Enter Dandy Vision, a revolutionary intraoral scanner that leverages unmatched speed and accuracy, assistive scanning technology, and hands-on feedback from clinicians to streamline every workflow in modern dentistry — at no expense to your practice. In addition to eliminating the cost barrier to upgrading your practice’s technology, Dandy Vision empowers you to minimize chair time and maximize clinical efficiency through:

• The fastest scanning experience in digital dentistry
• Fewer remakes with AI-scan analysis and live support that ensures you’ve acquired the perfect scan
• Enhanced scan accuracy for consistent-fitting restorations and removable appliances
• Digital tools and workflows designed with doctors, for doctors
• Zero-risk scanner upgrade for every operatory in your practice 

Let’s take a closer look at five key features that turn digital dentistry’s promise into a reality for your practice.

1. Scan fast with effortless precision

With Dandy Vision, you can shorten appointments and chair time with a smooth, fluid and ultra-fast scanning experience, including:

• 25% faster scans than the competition
• Full-arch scans in as little as 45 seconds*

The advanced optical imaging of the Dandy Vision enables rapid video capture in one continuous motion, without repeated stops and re-scans. Further, the smaller and more comfortable scanner tip allows for easy maneuvering within the mouth and enhanced comfort for the patient.

As you’ll discover below, the superior speed of the Dandy Vision scanning experience is paired with intuitive software that guides you toward quickly capturing the exact scan you need for a lab-ready digital impression and highly predictable outcome for each case.

2. Achieve flawless scans—assistive technology does the work

The Chairside scanning software included with Dandy Vision guides you through each scan you need to perform, from simple crown & bridge cases to fully edentulous workflows.

This foolproof scanning process offers step-by-step visual guidance for capturing and refining preps and scans.

Once your scan is acquired, a combination of intuitive software and real-time support helps ensure your scan is perfect while the patient is still in the chair, including:

• AI scan review to quickly identify and fix issues like prep undercuts, margin errors and inadequate occlusal clearance
• Live support directly through your scanner from experienced lab technicians
• One-click margin line generation and path of insertion calculator

These intuitive software features were developed through collaboration between engineers, lab technicians and clinicians, with the understanding that a high-quality scan is the foundation of a high-quality restoration.

After your scan is received, digital Design Previews are available in under 24 hours, with the option for video calls to make real-time adjustments and finalize your case for fabrication.

3. Harness unmatched accuracy for perfect fits and fewer remakes

Dandy Vision offers advanced optical technology that scans soft tissue and margins with exceptional clarity and reliability, capturing the precise details needed for highly accurate restoration design, including:

• A wide 16 x 14 mm field of view
• Remarkable depth of field, with sharp focus up to a distance of 18 mm
• Seamless, uninterrupted video stitching to avoid delays in the scanning process

These features enable high-definition capture of gingiva, edentulous areas and challenging anatomy, helping you deliver quick-seating, beautiful restorations for even the most complex cases. 

Plus, no calibration is required for the Dandy Vision, resulting in an accurate image every time. This avoids the time-consuming process of recalibration and the impact this can have on scan quality. 

4. Adopt smarter scanning workflows shaped by dentists like you

To address the real-world challenges faced by digital-minded dentists, Dandy Vision optimizes clinical performance through advanced scanning technology and intuitive software refined by:

• Feedback gathered from over 800 practices 
• Learnings from 11.5 million intraoral scans
• Testing and validation with leading U.S. dentists

In pilot tests, 4 out of 5 dentists chose to keep the Dandy Vision scanner over the leading alternative, the 3Shape TRIOS scanner.

Staying true to our mission to help clinicians leverage digital technology to efficiently deliver care, Dandy Vision features guided scanning software that makes it easy to take on new clinical procedures and efficiently capture scans for the full range of dental appliances and restorations.

Because the best outcomes come from collaboration between dentists and lab technicians, this software enables instant operatory-to-lab communication for faster, more predictable results.

5. Upgrade to the Smartest Scanner in Dentistry—No Fees. No Risk. Just Results.

With Dandy Vision, you can unlock the full potential of digital dentistry with zero cost to your practice. This no-risk upgrade enhances your practice’s scanning technology and creates a seamless connection between your operatories and the lab—streamlining every workflow for maximum clinical success and revenue. To get started:

• Simply partner with Dandy for $1k of monthly lab work
• Equip your operatories with additional scanners for just $750 of additional lab spend

In addition to eliminating your hardware and software costs, Dandy Vision includes autoclavable scanner tips for life:

• 5 tips included with initial purchase 
• 3 additional tips provided per year
• Tips are autoclavable up to 180 times

Dandy Vision By the Numbers

• ✅ 25% faster than competitors
• ✅ 45s full-arch scans
• ✅ < 60 seconds to launch Live Scan Review
• ✅ < 24 hours to receive digital design previews
• ✅ Zero-cost scanner with $1k minimum lab spend with Dandy
• ✅ Zero monthly software fees, long-term contracts, repair or replacement costs
• ✅ Zero-cost, free mirror tips for life

Conclusion

Digital dentistry has transformed care by lowering costs and improving precision—but today’s scanning and software innovations redefine what’s possible in the modern dental practice. Dandy Vision integrates the world’s leading dental lab into your workflow—making it effortless to scan, communicate your case specifications to the lab, and deliver precise-fitting restorations that help you treat more patients in less time.

Get started today and elevate your practice with clinical efficiency that drives confidence in every case.

To learn more, visit here or call (914) 600–0744

*Based on internal data comparing average scan times. Results may vary depending on case complexity and operator experience.

The post 5 ways Dandy Vision boosts clinical efficiency and outcomes appeared first on Dandy.

Every group leader knows that growth brings tension. As organizations expand, it becomes increasingly difficult to preserve what made them successful—clinical quality, patient satisfaction, clinical autonomy, and a strong culture.

At Dandy, we believe that no matter the size of your organization or your growth strategy, scaling smarter starts with the right foundation.

As the nation’s first fully digital, full-service dental lab, Dandy connects every step of the lab workflow—from intraoral scanning and order management to chairside design, communication, and manufacturing. We’re an end-to-end partner helping thousands of practices and DSOs grow sustainably by uniting clinical excellence with operational efficiency. 

Ultimately, sustainable growth depends on alignment. The strongest organizations build a foundation that connects their business and clinical teams across four essential pillars:  

• Reliable infrastructure and centralized systems
• Data visibility to guide smart decisions
• Strong partnerships that scale with you
• A lab strategy that supports both clinicians and the business

That last piece, the lab strategy, is often overlooked, yet it can make or break scalability. As dental groups grow, they naturally add more labs, which can lead to fragmentation, inconsistency, and inefficiency. Those gaps directly affect quality and clinician experience.

That’s where Dandy comes in. We’re built to drive alignment across leadership and clinical teams. We earn executive buy-in by solving for scale, cost, and complexity—and we win clinician trust by improving their daily workflows and confidence.

Here’s how:

• A new standard for quality and cost alignment: Our fully digital workflows and advanced manufacturing deliver unmatched consistency and efficiency.
• Rapid time-to-value: Dandy is engineered for frictionless adoption so clinicians can see results right away.
• Adoption through engagement, not enforcement: Our team works directly with clinicians to earn trust and excitement, lifting the burden from leadership.
• End-to-end support that grows with you: We’re more than a lab—we’re a long-term strategic partner committed to your success.

With Dandy, your dental lab becomes a key driver of top-line revenue growth. The results speak for themselves. Dandy partners have seen a 96% decrease in remake rates, 50% reduction in denture appointments, over 10 hours of chair time saved per month, and thousands in shipping cost savings annually. And these gains scale as your organization grows.

As the conversation at the Dental Leadership Summit continues, one thing is clear: the future of dentistry belongs to the groups that scale smarter—those that align quality, cost, and clinician experience from the ground up.

Dandy is proud to help build that future.

Read our ebook to learn more about how Dandy helps DSOs and group practices scale smarter. 

The post Scaling Smarter: Why Your Lab Strategy Is the Key to Sustainable Growth appeared first on Dandy.

Looking back, I’m not sure why—but I’m glad that changed.

Enter Dandy

The turning point came when my business partner saw a Facebook post about Dandy’s free scanner offer. Skeptical, I dismissed it. “Nothing free is really free,” I thought.

But my indecision was holding us back.

Eventually, we agreed to test a scanner at one location. I began comparing major players like TRIOS and Medit, doing demos, reading reviews, and talking to colleagues. When I finally spoke with Dandy and learned they offered TRIOS units, it felt like the stars were aligning. We decided to give it a shot.

I chose to implement it at the location I worked in most, just to keep an eye on things. And—spoiler alert—I ended up loving it. Even better? So did my team.

Overcoming hesitation 

As CEO, I balance optimism with caution. My concerns about going digital were: 

• Would lab fees offset the savings of a free scanner?
• Were there hidden costs?
• What if the equipment failed?
• Would there be any support?
• Would my team even use it?

Valid questions—but, as it turns out, mostly unfounded.

Dandy shipped the scanner and laptop, trained us, and got us running quickly. No drama, no teeth-pulling. The team was excited and engaged from day one—something every dentist knows is rare with new tech.

What I’ve learned since

• Lab fees: They’re reasonable and competitive. Dandy isn’t bargain-basement pricing, but the value is strong.
• Hidden costs: As long as you meet the monthly lab minimum, there aren’t any.
• Tech reliability: Our first TRIOS unit eventually had a hardware issue. Dandy replaced it immediately. Their support has been consistently responsive for both hardware and software issues.
• Scan support: Dandy’s live review team has bailed us out more than once. That kind of backup builds real confidence.
• Quality: The restorations are solid and consistent. I rarely need remakes, which means better outcomes and fewer headaches.

Expanding our scanner fleet

After our first Dandy unit proved successful, we bought two more TRIOS 3 scanners outright—one for a satellite location and one as backup in our flagship office. We couldn’t use Dandy at one location since, like most scanners, it requires a reliable internet connection (small-town struggles), but we didn’t want to give up digital scanning.

This also gave me the chance to compare Dandy’s full-service model against operating a TRIOS independently.

Comparing costs: DIY digital vs. Dandy 

Owning your own scanner can be cheaper on paper, especially if you use low-cost labs and nothing breaks. But in real life? Repairs, updates, subscriptions, and unexpected tech issues add up.

Dandy’s system feels more cost-effective for us because:

• I don’t worry about maintenance or breakdowns.
• My team can rely on quick fixes instead of waiting on third-party tech support.
• The restorations seat better, saving valuable chair time. A crown that fits the first time is worth its weight in gold (or high noble metal, if you’re into dental jokes).

My take on Dandy

It absolutely helped my practice. Dandy didn’t swoop in and transform our entire business—but they did remove a major barrier to progress. Their no-hassle setup, modern software, and reliable lab network helped us update workflows, reduce friction, and stay competitive.

Considerations before jumping in 

While my experience with Dandy has been overwhelmingly positive, it’s only fair to share a few limitations or quirks we’ve encountered:

• Lab exclusivity: Dandy requires that you use their lab to keep the scanner. This may limit flexibility if you like to shop around or work with multiple labs.
• Monthly minimums: You do need to meet a monthly lab spend to avoid charges. For smaller or slower offices, this might feel restrictive.
• Software ecosystem: Dandy’s workflow is streamlined, but also fairly “locked in.” If you love customizing your digital workflow, you may find it less open than using a standalone scanner.

These aren’t deal-breakers for us, but they’re worth knowing up front. Every tech solution has trade-offs—what matters is whether those trade-offs fit your practice philosophy and goals.

Conclusion

Adopting intraoral scanners felt like a leap—but Dandy made it feel like a well-supported step forward. Sure, there are some trade-offs in terms of flexibility and ecosystem control, but for us, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re on the fence, I’d encourage you to do what we did: test, compare, and see what works best for your team.

Because sometimes, the right tool isn’t just about features—it’s about whether it helps you move forward with less friction.

The post How Dandy’s intraoral scanner transformed my group dental practice appeared first on Dandy.

1. Embrace digital workflow

Adopting a digital workflow in dentistry offers numerous advantages over traditional methods. Digital techniques, such as using intraoral scanners (IOS), significantly reduce human error, enhance control over record-taking, and improve efficiency. According to Dandy’s internal survey of 1200 dentists, approximately 75% of US dental practices utilize intraoral scanners, a sharp increase from 20-30% five years ago. The high-resolution data provided by digital scans offer superior information fidelity, capturing detailed color data and accurate pre- and post-operative conditions, which are critical for designing perfectly fitting crowns. 

2. Foundational scan protocol

Establishing a foundational scan protocol is essential for achieving optimal results. Ensure the scanning area is clean and dry, as moisture can distort digital impressions. Lighting is another factor, so avoid direct overhead lights during scanning to prevent inaccuracies. Proper scanner handling, like a pen grip, provides better control and access to difficult areas. Follow a systematic scan path—occlusal, lingual, buccal—with full swipes. Start on the occlusal surface, swipe molar to molar before rolling lingual, and swipe again, molar to molar, for consistent results. Avoid over-scanning by optimizing the image count, ideally under 3,000 images per arch. These practices help create precise digital records.

3. Shade capture with photography

Capturing the correct shade before patient prepping is crucial for aesthetic results. Use a high-resolution camera and a shade guide in ambient light. Dentition changes color. They dehydrate, and the teeth fundamentally change in shade after pre-prep versus post-prep. Best practices include taking six essential photos:

• A natural full-face smile.
• A second natural smile photo, with a close-up of the dentition.
• Use two close-up photos of shade times. The shade times should be the targeted shade or one the lab needs to mimic for a custom shade pull. Give a visual range, which helps the lab examine the patient’s dentition and uses the shade times as color image references. Also, pay attention to the shade number and avoid asking for a different shade, e.g., ordering an A-3 shade for a tooth with an A-1 shade.
• Two final photos: one with retracted teeth together and then retracted teeth separated. 

This comprehensive approach ensures consistency, leading to more natural-looking restorations. Even for posterior restorations, a simple shade photo helps achieve better results. Providing these photos will supply the lab with six images that will get the desired shade—crowns that blend seamlessly with the patient’s natural teeth.

4. Double cord retraction technique

The double cord retraction technique is invaluable for achieving clear margins necessary for perfect fitting crowns. This gold standard method involves placing two cords in the gingival sulcus, providing excellent retraction and a clear field for scanning. Double-cord retraction offers more consistent results than the single-cord technique, especially in challenging cases. Visual examples clearly show how this technique enhances the visibility of the margins, ensuring accurate digital impressions. By mastering double cord retraction, dentists can significantly reduce the risk of open margins and improve the overall quality and longevity of the restorations.

5. Mastering the prep scan

Accurate reading of digital impressions is key for successful restorations. It relates to how digital impressions are read, or more specifically, how the sensitive areas of skin are reviewed.This method can be challenging, especially transitioning from analog to digital workflows. To begin, ensure margins are clear and interproximal contacts are well-defined. Turning off the color in scans can enhance visibility, making it easier to identify these critical areas. Utilize pre-operative scans to focus solely on capturing prep details without the distraction of other dentition. This method minimizes errors and ensures the lab has the best possible data. With tips and tricks for reading digital impressions and plenty of practice, anyone can master these techniques, improving the impressions’ accuracy. 

6. Advanced scan analysis

Effectual scan analysis aids in avoiding distortions in digital impressions. As stated previously, manage image count to stay below 3,000 images per arch to prevent overloading the scanner and introducing errors. Utilize the stone model mode for clearer visibility and easier identification of essential details. For challenging cases, mark margins digitally to ensure accuracy. These practices streamline the scanning process, reduce the risk of inaccuracies, and ensure that the final restorations fit perfectly. Advanced scan analysis techniques empower dentists to produce consistently high-quality digital impressions, leading to superior patient outcomes.

7. Leveraging Live Scan Reviews

Live scan reviews offer real-time feedback from technicians, ensuring high-quality digital impressions before the patient leaves the chair. This service allows for immediate corrections and enhances accuracy, reducing the need for patient remakes. Schedule live scan reviews in advance for complex cases for expert oversight. By integrating live scan reviews into the digital workflow, you can confidently know that patients’ impressions are accurate and complete. 

8. Utilizing Design Previews

Design previews are essential for ensuring precise and satisfactory restorations. Reviewing and approving designs before fabrication allows for necessary adjustments, ensuring the final product meets clinical and aesthetic expectations. Effective communication and annotations between the dentist and the lab are essential for this process. Utilize the design preview tools to see the proposed restoration in 3D, making visualizing the fit and function easier. This step minimizes the risk of errors, reduces the need for remakes, and ensures that the crowns look natural.

9. Using CAD/CAM materials

CAD/CAM materials offer significant benefits for consistent and precise dental restorations. These materials are designed digitally and manufactured with high precision, guaranteeing that the final product matches the digital design accurately. Follow preparation guidelines tailored to each material, such as clear margins and adequate occlusal clearance. A shoulder prep or a medium to heavy chamfer is recommended for zirconia crowns, along with at least 1 to 1.5 mm of occlusal clearance. Using these advanced materials and adhering to the preparation guidelines result in durable crowns that meet the highest standards of quality and aesthetics.

10. 3D printed duplication workflows

The future of digital dentistry is 3D printing, which revolutionizes the workflow for creating crowns and other restorations. Before fabrication, begin with digital design previews to finalize the restoration’s shape and fit. This approach allows for easy adjustments and patient feedback. Once approved, 3D printing creates temporary restorations for a test drive, minimizing the need for adjustments later. This workflow enhances crown production predictability and with  precision. 3D-printed duplication workflows also streamline the process and reduce chair time.

Perfect crown best practices conclusion

Adopting digital workflows in dentistry is paramount for achieving consistent, high-quality results. By following these ten tips, dentists can provide perfectly fitting crowns. These practices improve efficiency, enhance the patient experience, and increase overall outcomes. Embrace these modern techniques to elevate your practice and provide the best care for patients. Are you interested in exploring more of our services, tools, and resources for enhanced dental practice efficiency? Contact Dandy today.

The post 10 tips for perfect fitting crowns appeared first on Dandy.

The trend is neatly illustrated by the proliferation of wearable biometric health-tracking devices, the rise of DTC (direct-to-consumer) testing, and in popular culture with celebrities like Maria Menounos and Kim Kardashian publicly sharing their experiences. 

As science underscores the connection between oral and overall health, it’s fair to say that along with neurological, arterial, and fitness scans, any comprehensive diagnostic snapshot of patient well-being should necessarily include an oral examination like the Diagnostic Scans (also known as wellness scans) offered by Dandy. 

Below, you’ll find a brief overview of some different arenas in which such scans are being performed, who they serve, and why they all seem to fit a growing trend of quantified health and wellness. 

What are Diagnostic Scans?

“Diagnostic Scan” refers to voluntary medical imaging performed with the intent of surveying patients’ well-being. As opposed to ordered scans in which practitioners seek an underlying cause of discomfort/presenting symptoms, Diagnostic Scans are a facet of preventative medicine i.e. a prophylactic measure taken absent of symptom or pathology.

All Diagnostic Scans utilize medical imaging, but the inverse is not true. X-ray, for example, uses electromagnetic radiation to pass light through soft tissue, taking what is, essentially, a black-and-white photograph of the skeletal structure within a specific area. While this kind of imaging can provide valuable insight, X-rays’ limitations make them less suited to Diagnostic Scanning than other imaging methods. 

Diagnostic full-body MRI scans 

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a scan that uses strong magnetic fields, radio waves, and magnetic field gradients to image a patient’s entire body, including skeletal structure, joints and connective tissue, internal organs; the vascular, cardiac, neurological, and spinal systems. 

Primarily located in hospitals, MRIs have traditionally been prescribed to interrogate abnormalities such as injuries, tumors, aneurysms, hemorrhages, and degenerative diseases. 

The detailed nature of MRIs makes them a more popular choice for Diagnostic Scans in the DTC (direct-to-consumer screening i.e. retail health screening performed without prescription from a doctor or healthcare professional) market. 

Some experts assert that as a screening tool for healthy individuals, MRI imaging’s potential to produce false-positives and inconclusive results may ultimately do more harm to than good. However at least one study of DTC MRIs found the frequency of psychological harm to be low.

Diagnostic brain scans

Within the mammalian brain, certain psychological and/or emotional states have been correlated with particular structures, chemicals, and connections. This means that, using medical scans, certain mental disorders can actually be observed. 

“Functional imagining” refers to medical scans that show change over time, e.g. video rather than a single image. PET (positron emission tomography), fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), and CT (computed tomography) are all examples of functional imaging. Using these, it is possible to observe the behavior of certain neurotransmitters, electrical activity, and/or blood flow in response to various stimuli, giving doctors valuable insight.

Considering the proven link between genetics and mental health disorders (i.e. dementia, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia) it should come as no surprise that DTC brain scans are seen by some as a proactive step toward mental healthcare, theoretically identifying potential problems before symptoms ever arise. 

Diagnostic carotid artery scan

Whether caused by a buildup of plaque or a blood clot, the result of a blockage in the carotid artery is likely a massive stroke. 

Noninvasive ultrasound scans (a.k.a sonograms) can quickly and effectively reveal blockage and/or potentially troublesome buildup. Ultrasound scanning interpolates sound waves to form a picture of soft tissue inside the body. 

For certain at-risk patients, a simple DTC ultrasound of the carotid artery can lead to fast, life-saving interventions.

Fitness scan

As previously mentioned, the rise of brands, styles, and varied functionality in the wearable biometric device space (i.e. Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Oura) demonstrates a growing demand for fitness tracking. 

More granular than any single health metric, DEXA scans (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) can show where on the body one carries mass; the composition and density of soft tissue, fat distribution, and bone mineral density.

DEXA scans take just about 15 minutes and cost about $100 per, so that makes them attractive to anyone for whom fitness is a top priority. If one has the means and the motivation to target specific fitness goals, a fitness scan can be highly informative. 

Diagnostic Scans in dentistry

Most people are familiar with the standard dental exam; the poking and mirrors and sore jaws. But Diagnostic Scans like those made possible with Dandy are revolutionizing the way dental professionals and their patients assess oral health.

A dental Diagnostic Scan begins with a digital impression using an IOS (intraoral scanner). Using harmless light pulses, the IOS takes comprehensive measurements of a patient’s entire oral cavity including teeth, occlusal surfaces, and gums. This data is automatically fed directly to a nearby monitor where Dandy’s incredible Chairside software stitches it into a precise, fully manipulable 3D model of the patient’s entire mouth. Using this digital model dentists and patients can plan treatment, track progress, visualize treatment outcomes, and more. 

The process is so quick and comprehensive, that many dentists find that a partnership with Dandy streamlines everyday workflows.

Diagnostic Scans can be offered at every visit because they: 

A. Are a no-cost practice

B. Facilitate co-discovery between dentist and patient, increasing patient satisfaction and case acceptance 

and C. Generate ‘wow!’ factor and set a practice apart from the competition

Conclusion

Patients care more about health and wellness than ever before. Wide adoption of premium health and fitness consumer products like Peleton, Apple Fitness+, and wearables proves that patients’ appetites for health metrics are insatiable. However the rising popularity of DTC health scans like genetic testing and diagnostic MRIs suggests a willingness to plunk down top dollar out of pocket. 

Dandy is the industry leader when it comes to dental technology, and Diagnostic Scans are no exception. Using an intraoral scanner and Dandy’s Chairside software, Diagnostic Scans are not only free but comprehensive, can lead to greater case acceptance, and improve patient satisfaction across the board.

But the benefits of partnership with Dandy don’t end with advanced scanning; not only does Dandy offer a free intraoral scanner and software training, switching to a digital workflow means revolutionizing your business with a 5-day turnaround for zirconia crowns, 2-Appointment Dentures, and real-time clinical support when you need it. That’s the Dandy difference. 

Curious about what else Dandy can do for your practice? Start here.

The post Health trend: The rise of patient wellness and diagnostic scans appeared first on Dandy.

1. Educate patients

Yes, it sounds obvious, but educate patients on good oral hygiene practices. Mention how good oral hygiene is directly related to their overall health. The mouth is the entrance to the respiratory and digestive tracts. Poor oral health is linked to diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and pneumonia, so it’s important to advise patients on maintaining their oral health. Also, advise patients about the best dietary choices to maintain their oral health, like limiting sugary and acidic foods. 

For young patients, include a tooth brushing and mouth rinsing session during the appointment. Observe the patient’s oral hygiene procedures and correct improper cleaning and rinsing, if necessary. 

2. Perform Diagnostic Scans

During a dental Diagnostic Scan (also known as a wellness scan), the dentist uses an intraoral scanner to create a precise 3D image of a patient’s teeth, gums, and bite. Diagnostic Scans empower dentists to practice preventative care by detecting and treating oral health issues before they become worse and allow dentists to monitor changes over time.

Example: If a Diagnostic Scan detects tooth grinding, the dentist can stop further damage by treating the root cause like anxiety or sleep apnea.

A Diagnostic Scan is a great opportunity to educate patients about their oral health. As you and the patient look at the results together, discuss the patient’s history and current issues, and suggest treatments. This encourages the patient to feel connected to their oral health and promotes co-discovery, which leads to increased case acceptance—an important part of successful preventative care.

3. Encourage fluoride use

Educate patients on the importance of fluoride use in maintaining good oral health emphasizing the use of fluoride toothpastes and mouth rinses. If the patient is highly susceptible to tooth decay recommend high-strength fluoride toothpaste.

Many US cities add fluoride to their tap water but not all do. If you live in an area that doesn’t provide fluoridated tap water, encourage patients to use fluoridated water to help prevent tooth decay.

4. Recommend fluoride varnish and dental fissure sealant

Fluoride Varnishes (Duraphat, Prevident, Fluoridin, Cavity Shield, etc.) are effective for caries prevention in all age groups. For patients with a moderate risk of cavities, a twice-a-year fluoride varnish application is recommended. 

Pit and fissure sealants (BeautiSealant, Embrace, TRIAGE EP, etc.) form a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into tiny teeth pits and fissures. Applied to the premolar and molar teeth, sealants prevent tooth decay in all patients. 

Young children who are at risk for dental caries can benefit from the application of sealant. Sealant is placed on the occlusal surfaces of the first permanent molars. Inform the child’s parent or guardian about this protective treatment, before teeth eruption.

5. Practice proactive dentistry

Proactive dentistry includes addressing dental issues early and employing strategies to help prevent future problems. Also, identifying and treating issues before they become worse and preventing the need for future invasive procedures.  

For example, you may advise treatment to strengthen a weak or cracked tooth to prevent further breakage such as a new filling or a crown to protect it. Preventative treatment is preferred to delaying treatment until the condition worsens and a dental emergency happens.

Thorough patient education, Diagnostic Scans, fluoride treatment, and regular checkups allow dentists to detect and treat problems in the earliest stages, preventing the need for more extensive treatment in the future.

Why is preventive care important?

Many oral diseases are preventable with early detection and treatment. Good oral hygiene combined with early detection and routine treatment saves the patient money. Since restorative and emergency treatments are less likely, money spent on preventive care is reduced. 

Preventive dentistry earns your patient’s trust, which makes case acceptance easier. New patients who feel well cared for are more likely to become regular patients, which benefits you and your practice.

__________________________________________

Resources: 

https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/48185

https://www.dentalhealth.org/preventive-care-and-oral-hygiene

https://www.dentalproductsreport.com/view/from-reactive-to-proactive-dentistry

The post Five ways to practice preventative dentistry appeared first on Dandy.

The new feature release to Dandy’s Chairside software enables dentists and staffers to practice and explore scanning and ordering workflows without the risk of submitting an actual order. Whether you are a doctor, assistant, or hygienist, you can use this feature to enhance your efficiency and accuracy before working on your first patient.

Dandy’s scan specialists can even access your practice scans and review them to give you extra guidance.  

While Scan Training Mode was built for onboarding with Dandy, the benefits extend past the orientation phase. We suggest using the feature to test the workflows of new treatments you add to your practice (implants, dentures, Clear Aligners, etc), training new hires, and ongoing testing to keep your staff sharp.

For your team to get up to speed, we suggest they practice scanning on models or, better yet, each other. Having to capture the perfect scan while navigating the tip around the human body is easy but best done in dress rehearsal a few times. One lead dentist who works with Dandy, Dr. Rahul Kallianpur of Hudson Dental Co., hosts scanning parties for his staff. They pick a night to stay after hours and practice scanning—they even compete against each other in timed scan races. 

If you partner with Dandy, below are the instructions for Scan Training Mode. If you are not currently a Dandy customer but are interested in taking full advantage of all digital dentistry has to offer, explore our system including real-time lab communication, innovative products like 5-Day Crowns, and our free scanner programs.

How to start Dandy’s Scan Training Mode

1. Make sure your equipment is set up
2. Open up Chairside and make sure your scanner is calibrated
3. Select the doctor’s profile 
4. Select Training Mode at the bottom left of the screen
5. Follow the prompts to start a workflow in Scan Training Mode
6. Submit a training order using your practice model or colleague
7. Enhance your skills by repeating the process.

We believe that Scan Training Mode will significantly benefit your practice, enhancing your team’s intraoral scanning skills and improving workflow efficiency—happy scanning.

The post Become an expert in intraoral scanning and digital dental workflows with Dandy’s Scan Training Mode appeared first on Dandy.

So, what should you do about it? Following is our guide for handling patient’s dental opinions downloaded directly from the internet.

Where patients get dental information

Patients get dental information in a few ways. Googling sometimes pushes them to health sites like WebMD or one of its cousins, Cleveland or Mayo Clinic. Some might hear it through word-of-mouth, which could be secondhand relays of content from the above. Others find information on social media through scrolling or targeted paid ads.

Harmful dental information that has gained popularity on the Internet

The harmful information patients encounter might surprise you. Influencers on various platforms have videos on everything from whitening your teeth using an abrasive melamine foam sponge meant for cleaning sinks to filing chipped incisal edges with a nail file. 

Delta Dental identified a few additional trends from a popular social media site a few years ago, which include:

• DIY Ortho: A woman uses elastic hair ties wrapped around her teeth to close a diastema. 
• Art-Supply Prosthetics: Another woman demonstrates how to make a prosthetic tooth from polyester thermoplastic beads used for art projects. 
• Tooth Filing Prep for Prosthetics:  Several posts show people filing their teeth into pegs for crown placement or veneers. 
• Super Gluing Vampire Fangs to Teeth: Some users use cyanoacrylate adhesive (super glue or nail adhesive) to fasten vampire fangs to their natural teeth. 
• Whitening with Hydrogen Peroxide: These videos show people directly applying three percent hydrogen peroxide to their teeth.
• Flossing with human hair: Yes, you read that right.

Unfortunately, that isn’t all. Newsweek recently covered a few other troubling social media trends. One platform showed people doing DIY fillings using at-home kits or non-dental supplies without sterilization or application experience. It also had videos of people oil pulling or swishing oil to reduce bacteria and improve saliva production, misleading viewers into thinking it substitutes for routine home hygiene. Savannah Magazine describes one showing a mom self-applying veneers and using an electric sanding tool to straighten the edges.

Sometimes, the problem with patient dental opinions isn’t misinformation; it’s having no information. For example, many patients don’t ask their dentist for sports mouthguards because they don’t know that the dentist offers them. Instead, patients use the boil-and-bite generics that neither fit nor protect, as well as a mouthguard from a dental professional. 

This situation also occurs with clear aligners. Patients might choose an online or remote option for correcting their smile because they didn’t know clear aligners were available at their dental home. 

How to handle false dental information

When patients ask about something they saw online, we have a few suggestions for handling it. 

First, view it as a positive thing. Searching for solutions online signals patients are interested in learning more about treatments to improve their smiles or oral health. 

Second, establish rapport to replace their online searching with conversations with you. Start by listening to what they were searching or watching. Rather than criticizing the content, lead with empathy. Harvard Medical School says research shows empathy enhances patient satisfaction, boosts treatment adherence, and leads to better clinical outcomes. Patients who feel understood are more likely to follow their treatment plans and practice self-care. Additionally, empathetic relationships can reduce disputes and improve patient experience scores, ultimately leading to better reimbursement. Most importantly, empathy allows healthcare providers to connect with patients on a deeper, more human level.

Sharing science-backed evidence to counter misinformation can help, too. The team can assemble information sheets based on the reasoning behind your opinion. Also, photos can help show what happens if patients follow your advice—or when they don’t. 

What you don’t want to do is talk down to patients or use too much medical jargon. Per Cleveland Clinic, using simple, clear language in healthcare communication helps patients make better decisions and avoid misunderstandings. Additionally, be sure to take your time; rushed communication can frustrate patients, erode trust, and make them feel disrespected. What’s worse, confused patients may turn to unreliable information sources, potentially harming their health.

Building trust for the future with patients

Becoming a trusted resource is essential to combating misinformation in your patient base. When you have a relationship, patients will come to you with their questions and concerns. Making yourself more available for these types of questions is critical to building trust for the future. Having an open-door policy on patient questions and having time in your schedule for free consults goes a long way to building rapport with patients. It would also be great if patients have a way to forward you content they see online or can email you questions. 

Additionally, you have to know what is out there. So, monitor online content and coach staff on the new harmful trends your patients might encounter. Your team and you can then agree on a consistent message about it as a practice. A proactive, myth-busting approach on your social media will also help.

How you position the information you post is essential. Fondation Descartes published a literature review that gave excellent recommendations on how to frame that content:

• State the correct information to replace the false information
• Avoid repeating the false information at all
• Keep the correct information short and simple, and, in particular, shorter and simpler than the misinformation. 
•  Create content that reflects the patient’s ideals and values whenever possible 

Publish this reframed content and messaging on your patient portal so patients can access it whenever they need or want it. Per the journal JAMIA Open, patient portals are emerging as a valuable tool for patient education and engagement. 

Another proactive strategy to combat misinformation could be to email your patients about new harmful trends as they emerge with a catchy subject line like, “Don’t Fall for Slick Content: Why Oil Pulling is Dangerous to Your Oral Health.” Additionally, explain why skepticism is critical when encountering unusual oral health information online; the motivations of the content creator might not be the same as those of a healthcare professional.

Affordable Clear Aligners for your patients with Dandy

Your patients are online more than ever before and the demand for straighter smiles increases with every scroll. So, why not serve your patients with affordable Clear Aligner options supplied by Dandy? Dandy helps general dentists offer Clear Aligners that are more effective than direct-to-consumer brands on TikTok and Instagram and more affordable than other leading brands. Book a demo with Dandy to see how we can help your patients today. 

Sources

7 dangerous dental trends from TikTok (2021) Delta Dental. Available at: https://www1.deltadentalins.com/dentists/fyi-online/2021/dental-tiktok-trends.html (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

Dewan, P. Dentist warns of six ‘dangerous’ TikTok trends you should never try at home (2024), Newsweek. Available at: https://www.newsweek.com/dentist-warns-dangerous-tiktok-trends-teeth-1921268 (Accessed: 15 August 2024).

Sanders, A. A. (2024) When Teeth Become Trendy, Savannah Magazine. Available at: https://savannahmagazine.com/health/when-teeth-become-trendy/ (Accessed: 15 August 2024).

James, T. A. (2023) Building Empathy into the Structure of Health Care, Building Empathy into the Structure of Health Care | HMS Postgraduate Education. Available at: https://postgraduateeducation.hms.harvard.edu/trends-medicine/building-empathy-structure-health-care (Accessed: 16 August 2024).

Avoiding Medical Jargon to Improve Communication, Reduce Ambiguity (2024). Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. Available at: https://consultqd.clevelandclinic.org/avoiding-medical-jargon-to-improve-communication-reduce-ambiguity (Accessed: 16 August 2024).

Lewandowski, S. et al. Correcting a misinformation (2020) Fondation Descartes. Available at: https://www.fondationdescartes.org/en/2020/07/how-to-effectively-correct-misinformation/ (Accessed: 19 August 2024).

Johnson AM, Brimhall AS, Johnson ET, et al. A systematic review of the effectiveness of patient education through patient portals. JAMIA Open. 2023;6(1):ooac085. Published 2023 Jan 18. doi:10.1093/jamiaopen/ooac085

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Unlike reruns of Seinfeld, throwback grunge music, and knee socks, clinical concepts need to be left with the times to make way for new and improved models. 

Procera porcelain was stronger than other types of porcelain at the time and they looked great. But these ceramic crowns fractured because the material was fragile, especially when compared to porcelain-fused-to metal (PFM) crowns and advanced porcelain crown materials.

“We saw a lot of them failing due to lack of strength,” says Jeannie Hughes, one of Dandy’s digital dental experts with 30 years of experience. “No one really uses them anymore.” 

Dentistry evolved. The modern alternatives last longer while looking as good as all-ceramic crowns.

What is an all-ceramic crown?

All-ceramic crowns are types of dental restorations that can cover a tooth or cap a tooth that needs restoring. They’re made from porcelain. They came after gold crowns. Most dentists used Procera AllCeram crowns in the 1980s and 1990s for anterior restorations because they were very translucent and it was easy to match the tooth color. They were certainly a few steps up from gold crowns when the patient wanted an aesthetically-pleasing crown.

The full-ceramic crowns were used for anterior tooth restorations and posterior restorations. Initially, they seemed like a great solution. Until they weren’t. 

The all-porcelain crowns showed significant wear and tear in a short period of time. In three-year studies, all-ceramic restorations exhibited deformities, roughness, and signs of being worn down, particularly on the posterior teeth. 

All-ceramic crowns mostly stopped being done in the 1990s. Better restoration materials came along, like lithium disilicate, zirconia crowns, and PFZ (porcelain fused to zirconia).

Limiting factors for all-ceramic crown suitability 

All-ceramic crowns and all-porcelain crowns were well-liked for their translucency but they had problems, mainly:

• Lack of strength
• Showed signs of wear and tear
• Lack of durability on posterior teeth
• Lower flexural strength values compared to alternative restorations

The main problem with all-ceramic crowns:

Strength was the overwhelming significant problem for this type of restoration.

How long do ceramic crowns last?

Most crowns should last 10 to 20 years and beyond (if they are done well.) All-ceramic crowns don’t last as long as an eMax or zirconia crown restoration. 

Ceramic crown alternatives

Upon the proliferation of lithium disilicate (a type of porcelain) crowns dentists moved away from all-ceramic crowns. The best modern-day alternatives are:

eMax crowns

These monolithic restorations are made from lithium disilicate and are a great option when the patient needs to prioritize aesthetics over strength. They’re loved for anterior teeth restorations for single-tooth and multiple-unit cases, as well as crowns, veneers, and bridges up to three units. Dandy has full contour IPS eMax crowns as well as layered lithium disilicate options.

Monolithic zirconia crowns 

Zirconia crowns come in various strengths, aesthetics, and durability levels. High-translucent zirconia is a good option to replace an all-ceramic restoration, says Hughes.

“We try to mimic that light shining through enamel look in our restoration,” says Hughes. ‘The stronger something is, the more opaque it is. Dandy has a very strong zirconia crown product—1350MPa Flexural Strength—that’s recommended for most posterior teeth.”

PFZ crowns

Dandy’s Porcelain Fused to Zirconia (PFZ) restorations are porcelain over zirconia. “They’re a great option for anterior teeth,” says Hughes. “Zirconia gives you the strength while porcelain gives you the beauty.”

Ceramic restorations with Dandy

Dandy offers high-quality Zirconia and eMax crown and bridge products with seamless digital workflows, along with the best restorative intraoral scanner for free.

Learn more about all the ways Dandy’s all-in-one digital lab products and solutions can help transform your practice and give your restorative patients a crown that will last.

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What is a healing abutment?

Healing abutments are usually made of commercially pure titanium or titanium alloy. Healing abutments or healing caps are larger than cover screws and come in different widths and heights. A healing abutment shapes the gums and keeps the implant hole open. After insertion, healing abutments are visible above the gumline.  

When is a healing abutment placed?

Depending on the condition and the dentist’s preference, healing abutments may be used in a single-stage procedure or during Stage 2.

1. In a single-stage procedure, sometimes referred to as immediate healing abutment placement, healing abutments are placed immediately after the implant body is drilled into the jawbone. 
2. Healing abutments are inserted immediately before implant crown placement (Stage 2).

Pros of using a healing abutment

• Healing abutments help improve soft tissue contours by providing structure and support.
• They shape the gums. The gums heal around the abutment to keep the implant hole open.

Cons of using a healing abutment

• They are larger than cover screws and sold in varying heights and widths. 
• The patient can see and feel the abutment.
• The abutment may unscrew and fall into the patient’s mouth.

Healing abutments: Indications for use 

Healing abutments are intended for use with root-form endosseous dental implants to aid in prosthetic rehabilitation.

What is a cover screw? 

Cover screws are made of commercially pure titanium or zirconia. They come in different widths and when inserted, do not protrude above the gumline. A cover screw works similar to a manhole cover keeping blood and food debris from entering the implant hole. 

When is a cover screw placed?

A cover screw is inserted into the implant body immediately after the implant body is drilled into the jawbone.

Pros of using cover screws

• A cover screw blocks the hole in the top of the implant body to keep gums, blood and debris from entering.
• Cover screws are smaller than abutments, do not show above the gumline, and are undetectable by the patient.
• Cover screws come in varying widths compared to abutments, which come in varying widths and heights. 

Both are transitional dental implant parts used to keep gums, blood, or debris from entering the implant hole, in this article we’ll cover using healing abutments vs cover screws.

Cons of using cover screws

Like abutments, cover screws may detach and fall into the patient’s mouth.

Cover screws: Indications for use 

Cover screws are intended to be used in the maxilla or mandible connected to the endosseous implant. They protect the internal threads and implant body during the healing phase and keep the soft tissue clear of the implant interface.

Healing abutments vs cover screws

Some dentists prefer to place the healing abutment during implant body placement, using the abutment as a substitute for the cover screw. Other dentists prefer to place a cover screw during implant body placement, believing the cover screw will allow the gums to heal more efficiently.

Using healing abutments in digital implant restorations

Dentists, oral surgeons, periodontists, and prosthodontists often use CBCT imaging (3-dimensional X-ray) and full-mouth impressions (PVS impressions or digital) when placing implants.

Placing implants requires the use of dental implant parts and materials including:

• Implant body / implant fixture
• Cover screw
• Healing abutment (depending on the stage of the implant process)
• Implant crown

An overview of implant placement

1. A titanium implant body is drilled into patient’s jawbone. The dentist may use an implant surgical guide for precision placement.

2. The dentist will either cover the implant with gum tissue or place a healing abutment. Both healing abutments and cover screws may be used during the healing and osseointegration stage.

3. The dentist and patient wait three-to-six months for proper healing and osseointegration.

4. The dentist unscrews the healing abutment and replaces it with a different abutment that connects the implant body to the implant crown.

5. The crown is placed on top of the new abutment. The tooth is restored and the implant process is completed.

Digital dental implants with Dandy

Dandy offers a wide selection of high-quality dental implant parts and materials.

We help dentists simplify implant placement with a fully digital workflow and provide everything you’ll need to optimize your implant process including:

• A 3D-printed model for physical fit check on your patient
• Free scan bodies
• Dedicated implant designers
• Consultation with our expert implant planning team.
• Support for complex cases
• A healing abutment (if requested)

Upgrade your practice today with Dandy.

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Digital dentistry = modern dentistry

Do you remember the first time you used a smartphone? For some of us, it was mind-blowing, and some of us grew up with the technology already implanted in society. That’s how doctors and patients look at digital dentistry today. For some older dentists and patients it is a new novelty; for younger people it is what all dentistry should be

Most everybody has a smartphone today, but many practices have already out-of-date technology or aren’t taking advantage of all digital dentistry can make more efficient—the equivalent of still using an iPhone 7 or having the current model but not using any app other than email. The ability to leverage digital dentistry solutions to improve your diagnosis, treatment planning, and procedures with computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) can shift what is possible in your dental practice.

However, many clinicians don’t realize all the ways a digital workflow in dentistry can transform their general dentistry practice and patient experience. They do not harness all these utilities, opting to continue using the traditional workflow with many treatments and leaving these improvements and enhancements—and the revenue they generate—on the operatory table.  

To avoid this fate, let’s take a closer look at what digital dentistry does and the digital dentistry solutions available.

What are all the digital dental treatments?  

Digital dentistry advances the delivery of dental care with the help of technology to elevate the patient experience. Precise imaging, efficient treatment planning, and personalized restorations have revolutionized the delivery of oral health and improved dental education and communication between patient and clinician. Digital dentistry enhances diagnostic accuracy, streamlines workflows, and improves treatment outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction.  

By contrast, traditional dentistry relies on manual techniques and analog tools. While proven and more familiar than digital dentistry to many dentists, traditional dentistry also takes longer and doesn’t offer the same accuracy and precision that digital dentistry does.

In other words, digital dentistry enhances virtually every treatment you do in your daily dental practice—and a few things you probably haven’t tried. Here are ways general dentists can leverage digital dentistry workflows to transform their dental practices.

Crowns and bridges 

Digital dentistry enhances crown and bridge delivery. Digital workflows provide the information necessary to receive restorations that fit consistently, meaning fewer adjustments and less chair time for patients. Digital workflows also allow your lab to deliver crowns faster than traditional workflows. Additionally, a wide range of materials are available for digital crown and bridge restorations, like eMax and Zirconia so that you can treat any case. 

Dentures: Full and partial

One of the greatest enhancements digital dentistry provides over a traditional workflow is for full and partial dentures. Digital technology streamlines the denture delivery process, reducing the usual number of appointments to as little as two in some cases. Additionally, digitally-produced full and partial digital dentures have a range of materials available, providing both a superior fit and excellent esthetics, even in complex or challenging cases. 

Implants 

Dental implants are much more accessible for the general dentist to add to their practice when leveraging the benefits of the digital workflow. Not only does the digital workflow enhance the planning of implant cases, but it also allows for continuous case collaboration and support, including surgical guides that streamline and simplify implant placement.

Surgical guides

For any dentist, especially those new to dental implants, surgical guides take the guesswork out of drilling. They promote a better understanding of the diagnosis, ensuring the most efficient use of the patient’s available bone. Surgical guides facilitate more predictable placement, improved case outcomes, and reduced unexpected issues and remakes. 

Ortho – Clear Aligners 

Digital dentistry also makes it easier for the general dentist to offer Clear Aligner therapy. The ability to deliver this treatment modality—that patients often ask about—significantly impacts the patient experience. Adding one new clear aligner case per week can result in as much as $200,000 of additional annual revenue for the general practice. 

Night guards and splints 

When adding new treatments to a general dentistry practice, a digital workflow makes adding night guards and splints easy and convenient. These appliances are valuable to dentists and patients, from treating the rising number of Bruxism and TMJ cases in your patient base to providing an insurance policy on the new crown or implant you just placed. 

Sleep Apnea appliances 

A new dental treatment category with high revenue potential is mandibular advancement devices, which treat sleep apnea cases. For patients with mild-to-moderate obstructive sleep apnea, sleep apnea appliances are a preferable alternative to CPAP devices. Digital dentistry allows general dentists to provide sleep apnea appliances for these patients.

Wellness Scans 

Digital dentistry enables general dental practices to offer wellness scans, a new diagnostic tool that establishes a comprehensive patient record. Leveraging the imaging capabilities of the intraoral scanner, general dentistry practices can create detailed 3D images of the patient’s teeth, gums, and bite. A wellness scan helps clinicians plan treatment, visualize outcomes, and establish a baseline to monitor patient oral health changes over time.  

Do all digital dental treatments with Dandy

Dandy is there for general dentists ready to dive deeper into all that digital dentistry offers. Not only do we provide a free scanner, but we are also a 100% digital lab, and can be your all-in-one lab as we manufacture all the above. Plus, all our practices get to experience the Dandy Difference, which includes the following:  

• Five-day turnaround on zirconia crowns 
• Free training on digital workflows 
• Real-time clinical support
• Free wellness scans 
• 2-Appointment Dentures 
• Straight-to-finish partials 

With all of these opportunities available to you, it is time to embrace the future of dentistry with digital dentistry solutions.  Taking advantage of digital dentistry’s benefits to your clinical outcomes and patient experience can make the difference you have been looking for in your day-to-day care. 

Book a consultation with us to learn more about how digital dentistry solutions can help your practice increase its services and improve the patient experience. 

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Scripps Rock Dental

Feature 1: Two CTAs in the homepage banner

Notice how the Scripps Rock Dental website has two prominent Call-to-Action buttons that direct users to book an appointment or contact the practice immediately. This is an example of the “Call to Action” (CTA), which directs customers on what to do next, leading toward your desired action and creating a sense of urgency to do it now.

Utilizing CTAs will increase conversion rates by providing immediate, clear options for engagement. With a Call to Action, users are much more likely to follow through instead of delaying until later and, thus, likely forgetting to do so.

Feature 2: Testimonials of satisfied clients

Many of the best dental websites will showcase positive reviews from patients, highlighting their experiences or outcomes. Humans are naturally social creatures, and we take the word of others seriously when making decisions. Whether utilized in static posts or on revolving social media highlights, testimonials are extremely effective at building trust and credibility through social proof, encouraging new visitors to become patients.

Feature 3: Primary navigation

When users visit dental websites, navigation needs to be smooth and easy. Providing a “Services” dropdown menu that lists all treatments offered, with quick links to detailed information pages, is vital. This saves the visitor from the need to scroll endlessly down the page, and greatly enhances the user experience.

Hellotend

Yes, this is an overarching franchise site, but Tend sets the standard for cutting-edge dental website aesthetics.

Feature 1: Video that plays upon homepage load, showing consumer, office, and building trust

One of the easiest ways to hook potential patients is to feature engaging video content that introduces the dental practice, showcases the clean & friendly office environment, and emphasizes first-class patient care. Allowing clients to see the actual office, staff, and satisfied patients will provide a human touch and quickly build a connection, making the practice more relatable and trustworthy.

Feature 2: Enticing popup to explain if insurance covers exams

A well-designed, non-intrusive pop-up that provides information about insurance coverage for exams will help the visitors understand their benefits while lowering the barrier to entry by addressing one of the most common financial concerns upfront.

Feature 3: Value proposition

The best dentist websites often feature some sort of “value proposition,” which provides relevance, value, and differentiation for their office. This value proposition may highlight the practice’s proprietary mobile app that assists with appointment scheduling, checkup reminders, and patient education. This asset demonstrates technological advancement and convenience, which appeals heavily to younger and tech-savvy patients.

SmileLA

Feature 1: Pictures of actual clients with dentists they can expect to work with will bolster trust

Expanding on patient testimonials covered above, another great way to build patient trust with your dental website design is to include authentic images of patients interacting with dentists – showing real results and positive relationships. Featuring actual patients will humanize the practice and build credibility.

Feature 2: Before & After photos build credibility

Many of the best dental websites will feature before-and-after treatment photos that showcase beautiful, successful outcomes. These provide users with visual proof of the practice’s expertise and effectiveness, lowering apprehensions and encouraging new clients by letting them see what’s in store.

Feature 3: Map of location to help clients navigate to your practice

In addition to the standard contact information at the bottom of the page, like office phone number, address, and email, your dental website should feature an embedded interactive map to show the practice’s location. This visual aid makes it easier for new patients to find the office, reducing anxiety about navigation.

First Hill Dental Center

Feature 1: Informational copy helps clients understand what services they can expect, as well as keyword-rich copy that will help site rank for target terms and pull in organic traffic

By including detailed, informative content about each service offered, you have the opportunity to not only teach clients about your offered services but to also enhance your site’s Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and gain more organic web traffic by sprinkling your copy with keyword-rich phrasing.

Feature 2: Blog of helpful information to nurture new customers and loyal returning customers

Maintaining a regularly updated blog is another common thread on the best dentist websites. The articles on dental health, tips for dental hygiene, and practice news will keep patients engaged and informed, enhancing loyalty and retention.

Feature 3: Team page showing bios and photos of the dentists builds trust

While upgrading your dental website design, consider adding comprehensive bios of the dentists, hygienists, and staff, including their qualifications and specialties. This not only showcases the strengths of your team, but builds rapport and trust by introducing the team and making patients feel more comfortable with them.

Dentologie

Feature 1: Great locations pages that help people in different neighborhoods find the best location

If your dental practice offers multiple locations, you should include detailed pages for each practice location including maps, contact information, and services offered. Expanding this section will enhance local SEO (like whenever a user types “dentists near me”) and provide convenient information to your prospective local clients.

Feature 2: About Us page shows how this practice began, bringing a human touch to the practice and building credibility and trust

When building your dental website, consider including a narrative of the practice’s history, mission, and values, with links to professional profiles (like LinkedIn pages) for the dental team. Adding this human element to your practice will strengthen the emotional connection and trust with your customers.

Feature 3: FAQ page answers the burning questions users may have before they even book an appointment

Adding a comprehensive FAQ section can address common concerns and questions about treatments, policies, and procedures. Not only does this make patients feel more informed and confident by reducing uncertainties, it also reduces the need for staff to personally address these questions via phone or email.

Dental websites: Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a website important for dentistry?

A dental website is essential in today’s world to attract new patients by providing information, facilitating communication, and remaining relevant in local search results. If you’re researching how to attract more patients to your dental practice, this is one of the cornerstones of any successful dental practice marketing plan.

What features are most important to include in a dental website?

More than just a modern telephone book listing, your dental website design should include key features like Calls to Action (CTAs), real customer testimonials, service pages, team bios, and SEO-optimized content to bring you to the top of local search results. Adding these features will create an effective and engaging website that brings new clients and retains existing patients.

How can I improve the SEO of my dental website?

Optimize your content with relevant keywords (like “family dentistry” or “dental implants”), as well as local SEO strategies, like including your city name or registering as a verified business with search engines like Google. Create fresh, informative content often to engage visitors and promote a building of backlinks that add reputability to your dental website.

How often should I update my dental website?

You should be updating your dental website at least once each month to keep content fresh, relevant, and engaging for visitors. Consider adding regular blog posts on dental health, patient testimonials, service updates, and any changes to address, phone number, or hours.

What kind of content should I include on my dental website?

The best content to add is that which builds trust and engagement with your visitors and existing clients. Consider adding informative service descriptions, positive patient testimonials, educational blogs, and regularly updated FAQs. These help to create a well-rounded dental website that provides value and improves search engine rankings.

How can I make my dental website more user-friendly?

When considering your dental website design, prioritize easy navigation with a logical organization of content and the use of clear dropdown menus. Ensure that your site is fast, smooth, and responsive on mobile devices and desktops alike. Optimize loading times by compressing images, minimizing plugins, and using caching tools. When used together, these will enhance user experience and make it easier for visitors to find pertinent information and book appointments.

What are the best ways to encourage online reviews for my dental practice?

Encourage reviews by providing exceptional service and asking satisfied patients for feedback. Try sending follow-up emails after appointments, thanking patients, and directing them to leave reviews on Google, Yelp, or your website. Integrate these reviews into your dental website and update them often. This builds social proof and enhances your practice’s online reputation.

How can I use social media to promote my dental website?

One of the easiest ways is to link the social media profiles (e.g. LinkedIn) of your staff in website bios and blog posts. You can also regularly share informative content like dental tips, office updates, and patient testimonials on an office social media page to engage with patients, expand the practice’s reach, and boost traffic to your website.

What are the privacy and security considerations for a dental website?

When designing your website, be sure to implement SSL encryption to secure data transmission between your website and its users, as well as authentication measures to protect patient data and accounts. To meet HIPAA regulations, you will need to obtain patient consent for data collection, as well as provide secure storage & transmission of patients’ electronic health records. Be sure to regularly update software and plugins to limit vulnerabilities.

How can I track the performance of my dental website?

Track your dental website performance with tools like Google Analytics, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as website traffic, bounce rate, conversion rate, and average session duration. You can then use these data insights to optimize future content, improve user experience, and enhance marketing strategies to make your website more effective.

What should I consider when choosing a web design service for my dental practice?

When choosing a web design service, consider seeking a firm with experience in the dental industry and follow these key tenets:

• Review their portfolio to make sure it aligns with your vision.
• Look for client testimonials to gauge satisfaction and dependability.
• Ensure they thoroughly understand SEO, appointment scheduling modules, and HIPAA compliance practices.

This will all help to construct an engaging, pleasant dental website that drives new customers to your practice.

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