tech

If you’ve been to the dentist or had braces, you’re likely all too familiar with gooey mouth impressions that most patients ultimately dread. Not only is the process unpleasant, but the final product could take up to a few weeks to come in. The good news is, the days of impressions are beginning to coming to an end.

Now, a trip to your dentist for any type of appliance that regularly requires a mold could be completed using scanning and 3D print technology. If you have a dental appointment for a retainer or night guard, for example, your dentist may now wave a digital wand in your mouth that scans your teeth. Once the scan is completed, it can be converted into a digital file and e-mailed to a 3D printer. The printer is typically located in the office or a dental lab, and it prints with FDA-approved materials. The scan gives perfect measurements of your mouth and teeth so the dental 3D printer can create an appliance that fits properly.

3D print technology is an extremely popular and sought after solution in the dental industry; from general dentistry and orthodontics to dental implants and prosthesis. This new technology is not only much more efficient for the dentist and patient, but it is also more affordable and better customized for the individual patient’s needs. Some of the many products that are produced via 3D printing are:

Dental implants
Dentures
Crowns
Nightguards
Braces
Aligners
Surgical guides

These products traditionally require multiple molds and a significant period of time before they’re ready to be taken by the patient. There is substantial proof that the 3D dental industry will quickly expand and change how patients meet their dental needs. While many offices still use traditional practices, the efficiency, patient experience, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of 3D printing make a good argument for some technological upgrades.

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In recent years, HIPAA compliance in the dental industry has gained the same level of importance as that of medical organizations. In terms of Protected Health Information (PHI), dental practices are held to the same standard as the rest of the medical community and must adhere to the same level of privacy and security when it pertains to patient information. HIPAA rules regarding patient privacy, security, and breach notification fully apply to a dental practice if it is considered a “covered entity” under HIPAA.

Dental practices that meet the definition of a covered entity under HIPAA need to take the necessary steps to comply with all of the required regulations. These steps include:

Appointing a HIPAA Privacy Official
Appointing a HIPAA Security Official
Creating a HIPAA compliance team
Perform risk analysis
Train workforce members (staff & employees)
Develop policies and procedures
Maintain ongoing compliance measures

An offices policies and procedures are an essential part to complying with HIPAA regulations. Dental practices should review their privacy and security policies, and alter areas that don’t meet with HIPAA regulations. HIPAA privacy regulations provide patients rights over their health information, including dental and billing records. According to the American Dental Association (ADA) patients have privacy rights to :

Ask for a change in their records
Ask a health care provider not to disclose their information
Ask a healthcare provider to communicate with them confidentially, at an alternative location or by alternative means The healthcare provider is required to accommodate reasonable requests.

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Digital Scanning, 3D Printing, and Dentistry

Is Your Dental Practice HIPAA Compliant?