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Future Dentistry in Australia: 2040 And Beyond


Future Dentistry In Australia 2040 And Beyond In Dental Couture At Sunbury
Less than 200 years ago there was no scientific consensus that the future even existed.

Throughout the majority of human history, the world was viewed very differently to the manner in which we do now, in a time when for many life seems progressively more chaotic and unpredictable. World politics are catastrophic, and with the present fundamentally inscrutable, the idea of future brings a desperate search for patterns and meaning.

It wasn’t until 400AD that for the first time, the future was linked to the subjective human experience of expectation, rather than the predeterminations of destiny and fate. It was then that St Augustine wrote in The Confessions, “Perhaps it might be said rightly that there are three times: a time present of things past; a time present of things present; and a time present of things future. The time present of things past is memory; the time present of things present is direct experience; the time present of things future is expectation.”

What the past and present have distinctly taught us in dentistry, is how strongly connected oral health is to the health of the rest of our body. And with our penchant for disrupting reality, disruptive innovation has emerged – the tangible disruption and reworking of complex systems that’s given us the likes of Apple, the smartphone, Spotify, Netflix and AI.

In dentistry, disruptive innovation drives scientific discoveries in biomaterials, the oral microbiome, genomics and regenerative medicine. Coupled with AI, faster, improved and more personalised treatments are being created; and often at a lower cost to the patient than traditional therapies commanded.

The reality of which we’re mainly acquainted is expanded by Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). Both allow dental students to virtually assist during procedures, and with the use of simulators, receive immediate feedback on their methods and skills. As teaching tools they’re already used globally, benefitting in excess of 8,000 future oral health specialists. 

AI, CAD and 3D printing perfect the fit, and shade matching of the restorative work of implants, crowns and dentures, as well as streamlining the mapping and process of orthodontic work for faultless results. Gum disease, cavities, root fractures and oral cancers are detected much more easily and much earlier with the machine learning methods of AI.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has started making waves in Australian dentistry by enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving treatment outcomes. AI algorithms can analyse digital images, X-rays, and 3D scans to detect abnormalities such as cavities, gum disease, or potential oral cancers earlier than traditional methods. Inherent in the future of dentistry in Australia, this technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes by providing quicker, more accurate diagnoses, allowing for prompt intervention.

Clinical trials have already begun in Japan for the first ever tooth regrowth treatment. This drug therapy solution is designed for patients with anodontia (the congenital lack of teeth from infancy) and be available in 2030; eventually in use for those having lost singular or multiple teeth later in life. Similarly regenerative dentistry also encompasses fillings that heal teeth, and cell types that can resolve tooth sensitivity.

The revolutionary genome editing technique of CRISPR means that by 2040 it will be a common dental treatment to have the bacteria responsible for plaque, caries and gum disease altered to non-functioning states, and for the genes responsible for oral cancers to be simply switched off.

One of the most significant shifts in Australian dentistry is the movement towards preventive and predictive care. Preventive dentistry focuses on maintaining oral health and preventing disease through regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and patient education. Predictive dentistry, on the other hand, leverages data from patient records, lifestyle factors, and genetic testing to forecast dental issues before they develop.

A Philosophy of Change & Adaptation

The current disruptive innovations in dentistry exponentially expand future discoveries and development. The Big Bang initiated entropy; and as with any future, the only certainty is the lack of it.

Twenty years ago we couldn’t conceive of the technologies so ubiquitous today, regardless of our evolved and complex brain that allows us to mentally travel to an imagined future. We certainly like to think we are the only species with the ability to do that. But who’s to say that a bird doesn’t plan and prepare for its migration, or elephants in the burial of a calf?

In the words of intellectual, writer and Department of History professor at the prestigious Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Yuval Noah Harari, “Ever since the Cognitive Revolution, Sapiens have thus been living in a dual reality. On the one hand, the objective reality of rivers, trees and lions; and on the other hand, the imagined reality of gods, nations and corporations. As time went by, the imagined reality became ever more powerful, so that today the very survival of rivers, trees and lions depends on the grace of imagined entities such as the United States and Google.”

Increasingly, science and technology seem the only lenses through which we view the future. We like that distant vision because the reality of the here and now is burdensome. ‘Progress’ is our panacea, partnered with the phenomenon of ‘less bad’ being ‘good’. We’ve lost sight of the future as just a tool; an opportunity to consider and reconfigure present values and behaviours so that our shared future is not so narrow of shared benefits, where one species better future is another species worst.

Nobel Prize-winning theoretical physicist Richard Feynman could have been describing the future of dentistry when he said, “I have approximate answers and possible beliefs about different things, but I’m not absolutely sure about anything.”

For the near future of dentistry in Australia is undoubtedly more of the same – with nuanced emphasis on gentle dentistry, holistic dentistry and progressions such as All On 4 dental implants, digital smile design, cosmetic dentistry and hybrid veneers. 

When Australian dentists talk about the future we are very likely to talk about these eight aspects: teledentistry: expanding access and convenience; artificial intelligence in diagnostics and treatment planning; 3D printing: revolutionising restorative dentistry; laser dentistry: minimally invasive treatment; preventive and predictive dentistry: a shift towards wellness; smart toothbrushes and connected dental devices; sustainable dentistry: eco-friendly practices; and the rise of holistic and integrative dentistry.

With 2030 only five years away, further futuristic projection means it’s time for all industries, not just dentistry, to start ruminating about 2040 and beyond. 

Future Dentistry In Australia 2040 And Beyond At Dental Couture In Sunbury
A Spirit of Connection: Between Humans & Technology

Social anxiety in Australia is as pandemic as any pathogenic event. With such great change comes the drive to find a narrative that threads the past through us in the present, and onto the future. We look for explanation. 

For so, so long, the universe was understood to be inspirited with deities; an intricate entwining through every aspect of life and death. Questions were never pondered by the causal relationships of history or science because the answers always lay in myth and theology. Disease was the physical manifestation of spiritual imbalance; illness was spirits capturing the soul or humanity transgressing the laws of nature. Our disconnection from the natural world, almost so complete in apartment living, ironically increases our yearning for connection with technology.

The concept of connection now extends into future dentistry, with products such as smart toothbrushes and other dental tools becoming more popular. Smart toothbrushes are equipped with sensors that track brushing habits and provide feedback on a connected app. By offering real-time information on brushing technique, frequency, and pressure, smart toothbrushes are touted as promoting better oral hygiene habits.

These devices also allow data to be shared with Australian dentists, who can then offer personalised advice. This real-time tracking can be particularly helpful for young patients, allowing parents and dentists to monitor their oral health practices. In the future, connected dental devices in Australia could expand to include wearables that monitor other aspects of oral health, such as the acidity levels of saliva or the presence of harmful bacteria, providing early indicators of potential dental issues.

Sustainable Dentistry

Ancient Romans determined that the quality and length of one’s existence was determined by the Fates – three goddesses who spun, weaved and cut the threads of life. Social standing, and thereby wealth and available resources had nothing to do with it. Naturally, nor did genetics – which of course was then something completely unforeseeable in any future; much as the ability to regrow your own teeth would have been to any dentist in the 1920s.

Even in 2000 it was as farcical as when the term “forecasting” was first coined in 1854 for the scientific advances that might allow Londoners to know the weather “twenty-four hours beforehand”. When Admiral Robert FitzRoy, a celebrated sailor and founder of the Meteorological Office presented these new findings in Parliament, the House literally roared with laughter.

As awareness of environmental issues such as future climate grows, more dental practices in Australia are adopting eco-friendly practices. Some clinics are switching to reusable or biodegradable materials, such as bamboo toothbrushes, paper cups, and compostable floss.

Reducing the use of single-use plastics is a significant aspect of sustainable dentistry, as is minimising water and energy consumption. Many clinics are investing in digital records to eliminate paper waste and installing energy-efficient lighting. Sustainable dental practices are also focusing on proper waste disposal and the safe management of hazardous materials to minimise environmental impact.

With a growing demand for eco-conscious healthcare, the future of dentistry in Australia will likely see increased efforts to adopt environmentally responsible practices. Clinics that prioritise sustainability will not only reduce their carbon footprint but also appeal to environmentally-conscious patients.

The Rise of Holistic and Integrative Dentistry

It was T.S. Eliot who wrote, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go,” in the dialogue of The Cocktail Party (1949); the same playwright, poet, essayist and Nobel Prize winner who had earlier written in his masterpiece Four Quartets that “humankind cannot bear much reality”.

Australian patients are becoming increasingly interested in holistic health, which integrates oral health with overall wellness. Holistic dentistry emphasises the connection between oral health and other bodily systems, recognising that issues such as gum disease can contribute to cardiovascular problems and other systemic conditions.

Holistic dentists often take a comprehensive approach, incorporating nutrition, lifestyle counselling, and stress management into their treatment plans. They may also favour biocompatible materials, such as non-metal fillings, to avoid potential adverse effects. This approach is especially beneficial for patients with specific sensitivities or allergies. As more Australians seek integrative care, holistic dentistry will likely become a growing part of the country’s dental landscape.

Exciting & Transformative Change: Australian Dentists Embrace It

Science tells us that with the The Big Bang came the origin of what constitutes ‘time’, and with that, the distinction between past, present and future. From the very beginning of that very beginning, there could only be forward movement – there was no going back. The future literally began: not with a whimper, but a bang. 

In Australian dentistry, however, slow and tested is best. Our industry’s gradual advancements not only improve the quality of care but also promote better oral health outcomes and accessibility, ensuring that all Australians have access to world-class dental care. As we look to the future, our commitment to high standards and continuous improvement in Australian dentistry promises a healthier, brighter future for patients across the country.

So between now and then, don’t stop brushing your teeth. 

Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.

 

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