Copy of Embracing the Digital Wave: Alliedstar and Dr. Huan Huang of GAIDE Dental Discuss the Future of Dentistry

Since the concept of digital dentistry emerged over a decade ago, it has sparked a series of disruptive technological transformations, profoundly impacting every aspect of the dental industry. In the face of this powerful digital wave, many professionals and dental companies are actively seeking change, embracing new challenges and opportunities. Alliedstar is one such trailblazer, focusing on digital dental solutions. We have launched advanced intraoral scanners with features such as calibration-free functionality and the world's first wireless charging capability.

Dr. Huan Huang, the Dean of GAIDE Dental International Medical Center and the founder of the World Dental Training Center (WDTC), has dedicated over twenty years to the dental industry. Since the beginning of his career, he has closely followed the development of cutting-edge technologies in dentistry both domestically and internationally, staying at the forefront of digital diagnostic technology and is a steadfast advocate for digital dentistry practices.

Dr. Huan Huang, Founder/Chief Specialist of GAIDE Dental, Graduate of Peking University School of Stomatology, PhD from Royal Dental College, Aarhus University, Denmark, Founder of WDTC (World Dental Training Center), Director of gIDE International Implant Master Program, China

Thanks to the digital wave, Alliedstar and Dr. Huang have crossed paths. Recently, Alliedstar invited Dr. Huang to share insights on the development opportunities and challenges in digital dentistry, and to discuss how best to embrace the digital wave within the dental industry, leveraging the power of technology to enhance the competitiveness of both dentists and businesses.

Simplifying Complexity: Digital Empowerment in Dental Practice

Just after finishing surgery, Dr. Huang, still in his dental scrubs, eagerly started our discussion on digital dentistry.

He got straight to the point: Digital dentistry simplifies traditional, complex dental procedures through digital products, software systems, and computer input, thereby improving clinic efficiency and treatment outcomes.

Digitalization is the future trend for the entire medical field, and dentistry is no exception. Dr. Huang believes that traditional dental methods will eventually be replaced by digital technologies. In recent years, digital dentistry has continually revolutionized clinical practices worldwide because it reduces patient pain, lowers costs, and increases efficiency, bringing numerous benefits to clinical operations.

Digital technology makes the collection, storage, tracking, and sharing of patient case data simple and efficient. Dr. Huang explains that the first step towards digital dentistry is the collection and storage of case data. Traditionally, doctors had to gather a patient’s dental information through various means and consolidate it into a case file. This process was time-consuming and required extensive storage space.

Digital technology allows doctors to quickly obtain patient oral data using an intraoral scanner, which can then be instantly uploaded to the cloud for long-term tracking and real-time sharing. This significantly enhances communication among doctors, patients, peers, and interdisciplinary professionals.

At the same time, digital technology greatly improves the patient’s treatment experience. Compared to traditional impressions, digital impressions are more straightforward and efficient, with higher data accuracy. Patients only need to open their mouths, and within minutes, a scan that far surpasses traditional impressions in quality can be completed, avoiding the gag reflex often caused by traditional impressions and reducing the number of patient visits.

"The more complex the case, the greater the need for digital technology."

Dr. Huang notes that digital technology is particularly effective in complex dental treatments. He shared a case where he used digital technology to help a patient with a complicated aesthetic restoration.

The patient, suffering from severe dental erosion due to anorexia and gastroesophageal reflux, required orthodontics, dental implants, esthetic prosthodontics , and veneers. The complexity of the multiple treatments, the extended duration, and the uncertainty of outcomes were the main reasons for the patient's hesitance to proceed with treatment.

In this case, Dr. Huang used digital scanner equipment to collect intraoral and facial data of the patient, and then integrated these into software to create a Virtual Patient. He used this data to design the entire treatment plan and simulate surgeries, eventually showing the patient the potential outcomes of multiple procedures. The transparent process and visual results convinced the patient to undergo treatment immediately.

Unlike patients who only seek pain relief, aesthetic patients are more concerned with post-treatment aesthetic outcomes, and only digital technology can provide enough interaction in complex cases to build trust between doctor and patient.

Keeping Pace with the Times: Dentists Must Learn to Master New Technologies

While digital dentistry is the future trend, its development has not progressed as fast as expected. Dr. Huang believes this may be due to two factors: mindset shifts and technological advancement.

He explains that any new technology requires time to mature and for its users to adapt and accept it. Dr. Huang likened it to how people initially found writing with computers cumbersome compared to pen and paper. Similarly, early intraoral scanners were expensive and complex to use, posing a high barrier for dentists. However, once they began experiencing the convenience and efficiency of digital technology, they could never return to traditional methods.

"The trend of the times is irreversible. The dental industry is evolving rapidly, with treatment methods and tools constantly changing as technology advances. Adopting a growth mindset and lifelong learning is key for dentists to maintain their competitiveness; otherwise, they risk being marginalized by patients and the industry."

Moreover, the dental industry needs to continue developing digital talent education, allowing more dentists to experience and learn a complete digital workflow, and to personally appreciate the convenience and benefits of digitalization. This is also why Dr. Huang has been committed to creating an international dental training and exchange platform for many years.

The digital wave is propelled by technological advances, and the transformation and iteration of medical equipment technology are also critical drivers of digital development. The intraoral scanner, as the starting point of digital diagnostics, is a core input device in digital dentistry.

Dr. Huan Huang believes that with the advancement of dental imaging technology, intraoral scanners will become indispensable daily tools in dental clinics in the future, with a prevalence comparable to that of computers. Unlike traditional, complex medical devices, these intraoral scanners are likely to resemble user-friendly electronic consumer products, where the simpler and more intuitive the software interface, the better.

Aligning with Dr. Huang's perspective, Alliedstar has consistently adhered to a product philosophy of "premium quality, efficiency, and easy to use" in its research and design efforts.

Competing Globally: Chinese Dental Manufacturing Leads with Quality

Having worked in dental research and clinical practice both domestically and internationally for decades, Dr. Huang believes there are both differences and commonalities in the development of digital dentistry between China and Western countries.

Developed countries, with their early start in the dental industry and high labor costs, have driven dental clinics to pursue efficiency, with most workflows already digitized from impressions to restoration processing. Overall, they lead China in this regard.

Meanwhile, digital dentistry in China is developing at varying speeds across different regions, with the eastern region advancing faster than the central and western regions. Despite these differences, the development of digital dentistry in China aligns with the global trend. As digital equipment becomes more affordable and the concept of digital dentistry becomes more widespread, China's digital dentistry will see rapid growth, gradually narrowing regional disparities.

In a brief one-hour interview, Dr. Huang, drawing on his deep understanding and steadfast practice of digital dentistry over the years, revealed the opportunities and challenges in this field.

As an innovative force in digital dentistry, Alliedstar will continue to maintain close interactions with industry experts like Dr. Huang and its users, focusing on industry needs and real feedback. We are committed to leading innovation and providing more advanced, user-friendly digital solutions, aiming to become a world-class dental imaging technology company and contribute to the digital advancement of the dental industry.

For more info: [email protected]