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This research explores how digital technologies have transformed dental practices and improved patient care.

June 14, 2026Open Access

Digital Era in Dentistry

Key Points

This research explores how digital technologies have transformed dental practices and improved patient care.
Examined various digital innovations in dental specialties including imaging, treatment planning, and patient management.
Evaluated the impact of digital workflows on treatment efficiency and patient engagement.
Analyzed advancements in prosthodontics and orthodontics using computer-assisted technologies.
Digital workflows reduced treatment time by 30% while increasing diagnostic accuracy (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9, p<0.001).
Tele-consultation increased patient engagement scores by 40% (mean difference 4.5, 95% CI 3.2-5.8, p<0.001).
In restorative dentistry, the use of CAD/CAM led to a 25% reduction in material waste and enhanced crown fitting accuracy.

Abstract

The digital era has revolutionised dentistry by enhancing precision, efficiency and patient-centred care across all dental specialties. Advances such as digital radiography, cone-beam computed tomography, intraoral scanners, artificial intelligence and electronic health records have transformed the way dental professionals diagnose, plan and deliver treatment. Digital workflows enable faster communication between clinicians, laboratories and patients, reducing treatment time while improving accuracy and predictability. Furthermore, tele-consultation and digital patient education platforms have expanded access to oral healthcare and strengthened patient engagement. In restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and implantology, computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing technology has facilitated the fabrication of highly accurate crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures and implant-supported prostheses. Orthodontics has witnessed remarkable growth through digital treatment planning, clear aligner therapy and three-dimensional (3D) imaging, allowing customised and efficient treatment approaches. In oral and maxillofacial surgery, digital surgical guides, virtual surgical planning and 3D printing have improved procedural precision and outcomes. Similarly, periodontics and endodontics benefit from advanced imaging systems, laser-assisted procedures, digital microscopes and navigation technologies that enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment success. Oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral medicine, paediatric dentistry and community dentistry have also embraced digital innovations. Digital pathology, whole-slide imaging, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics and tele-pathology are reshaping disease detection, research and education. Paediatric dentists use digital behaviour management tools and minimally invasive technologies to improve patient experiences, while public health dentistry leverages digital data systems for surveillance, outreach and healthcare planning. As dentistry continues to integrate emerging technologies such as machine learning, robotics, augmented reality and personalised healthcare solutions, the profession is moving towards a future characterised by greater precision, improved patient outcomes, enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

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