Could Digital Technology be the Key to DSO Growth? Two of the Largest DSOs Issue Digital Scanning Rollout

On the same day, both Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental announced expansion of digital scanning across their dental practices. Digital scans are intended to streamline office workflow, provide flexibility, produce accuracy, improve patient experience, increase case volume, and drive practice growth.

Aspen Dental Management, the largest branded dental support organization in the U.S., announced an agreement with Align Technology to equip all Aspen locations in the U.S. with an iTero Element^® intraoral scanner. The multi-year agreement will enable an end-to-end digital workflow in all Aspen Dental locations.

Align is a leading sponsor of the annual Aspen Dental Leadership Retreat in August 2018, where hundreds of dentists will participate in an Invisalign training program.

“We, along with the dentists whose practices we support, are excited to integrate Align’s end-to-end digital workflow, which begins with the iTero scanner in every Aspen Dental office. The expected benefits to Aspen Dental practices are significant – enhanced ability to performance Orthodontia services, lower lab fees, reduced usage of impression material, and quicker completion time for crown and bridge cases. Additionally, the iTero scanning technology will allow dentists at Aspen Dental to give their patients a high-impact, 3D visualization of their dentition, ensuring more effective chairside communication that can help patients get the care they need.” – Bob Fontana, chairman and CEO of ADMI

Heartland Dental, the nation’s largest dental support organization, also announced its multi-year agreement with Align Technology to extend iTero Element intraoral scanners to its supported dentists and teams nationwide. This endeavor represents the industry’s single-largest scanner deployment and investment in supported dental offices and the patients they serve.

“Intraoral scanning technology is revolutionizing dentistry. The impact it’s having on oral health cannot be denied. Healthcare has gone digital and dentistry is no exception. Today’s modern dental patients expect convenience and efficiency. We feel strongly that our partnership with Align, and our investment in its scanning technology, further positions our supported dentists to deliver cutting-edge care to their dental patients.” – Pat Bauer, Heartland Dental President and CEO

Heartland Dental entails more than 850 supported dental offices in 35 states. Their focus on scanners are a centerpiece for helping supported doctors and their supported dental office teams enhance patient experiences, improve clinical outcomes, and provide lifetime care within their communities. The majority of supported offices have incorporated use of the iTero Element intraoral scanner for the benefit of their patients. As 2018 continues, more supported dental practices are expected to adopt the offering.

Digital scanning is rapidly becoming the norm and GDN will keep you informed as DSOs and emerging groups bring this and other technologies into their practices.

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