In episode 14 of " Dentechstry ," IDI Evolution 's podcast on dental innovation, we discuss the patient-centric and digital approach of the new generations. In this episode, the podcast hosted by Irene Privitera features Dr. Federico Arosio and Dr. Stefano Fagnani . The aim is to explore how technology and a renewed philosophy have transformed the perception of the dentist, no longer seen as a " dental mechanic " but as a " doctor who treats people in all respects ."
One of the key aspects discussed is the role of digitalization in making treatments more effective, less invasive, and less painful . Dr. Federico Arosio , a dentist in Vimercate and part of the digital native generation, recounts the experience of a patient who, suffering from a phobia of the dentist, embarked on a treatment plan that radically changed her approach to dental appointments, leading her to "smile even at the dentist." Dr. Arosio recalls how the introduction of the impression scanner was "awesome" for him, accustomed to suffering with traditional impression materials.
Dr. Stefano Fagnani , a dentist in Lucca, emphasizes the importance of making patients aware of the benefits of digital technology. He highlights how reducing invasiveness is a tangible benefit, citing the example of digital impressions: " From the very banal impressions that were once taken with impression paste that dried in the mouth and was torture for all patients. So simply taking an impression with a scanner translates into a reduction in invasiveness for the patient ." In addition to scanners, technologies such as computer-guided surgery and facial scanners improve surgical and prosthetic predictability.
Another cornerstone of this new era is sharing the treatment journey with the patient. While previously patients were often unaware of the treatments they would be undergoing, today, thanks to the clinician, " they can visualize the process from start to finish, knowing what to expect during each visit or how long each meeting will last ." At the heart of the first visit is the magic word "listening."
Fagnani recounts an anecdote with a patient who suffered from panic attacks. Their first conversation took place in the waiting room, culminating in a picture that read, " Nothing is easy, but nothing is impossible ," a reference to overcoming her phobias. This emphasis on transparent communication is crucial, as an EDRA study revealed that 64% of Italians experience fear before a visit to the dentist, and for half of these, it's a full-blown phobia. Dr. Arosio reiterates that the fear of pain, often stemming from past experiences, is " almost unfounded " with current digital techniques and tools.
The less invasive approach translates not only into less pain during visits, but also into benefits in the days following procedures, contributing to overall health and the prevention of future ailments. The digital-native dentist, leveraging technology and an inclusive approach, promotes " comprehensive care " that goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing functionality, chewing, and the absence of pathologies.
To support this multidisciplinary method, advanced management software such as Alfred by IDI Evolution is essential.
Dr. Arosio compares the dental practice to a " Swiss clock ," where all team members and the patient " always know what stage of treatment they are at ." Alfred streamlines the management of clinical and extraclinical flows, improving transparency and reducing patient anxiety. The mantra of Arosio's practice is " prevent, monitor, and maintain ," with the goal of preventing patients from arriving too late. The next frontier, he emphasizes, will be putting prevention and monitoring tools directly in the hands of the patient, through the Opendent app, linked to a home plaque detector. This app will allow remote monitoring and make the patient " truly aware and involved in their oral care ."
The feeling and certainty of confidently entrusting yourself to your dentist's care, knowing that a beautiful smile includes everything new technologies and a new approach to dentistry offer today's patients. Patients today turn to the dentist not for chewing or aesthetic problems but above all to stay healthy and maintain proper chewing function.
You can listen to this new episode of Dentechstry on Spotify , Amazon Music, Apple Music.
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