Previously, dentistry had remained treatment-oriented, but concepts gradually changed towards the more preventive and patient-centred treatment approach and became a mainstay.
Evolution in dentistry
Over the years, dentistry, like other fields of medicine, has evolved considerably. Dentistry in practice today hardly resembles what has practised 50 years ago. And it is crucial to keep the emphasis on innovation to provide better patient care with greater efficiency and quality. This is possible with the assistance of modern technology and attitude.
Patient-centred care in the new era
Previously, dentistry had remained treatment-oriented, but concepts gradually changed towards the more preventive and patient-centred treatment approach and became a mainstay. Institute of medicine defines patient-centred care as ‘’Providing respectful care to, and responsive to, individual patient preferences, needs and values, and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions’’. Therefore, most patients want their teeth saved rather than extracted, unlike before.
Evidence-based dentistry
Dentists who are well versed with the latest techniques and materials in dentistry have better clientele responses. From diagnosis to lab work, dentistry has evolved in every form.
Tooth decay is a common dental problem. Striving to invent filling materials that are more aesthetic, biocompatible, tough and easy to manipulate has led us to ample choices, and dentists can decide the best filling material for each situation.
Aesthetics over time has gained much importance in dentistry, and generally, people want their teeth to be clean, white and aligned. Digital dental marketing has played an important role in promulgating dental excellence. Dental clear aligners have replaced much of conventional orthodontic treatments.
Digital dental radiology has replaced earlier, which required developing and fixing the film in a dark room. Radiation was high compared to the digital radiographs of today.
Prosthodontic procedures have gone far beyond that were possible a few years back. Using CAD/CAM technology for manufacturing prostheses, Zirconia crowns and implant-supported prostheses now comprise a significant part of dentistry.
Emerging fields of dentistry
Dental anesthesiology, dental public health, periodontics, pedodontics and maxillofacial pain studies are some of the latest fields that have broadened their scope for the future. Another field earning popularity involving minimally invasive techniques is laser dentistry. Specific lasers focus on treating the teeth, while others focus on treating gums and soft tissue.
Conclusion
While it can not be ruled out that as more technique sensitive and advanced dental procedures have become, they have increased cost. Therefore, efforts remain on preventive measures and reinventing methods of preventing dental diseases among the population is the most crucial vision for dentistry in 2022.
