How can the Government assist dentists in purchasing new dental equipment?
Digital 3D scanners offering significant benefits for dentists
Digital 3D scanners, particularly intraoral scanners, have revolutionized the field of dentistry, offering significant benefits in terms of speed, efficiency, comfort, and accuracy and offering significant benefits for dentists. These devices are transforming dental treatments, diagnostics, and patient communication, making them an essential tool in modern dental practice.
What is the Canadian government’s role in helping dentists purchase 3D scanners?
Various grants and loans are available from the Canadian government to assist small and medium businesses, including dentists. These grants can be used to help speed up the growth and modernization of a dentist’s practice. A financial assistance of 15,000 dollars has been provided by the Canadian government to help businesses assess the status of their business and develop a future roadmap, which means that the government will pay your advisory fee for an advisor to analyze your business and develop a road map for improvement (CDAP Plan). Afterwards, provides dentists with a $100,000 loan without interest in order for them to modernize their business technologies with the aid of the loan.
Benefits of Digital 3D Scanners
Speed and Efficiency: 3D scanners significantly reduce the time needed for scanning, with most scans completed in under a minute. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for producing custom dental devices like aligners and dentures, often on the same day, reducing the need for return visits.
Comfort and Safety: Compared to traditional molding techniques, intraoral scanners offer a more comfortable experience for patients. They also reduce the risks associated with X-ray imaging.
Accuracy: Digital scans provide highly accurate and detailed images, essential for effective treatment planning and outcome.
Improved Communication: The immediate visualization of dental structures in 3D enhances patient engagement and understanding of their oral health and proposed treatment plans.
Educational Tool: Digital scanners serve as an excellent educational resource for dental students and professionals, aiding in practical learning and training.
Types of Digital 3D Scanners
Intraoral Scanners: These handheld devices are light, fast, and accurate, ideal for adult and pediatric use. Examples include the Planmeca Emerald S and iTero Element 2.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: This technology provides a comprehensive 3D scan of a patientโs entire jawline, aiding in complex surgeries and procedures.
3D Dental Lab Scanners: Used primarily in restorative surgeries and for creating dental prosthetics like dentures and implants.
Examples of Digital 3D Scanners
iTero Element:
Pros: Superb software-user interface, excellent and user-friendly technology, and particularly effective for orthodontic case presentation, especially with the Invisalign system.
Cons: High upfront price, additional costs for disposable tips and a monthly software subscription fee, less effective at capturing full-arch intraoral scans for crowns and bridges, and occasional video lag.
Primescan:
Pros: Clear and fast scanning, large window on the scanner for excellent visibility, great scanning speed, and software, and is theย best choice if you have an in-house CEREC milling machine.
Cons: High pricing with no โstand-aloneโ option (you must buy the entire unit: scanner, computer, and cart), large and unwieldy scanner wand, sub-optimal performance with copy denture digital scanning workflows, and no required annual fee but optional support and labor coverage available through CEREC club.
Pros: Competitively priced with no annual subscription fees, lightweight, and can perform a fullย arch scan in less than 90 seconds.
Cons: Requires more training to capture high-quality scans, less user-friendly software interface, and not the mostย intuitive setup.
The incorporation of digital 3D scanners in dentistry represents a significant advancement in dental care, offering benefits in terms of speed, accuracy, patient comfort, and overall efficiency. These devices are not just tools for diagnosis and treatment but also play a critical role in enhancing patient understanding and education in dental healthโโโโโโโโ.
Last but not least, Digid’s services and blogs may be of interest to those seeking to join the world of new technologies. CDAP: what is it? You can also refer to this post on Digidย or ISED’s website.
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