utilising new software updates ensuring its sustained practicability as an advanced surgical device. The Implantmed Plus is a modular system which works with the Piezomed and Osstell Beacon. This flexible design ensures all the devices are in service for longer, saving money and valuable resources. The W&H steriliser range also offers easy upgradeability via software upgrades and activation codes ensuring its extended working life.
Obsolescence in dentistry is a significant issue that impacts operational costs, patient care, and environmental sustainability. By planning strategically and adopting flexible solutions, practices can mitigate its effects while embracing innovation.
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