The yr 2024 can be remembered for its transformative milestones in dentistry, from groundbreaking applied sciences to important coverage shifts and improvements in dental drugs. Here’s a concise recap of the highest eight occasions that formed the dental world this yr:
1- First robotic dental process
In July, U.S.-based firm Perceptive introduced the first absolutely automated dental process carried out on a human utilizing a robotic arm. “This medical breakthrough enhances the precision and effectivity of dental procedures, democratizing entry to raised dental care,” stated Perceptive’s Canadian CEO, Dr. Chris Ciriello. His journey started with a want to handle the scarcity of dentists in rural areas in Canada, resulting in this revolutionary resolution.
2- North America’s first dental MRI
On September 18, the College of Minnesota put in the primary dental MRI in the USA, coinciding with the opening of its Orofacial MRI Heart. This expertise allows imaging of densely calcified tissues like enamel and bone, promising developments in diagnostics and focused remedy for dental points.
3- Cloud-native oral scanner debuts
Dentsply Sirona launched Primescan 2, the world’s first cloud-native intraoral scanner. Launched in September, this transportable machine connects on to the cloud, revolutionizing workflows and accessibility. Non-profit organizations like Smile Prepare can leverage this expertise to supply care to underserved communities, bypassing logistical challenges.
4- File immigration of dentists to Canada
In our unique story, Canada welcomed 740 immigrant dentists by July, marking a 60% enhance from 2023 and the very best in 5 years. Ontario alone acquired 120 dentists this yr in comparison with simply 5 in 2021. This inflow helps deal with a projected scarcity of 13,500 dental job openings between 2022 and 2031. In the meantime, dental hygienists stay excluded from Canada’s healthcare immigration class as a consequence of differing labour projections.
5- Canadian dental market job increase
Canada’s dental sector noticed a important financial restoration, surpassing pre-pandemic productiveness ranges by $851 million. Employment in dental places of work elevated by 24% in 2021, with regular development persevering with by 2024. With practically 13,500 job openings projected over the following decade, the trade’s enlargement displays each financial resilience and rising demand for dental providers. Nevertheless, this increase coincides with rising healthcare prices, because the Canadian Institute for Well being Data initiatives well being spending to achieve $372 billion in 2024—about $9,054 per Canadian, a brand new report excessive.
In the meantime, the brand new federal Canadian Dental Care Plan has up to now helped greater than 1.2 million individuals obtain care as of December, addressing the long-standing situation of practically one-third of Canadians missing dental insurance coverage.
The expanded protection has additionally diminished some ready lists in provincially funded dental packages.
6- Dental staffing challenges and improvements
Staffing shortages remained a problem in 2024, prompting improvements in recruitment. Toothio, a digital staffing platform, raised $5 million to attach dental places of work with hygienists and assistants throughout the U.S. In Canada, businesses expanded their attain by integrating internationally educated nurses and dental employees into healthcare roles. In the meantime, controversies arose within the U.S. because the American Dental Affiliation handed resolutions permitting unlicensed practitioners and foreign-trained dentists to carry out dental hygiene providers, sparking debates amongst professionals.
7- Progress in tooth regrowth analysis
Thrilling strides had been made in dental drugs this yr, notably in tooth regrowth. The College of Manitoba opened a $2.5-million analysis facility to discover regenerative strategies impressed by tropical fish. In the meantime, Japanese scientists started medical trials for a drug that would stimulate the expansion of a 3rd set of enamel in people, providing hope to these with lacking enamel. “It is a utterly new expertise,” stated researcher Dr. Katsu Takahashi, highlighting its potential to revive pure enamel.
8- Healthcare consolidation reshapes the trade
Healthcare consolidation has been a defining pattern in 2024, considerably impacting the dental trade. The US$4.1 billion acquisition announcement of dental provider Patterson Corporations by well being investor Affected person Sq. Capital underscores the rising affect of personal fairness in healthcare. This wave of consolidation raises questions on the way forward for unbiased practices as bigger gamers dominate the market.
In response to Becker’s Dental, the dental trade in the USA has witnessed practically 200 Dental Assist Group (DSO) transactions this yr, with important exercise in states corresponding to California, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New Jersey. The U.S. dental implant market, valued at over US$5 billion, has been rising at an annual charge of 6%, making it more and more enticing to buyers.
