As dental technology evolves it enables you to improve the quality of patient care and distinguish your dental practice from the competition. As you explore how to upgrade your technology and expand your practice, consider the top dental trends of 2025. From leveraging artificial intelligence for precision dentistry to time and cost-efficient laser dentistry, teledentistry, holistic dentistry, and more.
Many of the trends below generate new streams of income. They are also technologies that make your practice more attractive to dental hygienists. With a nationwide shortage, following these trends can help you attract and retain top talent.
#1 Personalized Treatment Plans
When you combine the capabilities of intraoral cameras, CAD/CAM systems, and 3D digital impressions you improve the quality of both general and cosmetic dentistry. From precision restorations to Invisalign treatment planning, and full smile transformations. Your dental hygienist utilizes these technologies to visualize and explain oral health and at-home hygiene to patients.
For dentists, these systems are integrated with software systems that drastically minimize manual planning of orthodontics and complex restorations.
Predictive Capabilities
The predictive capabilities of AI and machine learning in dentistry technology go beyond restoration to predicting decline if existing conditions are not treated. For example, simulating molar angulation of wisdom teeth and the impact on alignment if they are not removed. Predictive technologies can even suggest the best time to remove wisdom teeth.
#2 Expanded 3D Printing
Instead of sending dental appliances to a lab for printing, 3D printing technology allows you to produce appliances in-house. Investing in 3D printing generates an additional revenue stream and shortens patient wait times.
If you currently print in-house, explore new technologies to consider how you can expand your capabilities—and your dental hygienist’s skill set.
This includes printing and custom fitting:
- Splints
- Mouthguards
- Retainers
- Aligners
- Veneers
- Crowns
- Implants
- Partials
- Dentures
- Surgical guides
- Treatment plan models
#3 Teledentistry
What began as a necessity during the pandemic has evolved into a standard service offering and one of the fastest-growing dental trends. Teledentistry can be utilized for both general and emergency dentistry. Your dental hygienist can triage your patients, provide remote follow-up care, and host patient workshops.
Teledentistry also includes:
- Partnering with rural-area dentists to consult on patient treatment plans, minimizing long-distance travel for dental care.
- Providing in-depth consultations for patients when after-hours emergencies arise, including digital imaging provided by patients.
- Scheduling follow-up visits with the dental hygienist, including digital imaging submitted by the patient.
- Hosting interactive one-on-one or group virtual workshops aimed at improving dental hygiene for whole-body health.
#4 Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is another area of your practice you may want to consider implementing or expanding. For dentists and dental hygienists, laser technology offers ultimate precision and efficiency. The more you optimize you and your teams’ time, the more patients you can book.
For patients, discomfort is minimized, and healing times are often accelerated. With the right laser technology, you can offer anesthesia-free fillings for many patients!
Laser procedures include:
- Cavity detection
- Anesthesia free-fillings
- Composite bonding
- Removing decay
- Debridement and bacteria removal
- Simplified biopsies
- Tumor and lesion removal
- Reshaping gums
- Soft tissue procedures
#5 Holistic Dentistry
Many of today’s patients prefer holistic (aka. alternative) dentistry. They increasingly understand the importance of taking proactive and preventative health measures. With this comes a greater understanding of the connection between oral health and whole-body health. Your dental hygienist can alert you to your top holistic requests and guide and advise on your offerings.
Holistic dental trends include serving patients who:
- Understand the link between diagnosed diseases and oral health.
- Prioritize brushing, flossing, dental cleanings, and exams.
- Inquire about your dental clinic’s commitment to sustainability.
- Prefer fluoride-free mouthwash, toothpaste, and teeth cleanings.
- Request biocompatible fillings, implants, and dental appliances.
- Prioritize stress management, sleep, and nutrition for whole-body health.
Which Dental Trends Will You Adopt in 2025?
Before you make your final decision on what dental trends to adopt or evolve, ask your team. A happy team is essential for healthy patients and a thriving practice. Your dental hygienist, dental assistant, and office manager can alert you to the technology they want most—and to the trends your patients are asking for.
Check back to the Dental Jobs blog soon for additional dental industry trends!