From the Mouth to the Body: Transforming the Future of Dental Care Through Technology in the Practice Setting

Abstract

Introduction: The integration of oral–systemic science with advanced dental technologies offers a critical opportunity to reposition dental practice as a driver of whole-person health. This consultancy project examines how combining diagnostic innovation, behavioural technologies, and digital workflows can transform care delivery, enabling earlier intervention, improved systemic outcomes, and value-based reimbursement. Methods: A mixed-methods approach was applied, integrating a scoping review (2006–March 2025) of 40 dental technologies across varying market readiness with structured business analysis tools: Problem Statement Worksheet, MECE issue tree, and patient journey mapping. Technologies were grouped into five domains: diagnostics, preventive/therapeutic innovations, regenerative solutions, imaging/visualisation tools, and digital workflows. Findings: The analysis identified gaps in multisource data integration, adoption pathways tailored to clinician proficiency, AI capabilities for systemic risk detection, TMD-specific solutions, and longitudinal evidence linking oral technologies to systemic outcomes. Four strategic, evidence-based recommendations emerged: (1) piloting a risk-stratified diagnostic layer combining aMMP-8 salivary testing with AI radiographic analysis; (2) implementing a value-based dental–medical care pilot with outcome-linked incentives; (3) strengthening TMD diagnosis and referral pathways via a bruxism-monitoring and education-enabled platform; and (4) launching a simplified dental digital twin for high-burden conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conclusion: The technological capability to drive this transformation already exists, at least to initiate the first wave of change. The barriers are structural, cultural, and economic rather than technical. Addressing these through integrated care models, interoperable data infrastructures, and aligned incentive systems can yield substantial clinical and financial benefits, positioning dentistry as a fully integrated partner in preventive healthcare delivery.