- The dental industry has expanded due to improved oral health awareness and increased access to dental care.
- Social media influence and an aging population have boosted the demand for cosmetic and restorative dental procedures.
- The growth of dental insurance has made dental care more accessible, driving industry growth.
- Expansion of dental services to underserved rural areas has contributed to the industry’s overall rise.
- Technological advancements like 3D printing, digital imaging, laser dentistry, and robotic dentistry propel industry growth.
The dental industry is one of the most vital parts of the healthcare industry. Over recent years, it has grown significantly to meet millions of people’s evolving dental care needs. Dentists work hard to ensure their patients receive the best dental care possible. But why is the dental industry growing? What factors have led to this growth? Here’s a look into the growth of the dental industry, the reasons for the growth, and how technology is helping it grow even faster.
Dental Health in The U.S.
It’s estimated that about 90% of adults in the country have at least one cavity, and nearly 50% of U.S. adults over 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Moreover, according to the American Dental Association, more than a quarter of Americans don’t go to the dentist in a given year despite knowing they need to.
These statistics demonstrate how important it is to maintain dental health. Regular visits to the dentist are essential for early detection and preventive care.
Factors Leading To The Growth of The Dental Industry
The increasing prevalence of oral health issues, combined with better access to dental care in recent years, has led to an overall growth in the industry. Here are some leading reasons for the growth industry:
Improved Awareness
People are now more informed about oral health and care than ever before. With the rise of the internet and social media, information about dental hygiene and procedures is just a click away. People have access to multiple resources to learn and subsequently implement good oral care habits and improve the conditions of their teeth. As a result, people are making more routine visits to the dentist, and dental practices are experiencing unprecedented growth.
Increasing Demand
With the rise of social media and platforms like Instagram, there has been a corresponding increase in demand for cosmetic procedures. Patients, especially younger ones, seek treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and Invisalign. Additionally, with age, many people develop dental problems that affect their appearance and require dental implants, dentures, or crowns. These treatments have boosted the dental industry, with many dentists expanding their services by offering cosmetic procedures.
Growth of Dental Insurance
Traditionally, dental care was seen as a luxury, but increasingly, it is becoming a necessity. The growth of dental insurance is a significant factor that has contributed to the expansion of the dental industry. With dental insurance, more people can access routine dental care and treatments without worrying about the cost. Also, dental insurance has encouraged people to pursue and invest in specialized dental treatments for more niche procedures often not covered by health insurance.
Rural Areas
Rural areas have severe shortages of dental professionals. Consequently, many people in these regions must travel long distances to visit a dentist. The expansion of dental practice ownership and recruiting mechanisms for dental professionals allows greater opportunities for qualified dentists to work in areas that do not have access to oral health care. As a result, the demand for dental services in rural areas is met, contributing to the industry’s growth.
Technology Advancements in Dentistry
Recent technological advancements in the industry have also propelled its growth. Here are four of those advancements:
3D Printing
One of the most remarkable advancements in dentistry is 3D printing. This technology has enabled dentists to create precise models of patient’s teeth and provide customized solutions for dental problems. 3D printing for dental services also saves time and costs, eliminating the need for molds and reducing patient visits. It also ensures that dentists can provide more accurate and effective dental treatment.
Digital Imaging
Digital imaging has been a great boon to the industry. It enables dentists to quickly diagnose issues in patients’ teeth and determine the best course of action for treatment. This technology also allows dentists to identify problems that cannot be seen with the naked eye, such as cavities between teeth or below the gum line.
Laser Dentistry
Another technology that has changed the dental industry is laser dentistry. This technology reduces bleeding, pain, and swelling during procedures. It also eliminates the need for anesthesia, leading to shorter treatment times and lower patient costs. Lasers can also treat various issues, such as periodontal disease, gum contouring, cavity detection, and biopsy.
Robotic Dentistry
Robots are being used in the dental industry to increase accuracy and reduce labor costs. These robots can identify problems such as cavities more quickly and accurately than a human dentist could, making them invaluable to the profession. Robotic dentistry is also beneficial for patients, as it reduces the risk of error and increases the speed and accuracy of procedures.
The dental industry has grown significantly over recent years thanks to improved awareness regarding oral health. Key advancements like 3D printing have been instrumental in making the industry more efficient while increasing precision and accuracy. Moreover, the increasing demand for dental treatments and the growth of dental insurance have been major factors in this growth.