Top 10 Dental Product Categories of 2013 !!!

We begin our year in review with a high level view at the most popular dental product categories of 2013.

The categories on this list reflect a mix of the most exciting technologies on their way to changing the industry and the backbone technologies already powering dental practices. While cutting edge developments and new breakthroughs might get people excited, the top categories are a bit more grounded, showing the types of dental products and technologies that every practice needs, or is at least considering.

Now here are the Top 10 Dental Product Categories of 2013

10. Dental Loupes – Magnification is important, and more and more clinicians are realizing that when they can see with more detail, they can provide better care. If you and your team don’t use loupes when you practice, now is a great time to consider them. 

9. Core Build UpMaterials – There’s always an outlier on these lists, and this year it’s core build up materials. While not the most exciting, even in the rapidly developing world of dental materials, it seems 2013 was a year you and your colleagues were interested in your options for completing endodontic cases.

8. Practice Management Software – This is a product that is truly the heart of a dental practice. The software available to manage your patient data continues to grow and evolve with new integrated marketing features as well as the exciting possibilities of cloud software replacing the current server-based software model.

7. Dental Autoclaves– With some high profile breaches of protocol and the resulting serious consequences making the news this year, it’s not a surprise to see dental autoclaves on this list. This is a product every practice must have, and finding a sterilizer that fits your practice’s needs is the first step in setting up a solid infection control system.

6. Dental LED CuringLights – Dental materials continue to improve and the technology required to properly cure everything from adhesives to composites is changing just as quickly. 2013 saw the launch of some notable new curing lights, and that likely helped keep interest in these products high. 

5. Cone Beam 3DImaging – Imaging is critical to modern dentistry and many of the latest imaging technologies made this list. Cone beam CT is growing in prominence as 3D patient information makes diagnosis and treatment planning easier. While the cost of these systems is high, many dentists are discovering they can realize a return on the investment if they have a solid plan to use the new imaging technology.

4. Digital PanoramicX-Ray – Another imaging technology ready to help clinicians improve their diagnosis and treatment planning, digital panoramic systems remain a solid part of the digital imaging landscape. For many practices digital panoramic systems represent a more cost effective way to improve the imaging protocol.

3. Dental Diode Lasers – Used for a range of soft tissue and cosmetic dental applications, the diode laser continues to gain traction in operatories around the world. These lasers make it easier to provide minimally invasive care in a number of situations. If you’re not using one now, it might be time to give them a look. The technology keeps improving and diode lasers are easier to use than ever. 

2. Intraoral Cameras – Another imaging technology that is a popular addition to numerous dental practices, the intraoral camera is the best way to show patients what you see. When it comes to case acceptance, the intraoral camera might be the most powerful technology out there as your patients are likely to understand a picture taken from inside their mouth more readily than your description of what’s happening in there.

1. Digital Dental X-Ray Sensors – The most popular product category of 2013 is the intraoral x-ray sensor, and this should be no surprise. Digital radiography is far past the tipping point and on its way to not just being the standard of care, but the norm in dental practices everywhere. Patients are aware that digital x-rays mean less radiation exposure, and clinicians know the digital radiographs are faster to take, easier to store and better for diagnostics.