Advancing dentistry: the green side of digital workflows
In the ever-evolving landscape of dental practice, embracing digital workflows is not just a leap forward in efficiency but also a significant stride toward a more environmentally friendly approach.
Let's explore how incorporating digital imaging, CADCAM manufacturing, treatment planning software, electronic record keeping, and workflow automation can not only enhance your dental practice but also contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.
What makes CADCAM solutions greener than the alternatives?
Reduced waste:
- While traditional dental manufacturing processes can result in significant material waste, 3D printing and milling machines only use the required amount of material for each item.
- With milling machines, particularly those used for creating dental crowns and bridges, any excess material from the milling block can be minimised and often recycled.
Efficiency and precision:
- Modern technologies can achieve higher precision and accuracy than traditional methods, reducing the need for remakes and adjustments and conserving materials.
Sustainable materials:
- The 3D printing industry has also started developing more eco-friendly materials. Some resins and filaments are now biodegradable or made from renewable resources.
- Milling machines often use biocompatible materials like zirconia and ceramics, which can be more environmentally friendly compared to traditional dental alloys.
Energy efficiency:
- Modern 3D printers and milling machines are generally more energy-efficient than older counterparts.
- Some newer models come with eco-modes and energy-saving features that reduce power consumption when the machine is idle.
Digital intraoral impressions: capturing precision, reducing waste
Digital scanning has revolutionised the way dentists visualise and diagnose oral health conditions. Intraoral scanners such as the 3Shape TRIOS and Medit ranges provide quick, comfortable, and precise 3D scans, eliminating the need for traditional impressions. Not only does a digital process save time, but it also significantly reduces material waste, contributing to a more environmentally conscious dental practice.
- No shipping cost of impressions.
- Reduce waste as you won’t use a disposable tray.
- Chemical-free process: intraoral scanners use a chemical-free digital scanning process, avoiding the environmental impact of chemicals used in traditional impressions.
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CADCAM manufacturing: precision with a purpose
Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CADCAM) technology empowers dentists to 
create precise digital models for various dental restorations. The streamlined process not only ensures accuracy and efficiency but also minimises material usage, contributing to a reduction in physical waste.
As we move toward a digital frontier, CADCAM manufacturing exemplifies a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to dentistry.
Electronic record keeping and workflow automation
The shift towards electronic health records not only streamlines administrative tasks but also reduces the reliance on paper.
By storing patient information digitally, dental practices can minimise their environmental impact, saving trees and reducing the carbon footprint associated with paper production. Embrace electronic record keeping for a more efficient and sustainable practice.
Furthermore, by automating administrative tasks, appointment scheduling, and reminders, practices can operate more smoothly and reduce the need for excess resources. Workflow automation ensures that your practice is not only efficient but also environmentally responsible.
With software solutions like Dentally and Software of Excellence, you can not only automate these process, but also gain access to extra features, that you may not have had the man power to do otherwise, such as marketing tools and reliable patient recalls.
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