Tl;dr:
Private dental complaints have shot up in the last year but effective use of Digital Diagnostic Design could drastically reduce complaints while leading to better treatment outcomes.
A recent Dental Complaints Service report said complaints regarding Private dentistry have more than doubled, specifically highlighting perceived failure of treatment. This trend can be attributed to poor communication and unrealistic expectations of the final aesthetic outcome.
Digital Diagnostics can head off these issues before they arise, protecting the dentist and ensuring the patient is getting exactly what they want. This is achieved via the following tools:
Digital Diagnostic Models
The modern version of the traditional wax-up. Our technicians now create diagnostic models digitally before sending previews for your approval. Once approval is given we output as both .stl files for email and 3D-printed models for physical review by the clinician and patient.
Smile Design Package
As above, except Smile Design includes a full jaw assessment, occlusal rebalancing to restore function and case planning assistance to achieve the final results. Our technicians are also available for phone consultations to discuss how best to meet patient requirements.
Photo Protocol
Take Smile Design further with our Photo Protocol and let the patient see the new smile in situ. We’ll superimpose the redesigned smile into photos of the patient so they can see what their new smile will look like before starting treatment.
Where Digital Diagnostic services have been used, we strongly suggest they are listed and signed off on pre-treatment consent forms so all parties can move forward in confidence that everyone involved is on the same page.
Free Up Chair Time by Offering Remote Consultations
Digital Diagnostic tools lend themselves well to remote consultations. 3D models and photographs can be emailed to the patient in advance of a phone/video call, this keeps your valuable in-surgery time free for patients that need it while offering the luxury of a dental appointment at home for patients considering more complex treatments.
If you have any questions about our Smile Design or Digital Diagnostic services, please email us on [email protected].