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Post-Pandemic Equipment Planning Teledentistry, patient communication software may be at top of the list
Even as patients returned to dental practices this past summer for routine checkups, uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic led some dental service organizations to prioritize their spending. “While spending on equipment may slow down in the short term, we may actually see increased spending on teledentistry and patient communication software – two areas designed to help drive patient engagement and appointment scheduling,” says Dr. Eric Tobler, National Director of Clinical Affairs, Mortenson Dental Partners. “More so than technology, dental practices [currently] need reliable access to basic personal protective equipment, surface disinfectant and other sterilization equipment,” Tobler continues. “Prioritizing access to these basic
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and essential supplies for healthcare workers should be a significant national focus.” Indeed, infection prevention has always been a priority for dental professionals, he adds. Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, however, there has been heightened awareness among patients. “Our clinical staff now uses additional PPE during their engagement with patients, adding a higher
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