Common Language

Emerging applications of AI assist in diagnostics (e.g., analyzing radiographs for caries detection), treatment planning, and even predicting patient outcomes. A component of digital dentistry.

Business intelligence (BI) refers to the technologies, applications, strategies, and practices used to collect, integrate, analyze, and present business information. The primary goal of BI is to support better decision-making by providing stakeholders with actionable insights derived from data.

This involves reimagining and reinventing how organizations create, deliver, and capture value. It often includes exploring new revenue streams and adapting to the digital economy. A domain in digital transformation.

This technology uses software to design dental restorations (like crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays, veneers, dentures) based on digital scans, and then uses milling machines or 3D printers to fabricate these restorations, often chairside or in a lab, significantly reducing production time and improving fit. A component of digital dentistry.

Continuous improvement refers to an ongoing effort to enhance products, services, or processes. These efforts can involve incremental improvements over time or significant changes all at once. The primary goal of continuous improvement is to increase efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction while reducing waste and costs.

Enhancing the customer journey through personalized interactions, improved service delivery, and leveraging digital channels for better engagement. A domain in digital transformation.

Developing new digital products and services or enhancing existing ones to meet evolving customer needs and market demands. A domain in digital transformation.

Digital dentistry refers to the use of technology in dental (oral health) care, leading to improved diagnostic accuracy and streamlined workflows. Including: digital imaging, digital impression/scanning, CAD/CAM, virtual treatment planning, 3D printing, practice management software, and artificial intelligence.

This encompasses technologies like digital X-rays, panoramic and cephalometric images, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) for 3D imaging, and intraoral cameras, providing highly detailed and immediately accessible diagnostic information with reduced radiation exposure.

Intraoral scanners capture precise 3D digital models of a patient's teeth and oral structures, eliminating the need for traditional, often uncomfortable, physical impressions. A component of digital dentistry.

Digital transformation is the process of integrating digital technologies into all aspects of an organization's operations, fundamentally changing how the organization operates and delivers value to its customers. This transformation involves a cultural shift that encourages continuous innovation, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

In digital transformation, domains refer to the key areas or categories that encompass the different aspects of an organization's digital transformation journey. Here are the five main domains: business model transformation, process automation and optimization, digital product and service innovation, employee empowerment and engagement, and customer experience. These domains are interconnected and interdependent, and addressing them effectively can lead to a successful digital transformation.

Using digital tools to empower employees, improve collaboration, and enhance job satisfaction. A domain in digital transformation.

Innovation is the process of creating and implementing new ideas, products, services, or processes that add value or solve existing problems in a novel way. It involves thinking creatively and differently, and can be applied across various fields and industries.

• Productivity pain points – Productivity pain points can stem from inefficient workflows and obsolete or out-of-date tools. For example, manually entering product details into an inventory management system can be cumbersome and lead to customer dissatisfaction. 

• Support pain points – Lacking customer support for a product or service creates a support pain point for customers. Limited availability of sales representatives during the purchase phase and prolonged delays in obtaining technical support are common manifestations of support pain points.

• Financial pain points – Financial pain points arise when customers perceive the lack of a fair deal. Hidden fees, ambiguous price models, or changing rates can also deter customers from making a purchase.

• Process pain points – This type of pain point results from design shortcomings, such as an excessive number of steps to download an application or a clumsy drop-down menu, leading to poor user experiences.

Digital tools for appointment scheduling, electronic health records (EHR), billing, and patient communication, streamlining administrative tasks. A component of digital dentistry.

Leveraging technologies like AI, robotic process automation (RPA), and data analytics to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and drive productivity. A domain in digital transformation.

A SWOT analysis is a structured approach to identify and evaluate internal and external factors that can influence research or educational initiatives.

• Strengths – Internal characteristics of the department or team that give it an advantage over others in the industry.

• Weaknesses – Internal characteristics that place the department or team at a disadvantage relative to others.

• Opportunities – External chances to make greater efficiencies in our environment.

• Threats – External elements in the environment that could cause trouble for the department or team.

Use the SWOT analysis to understand the current state and its potential implications, guiding you towards success. It can provide valuable insights into current situations, helping leaders and academics to make informed decisions to enhance the quality and impact of initiatives.

Advanced software allows dentists to simulate various treatment outcomes, such as orthodontic tooth movement, implant placement (guided surgery), or smile design, enabling more precise planning and better patient communication. A component of digital dentistry.

Used for creating physical models from digital scans, surgical guides, orthodontic appliances (e.g., aligners), temporary restorations, and various dental prosthetics. A component of digital dentistry.