Dental duets: Why we need improved technology interoperability to achieve optimal dental practice workflows

Dental technology advancements have introduced a host of tools designed to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and the patient experience.

Dr. Margaret Scarlett.

Despite these benefits, the lack of interoperability among many of these innovative technologies, though, poses a significant barrier to their effective implementation in dental practices and impedes the rate of adoption.

Interoperability refers to the ability of different systems and devices to exchange, interpret, and use data cohesively. In the context of dental technologies, interoperability is essential for creating an integrated, efficient workflow that enhances patient care and practice management.

We predict that the goal of achieving interoperability will drive efficiencies in the dental practice over the next five years. Here are the three main benefits of systems interoperability:

1. Enhanced workflow efficiency: Seamless data exchange between dental technologies can significantly reduce manual data entry, minimize errors, and save time. This efficiency is vital for maintaining a smooth workflow, reducing patient wait times, and improving the overall productivity of the dental practice.
   
   
2. Improved patient care: When dental technologies are interoperable, they provide a comprehensive view of patient data, thus enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. This holistic approach to patient care is essential for achieving better treatment outcomes.
   
   
3. Streamlined practice management: Interoperable systems facilitate better management of patient records, appointment scheduling, billing, and inventory control. This integration is crucial for maintaining an organized and efficient practice environment.

When technologies don't intercommunicate

Michael Ventriello.

Several newer dental technologies, despite their advanced capabilities, face integration challenges with existing dental workflows. Below are specific examples highlighting these issues:

• Digital imaging systems: Modern digital imaging systems, such as cone-beam computed tomography and intraoral scanners, provide high-resolution images that are essential for accurate diagnostics and treatment planning. However, these systems often use proprietary formats that are not compatible with existing dental practice management software, leading to inefficiencies in data sharing and storage. Therefore, ensuring that these software tools work quickly with your electronic dental software is essential to practice efficiency.
  
  
• CAD/CAM systems: Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) systems revolutionized the fabrication of dental restorations. However, the integration of CAD/CAM data with traditional dental laboratory processes and electronic health records (EHRs) can be problematic due to incompatible file formats and data transfer protocols.
  
  
• 3D printing technologies: The adoption of 3D printing for creating surgical guides, prosthetics, and orthodontic appliances has grown significantly. Despite their potential, these technologies often require specialized software and hardware that do not easily integrate with existing digital workflows, complicating the production process.
  
  
• Patient management systems: Newer patient management systems offer features such as automated appointment scheduling, text or email reminders, and patient portals. However, these systems may not fully integrate with older EHR systems or other practice management software applications, resulting in fragmented data and inefficiencies in patient management. Many recent AI-driven software solutions that are designed to streamline insurance verification and provide estimates for co-payments and expectations of final payment of claims may not have APIs with all existing electronic dental record systems.

Achieving interoperability: The path forward

To address the interoperability challenges in dental technologies, several strategies, including the following, can be employed.

Adopting standardized data formats

Implementing standardized data formats, such as the digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) standard for imaging data, can facilitate smoother data exchange between different systems. Furthermore, DICOM ensures the least-processed images prior to any automated adjustments by software.

Incorporating existing electronic medical record (EMR) standards into electronic dental records (EDRs)

Of the two most common EMRs, EPIC and Cerner, many dental offices find that Cerner's EDR software, Wisdom, is the easiest to use. This is important because of the rising importance of medical-dental integration for assuring optimal dental care, especially with existing medical conditions or pharmaceuticals.

By 2026, EDRs should include certification with U.S. Core Data for Interoperability version 3 from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT. Existing dental software has been slow to obtain certification with interoperability standard USSCI v3, with the notable exception of corporate enterprise versions, like Dentrix Enterprise.

In addition, any new software should include a secure, efficient, standards-based exchange of electronic health information under the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement. Others include the Common Security Framework of a private company with HITRUST, which integrates with HIPAA and other standards.

In particular, the security and privacy of patient data are important, and your systems should include proper cybersecurity protection, as many EDRs have been hacked. You should assess your risk, especially since the FBI noted in May that dental offices are a target for cyberattackers. This free tool can help you assess your level of risk.

Developing integration protocols

Establishing universal integration protocols and APIs can enable different dental technologies to communicate effectively. This approach requires collaboration among technology developers, dental professionals, and regulatory bodies.

An API comprises rules that ensure that various software applications communicate with each other to securely exchange data and function. Before purchasing any software programs, including artificial intelligence applications, you should evaluate its API.

Supporting interdisciplinary collaboration

Encouraging collaboration between dental technology manufacturers, software developers, and dental practitioners can lead to the development of more compatible and user-friendly systems. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that technological advancements align with the practical needs of dental practices.

Investing in continuous education and training

Providing dental professionals with ongoing education and training on the latest technologies and their integration into existing workflows is essential for maximizing the benefits of these advancements.

Conclusion

The need for improved interoperability among dental technologies is paramount for optimizing dental practice workflows and technology adoption. While newer technologies offer significant advancements in patient care and practice efficiency, their lack of integration with existing systems poses substantial challenges.

By adopting standardized data formats, developing integration protocols, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and investing in continuous education, the dental industry can overcome these challenges and fully realize the potential of advanced dental technologies. In addition, conformity with existing standards and certifications for EMRs can improve operations and ensure privacy and security.

Editor's note: References are available upon request.

Dr. Margaret Scarlett is a dentist, futurist, population health expert and co-founder and chief science officer of Dental Transformation Partners, a company focused on helping launch the next generation of innovations that will transform dentistry and ensure that oral health is recognized as a critical component of overall health by providers and patients alike. Scarlett is a member of the ADA Standards Committee on Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry and a contributor to the December 2022 ADA whitepaper "Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry." She transitioned to private practice after 23 years in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Army. Her career focus has been on health and overall health outcomes through population health data for chronic and infectious diseases.

Michael Ventriello is the owner of Ventriello Communications and is widely recognized as the "Dental Launch Expert." He specializes in developing strategic marketing and public relations programs needed to launch game-changing dental companies and products. Ventriello is also a dental industry pundit and author. Contact him at [email protected].

The comments and observations expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the opinions of DrBicuspid.com, nor should they be construed as an endorsement or admonishment of any particular idea, vendor, or organization.