CATEGORY 56 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST The landscape of orthodontics isn’t just changing, it has already changed. For decades, orthodontists held undisputed control over treatment plans and schedules, positioning themselves as the unchallenged specialists in their field. However, today’s reality presents a stark contrast to this traditional model, as all practices face unprecedented challenges in patient engagement and service delivery. Modern patients live in an app-driven world where traditional communication methods are becoming increasingly obsolete. They rarely check emails, seldom answer phone calls, and view SMS as an inconvenience. This shift in patient behaviour coincides with other significant industry disruptions: successful orthodontic treatments can now be readily offered by general practitioners and orthodontists alike. Even direct-to-consumer models have made a dubious appearance. Robots bending wires, algorithms assisting us in bracket placement and milling, and advancements in plastics, have revolutionised tooth movement. Meanwhile, traditional communication and compliance methods are failing to meet patient expectations. The modern orthodontic patient is time-poor, often juggling multiple jobs and commitments. While their interest in orthodontic care demonstrates a commitment to oral health, they won’t wait for practices that remain anchored in outdated methodologies. This new reality demands a technological revolution in orthodontic care delivery. Enter the AI-powered monitoring solution, DentalMonitoring (DM), which is reshaping the orthodontic landscape. This revolutionary innovative system offers not only convenient patient engagement, realtime treatment tracking, and enhanced compliance through technology, but it has also led to significant improvements in patient satisfaction by delivering better treatment outcomes. It delivers a higher standard of overall patient care, because it now has transformed orthodontics from a reactive process to a much more prescriptive-driven approach. We can now see in real time what is happening, allowing us to adapt and make changes quickly rather than waiting for routine appointments – sometimes 8, 10 or 12 weeks away. The impact of embracing such digital solutions is substantial and quantifiable. Practice efficiency metrics tell a compelling story: Our practice, which has embraced DentalMonitoring “all in”, has seen a 30-40% reduction in in-office appointments. We used to have four team members managing the phones at the front desk; now we have two. And our average response time to patient queries is less than 14 hours. Eliminating unnecessary phone calls to reschedule appointments, or having patients come in with issues that can easily be resolved with a photo and a message through the App, vastly increases patient satisfaction. Families feel more connected – not less – even though they don’t come in as often. Consider the child waiting to lose some primary teeth – do we really need to have them come in for a 30-second checkup just to say, “See you in 3 months”? Instead, a simple photo submission via DM allows us to respond with a message or a video. The financial implications are equally impressive. Our staff productivity has improved with a significant reduction in administrative scheduling time. Our team saves an average of 3-4 hours daily on patient communication, allowing staff to focus on more valuable tasks. Perhaps most significantly, improved patient outcomes and satisfaction demonstrate the effectiveness of digital monitoring. We almost never see unexpected emergency visits. Our compliance with elastics, aligner wear, and breakage issues has significantly improved. Parents come in aware of the problem in advance, drastically reducing stress and frustration in the clinic. DentalMonitoring, combined with our team’s proactive approach, ensures patients are informed early, giving them time to process the need for the extra visits and reducing resistance to treatment adjustments. Modern patients are going to prefer practices that respect their time and leverage technology to provide convenient, efficient care. The orthodontic industry stands at a crucial crossroads. The question isn’t whether to adapt to this digital revolution – it’s whether your practice will thrive in this new landscape or be left behind. As patients demand greater convenience, the future of orthodontics lies in monitoring, not just treating. The time to embrace this change is now. Why continue using 20th-century communication systems in a 21st-century world? The practices that will succeed are those that recognise this shift and take decisive action to modernise their approach to patient care. The future is already here – and it’s digital. u How AI is revolutionising orthodontics From Dr Theo Baisi BDS, MDSC(SYD), The Ortho Practice INSIGHT 2025 Dr Theo Baisi
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