Dentistry is undergoing a profound digital transformation that extends far beyond the introduction of new devices. Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automated imaging, and digitally supported patient communication interconnect and reshape the entire value chain—from diagnostics to manufacturing.
Digitalization is not merely a technical evolution; it is also a response to major structural megatrends: the global shortage of healthcare professionals, the increasing demand for high-quality, personalized care, and the growing expectations of patients regarding service, transparency, and safety. Supportive technologies have been shown to improve diagnostic accuracy, shorten treatment times, and reduce administrative workloads (Kwong Hing, 2025).
At the same time, this evolution raises a fundamental question: How can dentistry balance automation with human connection? AI systems can perform repetitive tasks faster and more consistently than humans, but empathy, trust, and personal communication remain key factors in successful patient relationships. The goal must therefore be to implement technology in a way that frees dentists and dental teams to focus on what machines cannot provide: interpersonal connection and clinical judgment (Wong, 2025).
