National Dental Centre Singapore at the forefront of digital oral careIntra-oral 3D scanning technology has changed the way dental professionals map and analyse teeth. These advancements are precisely what the National Dental Centre Singapore aspires for through its innovation and commitment to enhancing patient and staff outcomes.
This is so, because the innovative technique has given patients a less invasive alternative, improving their overall experience, said Assoc Prof Chew. “Patients prefer having their teeth scanned rather than having a mould put into their mouth which is an uncomfortable process that they have to endure prior to this technology,” he said.
He also noted that the scanning technology simplifies workflow for dental practitioners by minimising the reliance on manual impression techniques, allowing dental staff to experience less physical strain and reduced manual labour.Aside from intraoral scanning, NDCS has incorporated various advancements in the field of digital dentistry.
“Traditionally, our dental lab relies on a technician’s manual skills to produce dental appliances such as retainers, dentures, splints, and more, but now we are using computer-aided design and manufacturing to produce them,” Assoc Prof Chew explained. This focus on providing value-added services as a multidisciplinary centre for dental care is also evident in NDCS’ initiative of equipping senior and aspiring specialists with the ability to continuously adapt to new technologies through “catch-up” training and residency programmes.