Posted in Industry News

6 Innovations in the Dental Industry

When you look at the history of the dental industry, it is easy to see how far we have come. From our first dental casts to the introduction of fluoride in toothpaste, so much has already been achieved. With each innovation we have strived to make the work of the dental professional's smoother, but also, to make the patient experience more comfortable. The everlasting question is; where are we headed next? We have compiled 6 emerging and existing innovations that are changing the dental industry for the better.

1. Digital impressions
Digital impressions allow for an accurate, infinite image of a patient to be kept on file. They can be used for comparison as well, either in before or after work or during different stages of dental work. Many dental practices have embraced the digital revolution, while others struggle with the cost of equipment and training. In years to come, mainstream access to these technologies will only improve.

2. 3D Printing
3D printing is allowing dental and medical industries to create moulds, devices, and treatment options faster and more affordably than ever before. The accuracy of these machines helps with complex shapes and porous structures. We can see a better fit for patients leading to more comfortable devices that they will be more likely to use.

3. Invisible aligners
Invisible aligners are not a brand new technology though their popularity has soared in recent years, thanks in part to 3D printing. With the proper expert advice, patients can expect aesthetic improvements and moderate adjustments for common issues such as overbites, overcrowding and rotations. Many reputable brands offer these products through dental practices which allows for the necessary expert advice and provides patients with appropriate care throughout their procedure.

4. Laser technology
Laser dentistry has such a wide range of applications that it is hard to imagine it not becoming an industry standard in years to come. Everything from teeth whitening to removing tooth decay, reshaping gums, and removing bacteria during root canals can be done through laser technology. The benefits of laser dentistry apply to both practitioners and patients. Dentists can perform smoother procedures while patients experience less discomfort and can expect shorter healing times. Lasers have the added benefit of sterilising the gums which lowers risk for infection.

5. Medicated chewing gum
Researchers around the world are considering the potential of chewing gum for drug delivery in medical and dental products. In the UK, a study used a chewing robot to assess the efficacy of medicated gum in comparison to human consumption. In both the human and robot trials, the gum released similar amounts of drugs. Using robots has exciting potential as it allows for safer drug testing, avoiding side effects to human patients, and at a lower cost. While human trials will still be important for testing safety, efficacy can be trialled using robots to avoid unnecessary exposure to drugs for people.

6. Robo-dentistry
Robotics are not just making their mark in dental research. Robo-dentistry and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is being considered for procedures. As with all AI, it is limited in the fact that it cannot react to a situation for which it has not been programmed. However, in the case of minimally invasive or routine procedures, there is great potential. Practices such as cleaning, basic fillings and cap applications could one day be the job of a robo-dentist. This field has only been growing in the last two or so years, but we are excited to find out where it will take us next.

Find all the latest innovative technology at ADX Melbourne

New technologies and advancements are happening all the time. At ADX Melbourne you can connect with industry leaders through exhibits, expert talks and learning sessions. We will have many of the latest innovations in dentistry. Follow our blog for more information as event details are confirmed and save the date. ADX Melbourne will be held at the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre from 6-8 May 2021.

Following on from Monday's announcements that Melbourne will move to Stage 4 restrictions and regional Victoria will be on Stage 3 restrictions, the Victorian Government has released a Guide for business stage 4 restrictions which can be downloaded here.

Under Stage 4 'Stay at Home' Restrictions the default is that workplaces in metropolitan Melbourne are closed unless the workplace is part of a permitted industry as set out in the Guide.

All Victorians are required to work from home, except where this is not practicable.

Sole operators can continue to operate, if they do not have contact with the public, or with people other than those persons living in their primary household.

Following advice from the Dental Board of Australia Level 3 dental restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne will come into place from Friday 7 August.

For our members based in Victoria the following would also apply:

• Any ancillary business (including IT) involved in the production, supply, manufacture, repair, maintenance, cleaning, security, wholesale, distribution, transportation or sale of equipment, goods or services necessary for the operations of a permitted work site or for closed work sites where there are safety or environmental obligations.
• The following industries are, in addition to the Universal obligations are required to have a High Risk COVID Safe Plan with enhanced obligations:
  • Warehousing
  • Distribution centres
• A 33 per cent reduction of warehouse and distribution related staff compared to peak capacity.

ENDS.

Currency Of Information & Disclaimer
This update was issued on 5 August 2020 and please note that changes in circumstances after the publication of material or information may impact upon its accuracy and also change regulatory compliance obligations. The statements, regulatory and technical information contained herein are believed to be accurate and are provided for information purposes only. Readers are responsible for assessing its relevance and verifying the accuracy of the content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ADIA will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising as a result of relying on the information presented here.

Yesterday the Premier announced a State of Disaster for Victoria commencing at 6pm. Melbourne has also moved to Stage 4 restrictions and regional Victoria (including the Shire of Mitchell) will be on Stage 3 restrictions.
 

Today the Premier expanded further on the restrictions and advised further details will be provided during this week. The restrictions are being implemented to limit the movement of people, and therefore limit the movement of this virus.
 

There will be three lists that will apply during Stage 4 restrictions.

1. Supermarkets, grocery stores, bottle shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, newsagencies, post offices, plus everyone involved in the frontline response, will continue to operate.

2. Industries which will be required to cease operations include retail, some manufacturing and administration. These businesses will all need to close by 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August. Information on industries effected will be provided later in the week.

3. The final list is made up of industries that are permitted to operate but under significantly different conditions. Information on industries effected will be provided later in the week.
 

Warehousing and distribution centres in Melbourne will be limited to no more than two-thirds the normal workforce allowed onsite at any one time.
 

All open businesses and services will have until 11:59pm Friday 7 August to enact a COVIDSafe plan focused on safety, prevention, and response if coronavirus is linked to the workplace. We previously provided information on how to become a COVIDSafe plan and it can be sourced here.

For those businesses that suffer significant losses or need to close due to the current restrictions, the Victorian Government will provide support through expanding the Business Support Fund. Businesses in regional Victoria can apply for a $5,000 grant while those in Melbourne and Mitchell Shire can apply for up to $10,000 in recognition of spending longer under restrictions.
 

ENDS.

Currency Of Information & Disclaimer
This update was issued on 3 August 2020 and please note that changes in circumstances after the publication of material or information may impact upon its accuracy and also change regulatory compliance obligations. The statements, regulatory and technical information contained herein are believed to be accurate and are provided for information purposes only. Readers are responsible for assessing its relevance and verifying the accuracy of the content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ADIA will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising as a result of relying on the information presented here.

The recent surge in Coronavirus infections in Victoria has seen the implementation of a six-week stay at home order for the City of Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell, coming into effect on 8 July. This will affect dental practices and the wider industry. 

Dental practice restrictions at level one
Along with changes to schooling, restaurants and cafes, and health and fitness, this also means a possible rollback to stricter dental practice restrictions. Currently at level one, the Australian Dental Association Victoria Branch (ADAVB) is discussing the possibility of moving to level two with the Chief Medical Officer. You can read requirements for each individual stage here. While still operating at level one, the ADAVB is recommending those practicing in 'hotspot' areas take further precautions. You can read the recommendations and latest news from ADAVB here.

Fair Work updates for Victorian restrictions
For those who need to make changes to their business to accommodate the six-week lockdown, the Fair Work Ombudsman has released further information and resources since the announcement. While much of the information remains the same as last lockdown, it is important to note, provisional laws have been put in place to deal with industrial relations issues since the first lockdown, including pay and leave options during self-isolation.

Victoria - New South Wales border closure
As well as the stay at home order, this week the NSW Government has also elected to close the border between NSW and Victoria. The border between Victoria and South Australia will remain closed also. No exemptions or permissions are currently required to enter Victoria, however, if travelling from Victoria to New South Wales, a permit is required. Read more about permit categories, exemptions and how they apply to your business here.

News from ADIA - Insights Webinar Series
As part of the expansion of our online offering, ADIA is introducing the Insights Webinar Series this month. The webinars are free for members and will be held on the third Tuesday of each month (10am AEST / AEDT).

The ADIA has been very fortunate to book a varied and esteemed line up of speakers for the series.

The first webinar, to be held on Tuesday 21 July, will feature Kaixin Owyong from NAB presenting a 2020 Economic Outlook. Kaixin is an Economist in the Global Markets Research team at NAB. She has a strong track record of translating economic data into clear and insightful analysis.

Webinar 2 - Tuesday 18 August: Tracey Duffy, Therapeutic Goods Administration

Webinar 3 - Tuesday 15 September: The Hon Michaelia Cash, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business
Webinar 4 - Tuesday 20 October:
Panel Session "What does the change in Scope of Practice mean for Industry"
Panel includes, DHAA, ADOHTA, ADPA, ADANSW and DAPA

ENDS.

Currency Of Information & Disclaimer
This update was issued on 9 July 2020 and please note that changes in circumstances after the publication of material or information may impact upon its accuracy and also change regulatory compliance obligations. The statements, regulatory and technical information contained herein are believed to be accurate and are provided for information purposes only. Readers are responsible for assessing its relevance and verifying the accuracy of the content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ADIA will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising as a result of relying on the information presented here.

 

Along with the Prime Minister's announcements for the general public and business on Friday, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, led by Professor Brendan Murphy also announced a roll back to level one restrictions for dental practitioners. This reflects an easing of restrictions on elective surgery, investigations and procedures.

The move was made in light of the current epidemiology and the wider availability of surgical masks and other personal protective equipment. The lighter restriction level will apply to all dental practitioners.

Essentially, this means as long as a patient is deemed not at risk of having or transmitting COVID-19, they can be treated following the usual safety protocols.

Both the AHPPC and the Australian Dental Board outlined this change can only be taken in consultation with any State-based regulations. Where the State regulations are tougher, they will take precedent. The Australian Dental Board will be advising all dental practitioners today.

The Australian Dental Association released a decision tree for level one restrictions on Friday.

We will continue to monitor any changes to the dental industry, along with any news relevant to wider business.

ENDS.

Currency Of Information & Disclaimer

This update was issued on 11 May 2020 and please note that changes in circumstances after the publication of material or information may impact upon its accuracy and also change regulatory compliance obligations. The statements, regulatory and technical information contained herein are believed to be accurate and are provided for information purposes only. Readers are responsible for assessing its relevance and verifying the accuracy of the content. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ADIA will not be liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense incurred in relation to or arising as a result of relying on the information presented here.