Dental technology has rapidly advanced over the past decade, creating new opportunities to improve diagnostics, increase treatment acceptance, boost efficiency, and elevate the patient experience. While some tools may require an upfront investment, the long-term return can be massive in revenue, time savings, and patient retention.
If your goal is to grow revenue by 50%, leveraging the right technology can make your practice smarter, faster, and more profitable. Here’s how to identify, implement, and maximize the right tech tools.
Improve Diagnosis and Case Presentation
The better you diagnose and show patients what’s happening in their mouths, the more likely they are to accept treatment especially for asymptomatic conditions.
1. Intraoral Cameras
These small, high-resolution cameras allow you to capture detailed images of teeth, cracks, decay, and restorations — and display them chairside in real time.
Benefits:
- Makes “invisible” problems visible to patients
- Builds trust in your diagnosis
- Boosts case acceptance by 20–30%
Example: Instead of saying “You have a cavity,” show them an image and say:
“See this dark spot? That’s decay forming under your old filling.”
2. Digital Radiography (X-rays)
Modern digital X-ray systems:
- Reduce radiation exposure
- Provide immediate imaging
- Allow easy magnification and sharing
- Integrate with software for quick access
Paired with proper explanations, digital X-rays increase transparency and support treatment acceptance.
3. 3D Cone Beam CT (CBCT)
CBCT imaging offers detailed 3D views of bone structure, sinuses, and roots — essential for:
- Implant planning
- Endodontic diagnosis
- TMJ and airway analysis
Revenue booster: CBCT opens the door to offering high-margin procedures like implants, wisdom tooth extraction, and sleep apnea treatment in-house.
Offer Same-Day Dentistry with CAD/CAM Systems
1. In-Office Milling Units (e.g., CEREC, Planmeca FIT)
CAD/CAM systems allow you to:
- Scan, design, and mill crowns, inlays, and veneers in one visit
- Eliminate messy impressions and multiple appointments
- Save on lab fees and increase profitability per restoration
Benefits:
- Patients love same-day solutions — less time off work, no temporaries
- Saves 1–2 hours of chair time per case
- Improves lab turnaround and reduces remake rates
ROI Insight: A practice placing 25–30 crowns per month can see six-figure annual savings and increased patient satisfaction with in-house milling.
Enhance Patient Experience with Digital Tools
Patients today expect the same convenience from healthcare providers that they get from retail, airlines, and banks. Meet and exceed those expectations with tech.
1. Online Forms and Paperless Check-In
Use software like YAPI, Modento, or Doctible to:
- Let patients complete health history and consent forms online
- Digitally update insurance and payment info
- Reduce front desk workload and data entry errors
2. Two-Way Texting and Patient Communication Systems
Texting is faster and more effective than phone calls or emails for:
- Appointment confirmations and changes
- Recall reminders
- Financial reminders
- Treatment plan follow-up
Systems like Weave, RevenueWell, or Solutionreach integrate texting with your dental software.
Stat: Text message open rates are over 95%, compared to 20–30% for emails.
3. Contactless and Mobile Payments
Offer Apple Pay, Google Pay, and credit card-on-file options to speed up checkout and reduce overdue balances.
Use Digital Impression Scanners
Digital intraoral scanners (like iTero, 3Shape TRIOS, or Medit) eliminate the need for traditional impressions.
Benefits:
- Faster turnaround for labs
- Higher patient comfort and accuracy
- Ideal for crowns, aligners, night guards, and whitening trays
Revenue boost: iTero scanners also include Invisalign simulation tools, allowing chairside presentations that increase Invisalign case starts dramatically.
Case Acceptance Tip: Show patients a live “before and after” Invisalign simulation, a powerful motivator to proceed with treatment.
Implement Teledentistry Solutions
Post-pandemic, teledentistry is here to stay and it’s an excellent tool to:
- Increase access for remote patients
- Offer quick consults (especially for ortho, implants, or second opinions)
- Reduce chair time for post-op follow-ups
Software platforms like Doxy.me, SmileSnap, or MouthWatch allow secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual visits.
Revenue opportunities:
- Charge for consults or virtual second opinions
- Offer teledentistry as a value-added service for existing patients
- Triage emergencies efficiently
Automate and Optimize Practice Operations
Technology also plays a crucial role behind the scenes, helping you run a leaner, more efficient business.
1. Dental Dashboards and Analytics Tools
Use platforms like Dental Intel, Practice by Numbers, or Jarvis Analytics to track:
- Production and collections
- Case acceptance
- Provider performance
- Hygiene reappointment rates
- Unscheduled treatment opportunities
Benefits:
- Make data-driven decisions
- Set team goals based on real-time data
- Identify lost revenue and fix it proactively
2. Inventory and Supply Management
Use tools like Zyris, DC Dental, or integrated ordering software to:
- Track inventory usage
- Set reorder thresholds
- Avoid overstocking or running out of supplies
A well-managed supply system reduces waste and lowers overhead which directly increases net revenue.
Implement Cloud-Based Practice Management Software
Many practices still run on outdated server-based systems. Transitioning to a cloud-based solution like Curve Dental, Dentrix Ascend, or Open Dental Cloud can improve:
- Access from any device or location
- Data security and HIPAA compliance
- Faster software updates and integrations
- Streamlined scheduling, billing, and patient communication
Cloud-based systems also reduce IT costs related to server maintenance and downtime.
Evaluate ROI Before Purchasing New Tech
Before investing in any new technology, ask:
- How will this increase production, efficiency, or case acceptance?
- Will it reduce overhead or lab fees?
- Can it be delegated or used by team members?
- How long is the payback period?
- Will it improve the patient experience significantly?
Pro Tip: Run a 12-month ROI projection before purchasing major equipment. Many tools pay for themselves in 3–12 months if implemented properly.
Train the Team on Technology Adoption
Technology only drives revenue if your entire team knows how to use it effectively.
- Provide in-depth training during onboarding
- Hold refresher workshops during staff meetings
- Make tech use a part of performance evaluations
- Create cheat sheets or SOPs for new tools
Fact: Practices that fully utilize their existing technology see 15–25% higher productivity than those that underuse or misuse their tools.
Technology Is Your Growth Accelerator
Investing in dental technology isn’t about having the flashiest tools, it’s about making smarter decisions that improve your workflow, diagnostics, patient satisfaction, and profitability.
When used strategically, technology can:
- Shorten appointment times
- Improve treatment outcomes
- Increase case acceptance
- Create wow-worthy patient experiences
- Generate new revenue streams
To grow your revenue by 50%, you don’t need to buy everything at once start with the tools that align with your current needs and goals. Gradually integrate new tech with a clear implementation plan, strong team training, and data tracking to measure impact.