The digitalization of dentistry processes is already a reality and undoubtedly represents the future of the sector. But making the leap to a full digital workflow process in a prosthetic clinic or laboratory can be a confusing task if all the necessary information and possibilities are not available. This is why practitioners (dentists or prosthetists) should bear in mind a set of key elements to make a successful, effective and, in turn, simple transition.
Here are the five keys to make a successful leap to a full digital workflow:
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- Surround yourself with experts
A sense of perspective is initially essential when making the decision to commit to a digital flow. A general analysis of the market to assess where the sector is heading and its trends is especially relevant. The reason why clients should do this is that digitalizing their work methods implies making the plunge into a learning process in which it is crucial to be accompanied by a partner that offers full quality, support and safety guarantees.
According to product specialist Fran Romero, surrounding yourself with experts is essential for clients starting with digital flow: “It is important for users who have always worked in a traditional manner to surround themselves with specialists because they are entering a completely new world. If you are not receiving constant advice, you will most likely fail in the attempt and give up. So constant supplier support is not only useful, but also indispensable.”
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- Fully guaranteed technical and training support
The digital flow process covers everything from the planning and guided placement of the implant to restorative dentistry using fully customized prostheses. This involves various phases that require an essential technical understanding of advanced instruments to be able to carry this out.
“Given that there is a broad range of digital system possibilities, questions from clients are constant because they do not want to take any risks,” explains Albert Mangas, an engineer specializing in digital systems. Therefore, it is always very important to be certain that your supplier will be available in case of any incidents or possible doubts, providing guidance and constant support.
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- A wide, guaranteed range of peripherals
It is important to understand what is involved in adopting a digital system. Good machinery, equipment and client service from the supplier are essential, but so are peripherals or accessories that you may need in the future. Experts claim that clients acquire accessories over time that they initially did not plan to use until they realize that they help them to perform more precise, detailed work.
So it is essential to have a prior understanding of the range of materials, spare parts, expansion options, advanced software updates or even accessories of other digital equipment that you may use (scanner + printer, scanner + milling machine, etc.) in the present or future. “Some clients realize that with digital flow you can carry out work that 10 years ago seemed impossible and this is due, among other reasons, to constant improvements in peripherals,” says Romero.
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- Performance warranty. Live demonstrations
Is everything that companies say about digital flow really true? You can check this out for yourself by requesting a demonstration from your supplier to ensure that it produces excellent results. Having the chance to see the full digital process live will provide you with a more detailed understanding of the possibilities that it offers. In this sense, transparency and an assurance on efficiency are characteristics that must be taken into account.
According to experts: “Once clients discover a product, they often feel the need to check out firsthand how it works with technical demonstrations. These demonstrations should be able to be carried out in the supplier’s offices, in the client’s clinic or any other clinic, during congresses, etc.”
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- Build on your needs
What is the state of your business? How big is it? Answering these questions is crucial before deciding to make the leap to a full digital workflow system, as well as deciding under what conditions to do so. In this way, you can consider an investment that is proportional to and consistent with the main needs and objectives of your business.
Given that the possibilities of the system are very broad, the main thing is to listen to and understand the specific needs of each client to be able to provide customized advice on the best solution. When it comes to digital systems, experts point out that “clients see that they are no longer something new, but a reality. So they aim to adapt to this new trend so as not to be left behind.”
These are the five keys for a successful move to a full digital workflow. A set of recommendations that could be summarized as one: ask and keep asking for a greater and better understanding. This is the reason digital flow exists today. This is the reason it has managed to reduce risks and errors in patient treatment. This is the reason and it is digital.
