You recycle whatever you can. You contribute to the circular economy. And you make conscious decisions about where you shop and what you buy. 

But have you ever wondered how sustainable your dental treatment is? 

If you’re broadly eco-minded, then you might be interested to know a little more about sustainable dentistry and what you can do to make dental treatment more eco-friendly. 

In this article you’ll find out:

• the impact the healthcare industry has on the planet 
• which dental treatments cough out the most carbon 
• what green and sustainable dentistry means and why change is coming
• the practical steps dentists and patients can take to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

Let’s start with a known truth and an uncomfortable side-effect.

Healthcare makes the planet unhealthy 

The healthcare industry exists to help, protect and heal people. Achieving that aim comes with a cost: the health of the planet.  

Data suggests that the global healthcare industry generates between 4.4% and 5.2% of the world’s CO₂ emissions. That’s high. Particularly when the aviation industry—often thought to be the worst culprit for carbon emissions—churns out between 2% and 5%. 

Healthcare evolution and innovation, the necessity of single-use items, stringent hygiene rules, and essential biohazard safety regulations create an unavoidable and sizable carbon footprint. Dentistry makes a significant contribution to that footprint. 

Dentistry’s main carbon emitting culprits 

Modern dentistry has progressed rapidly in the last 70 years. Our knowledge about caring for the mouth and the role oral health plays in overall health has exploded. But our industry’s uptake of new dental care practices and technologies has been slow. Particularly when you compare it to the much larger, speedier progression of hospital healthcare. 

Some dental practices are still using methods and instruments that are no longer efficient. (Although in some cases, the older, inefficient dentistry methods are the only option.) So what are the main carbon emitting culprits in dentistry? And how are they contributing to the climate crisis?

Single-use plastics

Gloves, packaging, patient bibs, syringes, plastic cups and single-use instruments—these are just some of the plastic items that a dental practice uses and discards every day. 

One study found that an average of 21 plastic waste items are used for every procedure. And when you think a dentist or OHT may see 8-14 patients per day, that adds up.

Unfortunately (annoyingly), a lot of these plastic items can’t be recycled. Or if there is a scheme to recycle them, it can be difficult to access or expensive. This puts practices off. 

Adelaide-based dentist Dr Jasper Lee is focused on promoting greener dentistry. He’s just one practitioner pushing the industry to catch up with larger, more efficient and sustainable hospital healthcare processes. But during his research to find solutions, Dr Lee told Bite Magazine, “I’ve sent some dental plastics for testing and, unfortunately, they aren’t recyclable with the current soft plastics set-ups.” And so single-use item recycling continues to be an issue.

Travel emissions and treatment time ratios

Travel is responsible for approximately 65% of carbon emissions from dentistry. Staff travel to work, patients travel to their appointments. 

Simple appointments like a scale and clean may only take 5-10 minutes, and the treatment emissions are low, which is good. Conversely, the journey emissions for the patient to attend that appointment are high. 

Poor stock management and waste disposal options

Overordering items with an expiry date leads to these instruments and products ending up in landfill or being incinerated. When it comes to disposing of this waste, limits on practice size and resources may leave them with few options. Straight to landfill or burning are the simplest (and fastest) solutions. 

Slow uptake of modern equipment

Most modern dentistry equipment is built for efficiency and patient comfort, but the cost and size of these items are prohibitive for some practices. These barriers slow the uptake of technology and so practices continue to use processes that are resource and energy-heavy. 

The evolution of dentistry technology presents another challenge. Updated instruments and new technology mean older items need to be safely disposed of, which can be difficult and costly.  

Energy and water consumption

From lights to chairs, treatment instruments to computers, a dental practice uses a lot of energy. To give you an idea of how much, our own practice uses 4,000-6,000 kw per month.  

We also consume hundreds of gallons of water daily to help with sterilisation, in-chair treatments and the milling of tooth prosthetics. 

The energy and water consumption of AI assisted dentistry only increases those figures. AI dentistry is undoubtedly the future. But striking a balance between how those tools are used and the frequency with which they’re used must be balanced with environmental impact. 

Treatments also turn up the heat

Every dental treatment emits carbon. But some contribute more CO₂ than others. 

The Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) World Dental Federation looked into the carbon footprint of common dental treatments. 

For each of the following procedures, they found:

• the use of relative analgesia (laughing gas) produces 119 kg of CO₂
• denture treatment produces 58-71 kg of carbon 
• the completion of crown treatment creates 35-44 kg of greenhouse gas
• root canal treatment results in 23 kg of carbon. 

[source]

To put these emissions in perspective, a 1 hour 15 minute flight (roughly Rockhampton to Brisbane) produces just 40 kg of CO₂. 

Personally, you may only ever have these treatments once or a handful of times. Individually, they seem quite small. But globally, these procedures happen thousands of times a day, creating a significant footprint. 

Change starts from inside 

We know that dentistry is a carbon contributor. The oral healthcare industry is responding to this uncomfortable reality by making a transformative shift towards sustainable dentistry. The move is so seismic, that sustainable dentistry is even being touted as a top dentistry trend for 2026.

Driven by respected and innovative individuals and organisations, dentistry is finding ways to help avert the climate crisis, reduce the carbon footprint and present patients with the option to seek treatment from a dentist whose environmental values match their own. 

Positive promotion and support 

To help dentists and their practices become greener, the FDI World Dental Federation have created (what they call) the Massive Open Online Course, on Sustainability in Dentistry Project. It includes information for patients and professionals about eco-friendly dentistry, as well as challenges that practices can complete to earn their green credentials. 

Here in Australia, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) launched its own sustainable dentistry resource to support practitioners. Accessible to ADA members only, it has six modules covering where the Australian dental industry currently sits in terms of sustainability and practical steps to improve things. 

Finally, there are green loan initiatives aimed directly at the healthcare sector. Perhaps you know from your experience of going green how costly the initial outlay for solar panels or an electric vehicle can be. These loan initiatives can make a big difference for small, rural practices as well as larger dental hospitals keen to make changes.

Active changes towards an eco-friendlier industry 

Dentistry has the potential to be more sustainable. So what can individual practices actually do to realise this potential?  And, more importantly, how does it affect patients? 

Australian dental practices are being encouraged to embrace the following changes. And yep, some of these greener processes directly impact patients. (But in a positive way.)

Going digital

Digitising some patient care processes and treatments is an easy way to reduce emissions and waste. 

Practices that go digital use: 

• electronic forms and billing to reduce paper waste 
• digital oral scanners that take accurate images of the mouth 
• digital x-rays that can be viewed on a screen, rather than using photographic film 
• cloud-based storage for administration files and patient records rather than physical files 

Reducing single-use plastics

Maintaining sterilisation standards is one of the biggest challenges to reducing the use of single-use plastics in dental care. But steps practices are being encouraged to take include:

• offering patients compostable rinse cups instead of plastic ones
• wiping down treatment room benches and other surfaces between patients, rather than using plastic wrap
• using reusable stainless-steel equipment such as large tips for suction devices and local anesthetic syringes that can be sterilised 
• either selling or informing patients about eco-friendly dental products, such as bamboo toothbrushes and compostable floss picks. 

Doing more on-site

CAD/CAM technology and 3D printers give practices greater flexibility to complete treatments on site. This reduces their carbon footprint by cutting down vehicle emissions from transporting work off-site.

[Image suggestion: Will request an image of the 3D printer at Keppel to place here – or we could embed the short video recently used on FB of their lab tech creating a crown/implant]

Adhering to amalgam best practices and waste management

Dental amalgam contains mercury. From 2024 any dental practice using amalgam for restorative dental treatment (namely fillings) must install chair-side traps and amalgam separators to stop mercury from entering and contaminating the environment. 

While many modern practises are phasing out the use of amalgam in favour of more environmentally-friendly and body-friendly options such as composite fillings, practices that still use amalgam agree to:

• avoid using it for fillings in children or pregnant women
• only use it in a pre-dosed encapsulated form
• ensure any amalgam waste is collected by an Environmental Protection Agency licensed operator
• install amalgam separators in their practice to prevent mercury from entering public water or soil supplies. 

Improved recycling options

Practices are encouraged to adopt as many recycling programs as they can. These range from having the correct bins in the staff break room, to joining specialist recycling programs for non-biohazard medical waste and items. TerraCycle and Sims Metal are examples of recycling organisations that can handle separating and sorting healthcare items such as gloves, masks, dental product packaging, disposable clothing and some oral healthcare instruments. 

Supporting sustainable suppliers

By speaking with individual suppliers, practice owners can better understand where their products come from and how they’re made—everything from paper for the office to medical supplies such as gloves and dental implants. Increasing supply chain awareness helps practice managers and owners make informed decisions. And hopefully uncovers options to choose local suppliers or those that offer eco-friendly disposal of their products. 

How patients can help 

Integrating green and sustainable methods into the everyday running of a practice undoubtedly starts with the people who work there. But there is one other action Australian dentists are being encouraged to take to help lower emissions. And that’s increased patient education.

Because the best form of green dentistry is prevention. And both the FDI and the ADA acknowledge this. 

If tackling the global climate crisis involves everyone pulling together, from a dentistry perspective, supporting patients to adopt better at-home oral health helps everyone play their part. 

When you take care of your teeth, you may not need to see your dentist as often. And when you do see them for your check up, you’ll be less likely to need carbon-emitting treatments. 

There are four ways you can help make the oral healthcare industry more sustainable. 

1. Keeping up a good oral hygiene routine and healthy lifestyle—minimising the need for resource-heavy treatment
2. Recycling or reusing oral hygiene products to keep them out of landfill (an old toothbrush for cleaning, a toothpaste tube for kids’ imagination play or crafting)
3. If available and practical, arranging teledental calls rather than in-person appointments, decreasing the amount of practice cleaning and travel emissions
4. Walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport to get to your dental appointment, rather than taking the car. 

[Infographic #2 – Positive patient actions to support eco-dentistry]

Keppel Dental’s steps towards sustainable dentistry

As a Central Queensland practice operating at the southern point of the Great Barrier Reef, we’re aware of climate change and its effects on our immediate surroundings and environment. Here are the six principal changes the Keppel Dental team is making to support our entire industry’s shift towards greener dentistry.

1. Paperless processes. Unless specifically requested, all our patient forms and correspondence is completed electronically, reducing the amount of paper we use.
2. Digital dentistry. Using intraoral scanners, AI modelling and CAD/CAM technology we’ve removed much of the need to use materials to create physical models. 
3. Greener travel. Staff who need to drive to work are encouraged to ride share and some have invested in electric vehicles to make the short journey.
4. 3D printing. Crowns, implants, bridges and dentures can be made on-site using our 3D printer, so we no longer need to have items transported to us.
5. Reusable treatment tools. Our dedicated sterilisation room means we have a fully-equipped area to ensure all our stainless steel treatment tools and reusable tools can be safely cleaned, minimising the amount of single-use waste we produce.  
6. More recycle bins. Moving  to Cliff Street gave us the luxury of more space, including greater space for more recycling options.

Finding an eco-friendly dentist

The shift towards sustainable dentistry is a global, industry-wide movement. While there are some amazing resources available to help a dental practice become greener, location, budget, space, patient and staff safety and industry guidelines make it easier for some dentists to adopt eco-friendly practices than others. 

Finding a dentist who shares your views on sustainability would be ideal. But if that’s not an option, then there are steps you can take to help. Maintaining a good at-home oral health routine can mean seeing your dentist less and minimising the chances of needing treatment.  

When you’re ready to know more, you may find these articles helpful. 

The best foods for healthy teeth and gums

6 surprising facts about teeth and aging

Get into a routine of brushing your teeth

Clear aligner treatment sounds very simple. You have some scans, get some trays, wear the trays, and by the time you’ve finished wearing the last tray your teeth are straight. 

But if it’s really that simple, how come you’ve still got lots of clear aligner care questions whirring around your mind? 

Whether you already wear your trays and want a sanity check, or are thinking of getting them but want more information, Keppel Dental can help.

We’ve answered 8 of the most Googled questions about clear aligners and how to care for them. Jump to the question you most want answered, or take a leisurely scroll through each one to improve your clear aligner knowledge. 

1. How long do I need to wear my clear aligners?
2. Should I leave my clear aligners in when I eat? 
3. Is it still OK to drink coffee and fruit juice? 
4. What about drinking water?
5. Should I take it out when smoking or vaping?
6. Where should I put my aligner when I take it out?
7. Can I wash my clear aligner tray with soap?
8. Can I kiss while wearing clear aligners?

How long do I need to wear my clear aligners?

Using scans of your mouth and (possibly) AI generation tools, your dentist will work out how long your treatment should last. Factors that influence how long treatment will be include:

• your age
• the health of your mouth
• the severity of whatever the aligners need to correct.

The shortest time someone will need clear aligners is around 6 months. But treatment can last up to 24 months. 

During your treatment, you should wear your aligners at least 22 hours every day. This is the best way to keep your treatment timeline on track. It may even shorten the overall treatment time (if you’re lucky).

But let’s face it: wearing them for 22 hours every single day won’t always be possible. We’re all human (even we dentists). And we understand there will be days when you don’t wear your aligners for the full 22 hours. 

Days when you don’t hit the magic 22-hour mark

You might be out for a three-hour lunch with friends, on the team sheet for that week’s match (plus training sessions). Or you may simply forget to put it back in for a few hours. Whatever the reason, if you have a day when you don’t wear your aligner for the full 22 hours, it’s not a disaster. Just make it the exception rather than the rule. 

Speaking of long lunches…

Should I leave my clear aligners in when I eat? 

Always remove your clear aligner tray before eating. Why? Because when you eat with your tray in, you risk food getting wedged between the aligner and your teeth and gums. Besides looking gross and discolouring your tray, it will also be quite uncomfortable. You may have food rubbing against your teeth and gums, which could irritate them. And in a worst-case scenario, it could damage your teeth. (Trapped food erodes enamel and contributes to the build-up of plaque.)  

If you’re rolling your eyes at the thought of taking your tray out every time you want a snack, look at it this way. With removable braces nothing is off the menu, which is more than you can say about fixed braces. With those, you need to avoid some hard or sticky foods for the entire treatment. 

So eat what you like. Just take your tray out first, and give your teeth a quick rinse or clean before you pop it back in.

Is it still OK to drink coffee and fruit juice? 

Yes, you can drink both of these during your treatment. But as with food, take your aligner out before necking your morning coffee or slurping your refreshing juice. 

Why you should remove your tray before drinking coffee

Tea and coffee can stain the tray. But it’s not just discolouration you’re avoiding. Hot drinks (or any hot liquid) can warp the tray, which means it may no longer fit the way it should. And if that happens, it may not move your teeth as planned.

Why you need to remove your tray before drinking juice 

Juices, smoothies and milkshakes all contain a lot of sugar (and sometimes acids). Taking the tray out first reduces the risk of trapping those sugars and acids against the teeth and gums, which can lead to enamel erosion and tooth decay. 

What about drinking water?

Whether it’s iced, tepid or lightly carbonated (without any flavourings), it’s fine to leave your aligner in when drinking water. 

Should I take it out when smoking or vaping?

Yes, you should take your aligner out before smoking or vaping with an e-cigarette. 

As you probably know, the chemicals and carcinogens in these products can discolour your teeth. And they’ll do the same to your clear aligners, making them… well, less clear and more noticeable. (Which kind of defeats the purpose of having invisible braces.)

Before starting treatment, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend that you quit smoking or vaping. And not just for aesthetic reasons. As with hot drinks, the heat cigarettes and e-cigarettes generate can warp the trays. And again, if that happens, your teeth may not move the way we expect. 

Wonky trays will slow down the process, which means you’ll have to wear more trays for longer. But there’s also evidence that smoking prolongs treatment no matter what state your aligners are in. 

Smoking can prolong orthodontic treatment

We all know that smoking affects the overall health of your mouth. It increases the risk of:

• periodontal disease
• tooth damage or loss
• a weakened jaw. 

Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen to areas within the mouth, making it a major contributor to these less-than-desirable oral health conditions. And if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, smoking can lead to slow tooth movement.

A 2019 study by the International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Science surveyed 200 patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. And it found that most of those who smoked had prolonged treatment periods compared to those who didn’t smoke.  

Quitting completely or significantly cutting down (at least during your treatment) is a great choice.

If you can’t stop

Make sure you: 

• always remove the tray before smoking or vaping
• rinse your mouth and brush your teeth afterwards, as this removes tobacco and vape residues 
• don’t replace your aligner until your teeth are clean.

Where should I put my aligner when I take it out?

When you’re not wearing the aligner, the best place for it is a storage case. Hopefully, your dentist gave you one when you collected all your trays. But if they didn’t, you can pick them up cheaply and easily from most pharmacies or online. 

These boxes are designed to protect your aligner so it doesn’t warp or break, and keep it hygienic enough to wear throughout the day. 

And here are two places you shouldn’t put it: down your top or in your pocket, like our friend (who isn’t a patient) does. She may only do it for a minute or two when having a snack or drink, but it increases the chances of the tray breaking or getting dirty. 

Can I wash my clear aligner tray with soap?

Yes, you can wash your clear aligner with a gentle antibacterial soap and warm water. In fact, this is the best way to keep your tray clean and hygienic. 

You can also buy gels, crystals and soaps designed specifically for cleaning aligner trays. They’re available at most pharmacies, or you can order them online. 

Clear aligner cleaning tips 

It’s quick and easy to keep your aligner tray clean and safe to wear.

Tip 1: Wash it with soap. Any antibacterial handwash soap or dishwashing soap will do. And you need only a tiny dot of soap for a thorough clean. Just make sure you rinse it well to get rid of bubbles or any soapy scent before wearing your tray again.

Tip 2: Brush it gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush. This ensures it gets a thorough clean. But if you want to make sure you get into every crevice and indentation, use a children’s toothbrush. The smaller head is easier to move around the tray, and the bristles are super soft. 

Tip 3: Rinse with tepid or warm tap water. Water from the bathroom or kitchen tap is fine. Cleaning with water that’s too hot will warp the tray, and it may no longer fit your mouth or move your teeth as it should.

Tip 4: Clean trays twice a day. As with cleaning your natural teeth, it’s enough to clean your tray once in the morning and once in the evening. 

Each invisible brace tray is designed to sit against your teeth for many hours each day for up to two weeks. Good tray hygiene will help avoid discolouration (or at least minimise it) and prevent the tray from becoming smelly. 

But these aren’t the only reasons to clean your tray every day. 

Maintaining your aligner minimises the risk of bacteria build-up in the trays, staining your natural teeth or damaging or irritating your gums. 

Avoid cleaning your aligner with:

• hot or boiling water (it will warp the plastic)
• any sort of toothpaste (it may scratch or weaken the plastic)
• mouthwash, vinegar or harsh chemicals (they could weaken, discolour or damage the plastic. They could even create a build-up of toxic residue).

Can I kiss while wearing clear aligners? 

In the heat of the moment, pausing to take your aligner out could dampen the mood. The good news is that clear aligner technology is smooch-friendly. (You don’t need to take it out.) 

Each aligner is moulded to fit your mouth so it stays securely in place. And while we can’t say it’s impossible for your aligner to come out mid-kiss, it’s highly unlikely that it will pop out (even during a vigorous pash).  

Questions and curiosity lead to treatment success 

Clear alignment treatment is a practical and effective way to straighten mild orthodontic challenges such as misaligned teeth or an overbite. But for the treatment to be effective, you need to commit to it. And that commitment can last as long as two years. 

Asking questions and finding out about clear aligner care, either before your journey starts or early on once you’re on your way, is a good start. But clear aligner cleanliness and curiosity aren’t enough to determine whether it’s the right treatment option for you. If you’re still at the research stage of your journey, check out Clear Aligners: Are They The Right Choice For You? to learn how they work.

Discussions about artificial intelligence (AI) and robots being everywhere are… well, everywhere. Trying to handle AI and its rapid development has put politicians in a tizz, divided the opinions of the horrendously wealthy, and left millions questioning when they’ll be replaced by a robot at work. 

If you’re not sick to the back teeth of hearing about AI, then stick around. Because I’m about to go full dental nerd and wax lyrical about AI in dentistry—its uses and its limitations.  

Dentistry: An industry built on innovation

We know a lot more about oral health and how to care for teeth and gums today than we did in the 1700s when dentistry became a defined profession. And it’s a profession that will continually evolve as we learn more about the body and how it’s adapting to modern living. 

Thankfully, the tools used to treat patients have improved exponentially from those used in the 1700s. Modern dentistry focuses heavily on patient comfort without sacrificing quality care. In the past 50 years, dentistry innovations have made treatment easier, faster, and (most importantly) as convenient as possible for patients. 

And digital dentistry is a good example of this. 

CAD/CAM (computer-aided design / computer-aided manufacturing) technology and digital scanning systems arrived in the 1980s, providing faster and cleaner dental treatment methods. And these advances have been warmly welcomed by patients. A 2019 survey confirmed this, finding that 95% of patients agree they receive better care with digital solutions.  

AI dentistry is the next step in better care

Dentists can use AI to improve your treatment experience in 4 ways: 

1. Diagnosis
2. Decision making
3. Treatment planning
4. Predicting the outcomes of treatment. 

Writing for Frontiers, Hao Ding from the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Hong Kong predicts that ‘among all the AI applications in dentistry, the most popular one is diagnosis’. 

And I agree. 

The reliability and accuracy of these AI programs will only increase. Their assistance in diagnosing early-stage gum disease, and even some oral cancers, will become invaluable. And I’m certain that AI will eventually be able to spot things the naked eye and current scanners can’t see. 

Concerns that robots will take over

I used the word ‘assistance’ just before. And that’s worth noting. 

A recent study into patients’ perceptions and expectations regarding AI use in dentistry found the main concern was the impact AI would have on the workforce, with technology replacing professionals. But I can’t see this being a reality in the healthcare industry. Here’s why.

• The machines aren’t reliable enough to work alone. The expert, real-world eye and knowledge of a trained professional are still needed to check and double-check all AI-produced work.
• Treating health and medical conditions requires empathy, patience and understanding. And these could never be provided by a machine. 

Many industries that have already adopted AI understand that it’s just a tool. It’s there to assist the professional with their work, not replace them. By cutting down the amount of time dentists spend on necessary day-to-day tasks—analysing x-rays, responding to simple health-related queries, predicting treatment outcomes—we can increase our clinical time (more face-to-face time with patients) and complete treatments in shorter timeframes.  

AI dentistry in action. Current technologies and future possibilities

Dentists around the world are already embracing AI. In a few short years, it has prompted (some much-needed) industry-wide changes. And that’s exciting. 

Here are a few examples of how it’s being used to support dentists and patients, and what might be next. 

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) adopts an AI policy

The ADA’s AI policy only came into effect in 2020. It was a clear sign to the industry that the widespread adoption of this technology in Australian practices was just around the corner. 

Diagnostic assistance is already here

In 2021 the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved the use of US-developed AI software called Second Opinion®. An assistive tool for dental radiology (your x-rays), it looks at the images and can quickly detect tooth decay, infection and early signs of periapical radiolucency (an infection in a tooth, such as an abscess or cyst). 

Speeding up diagnostics like this means we can discuss the findings in the same appointment and, if any oral health challenges show up, start talking about possible treatment.  

Technology to improve dental implant treatment

The best way to ensure dental implant success is to make sure the implant is placed into a healthy mouth. This is currently done by taking x-rays and digital scans of your mouth, then carefully assessing them to decide what pre-implant treatment you need. This can take up to an hour of clinical time, plus 20-30 minutes discussing the results and options with a patient. Australian-led AI technology Eyes of AI is looking to improve on that.  

By viewing and diagnosing cone-beam-computed tomography (CBCT—the imaging machine that spins around your head), the Eyes of AI software transforms them into detailed, 3D models way faster than the traditional method. This makes it easier to:

• assess what pre-implant treatment is needed 
• make precise plans regarding where the implant is going into the jaw.

Combined, it speeds up the entire process.

Delivering instant smile makeovers

There’s an app for everything these days. So why not an app that can instantly show you how different cosmetic dental procedures will affect your smile? That’s what Presto Smile and Smile Cloud (the program we use) both do. 

Your dentist takes your photo (using a camera, iPad or even a phone) and then applies AI-generated examples of the dental work you’ve discussed, directly to your image. This gives you an instant visualisation of the potential outcome, and can make it easier to fine-tune your personal treatment plan. 

There’s been a global symposium on the subject

In 2023, the inaugural Global Symposium on AI and Dentistry was held at Harvard University. It attracted 300 attendees from 30 countries, with another 120 attending virtually. Sixty-five research projects were presented during the event, ranging in topics from new practical tools to assist day-to-day treatment to using AI to forecast global dental health as a result of climate change.  

AI dentistry offers greater freedom 

AI is speeding up treatment processes and times. And it delivers insights the naked eye and current technologies can’t. The result? More time with your dentist and early diagnoses. But as we’ve seen, these aren’t AI’s only benefits. 

The accuracy and clarity of the imaging AI can create will give the clinicians treating you greater confidence, even if they’re in a different city, country or continent. Reliable, detailed imaging will make it easier for practitioners to make good recommendations, even if they never see you face to face. As a patient, you gain greater freedom and flexibility. You suddenly have access to dental practitioners anywhere in the world.

What might this look like? 

Let’s say you found a specialist you really like, and you want their input on your treatment. Trouble is, they’re on the other side of the world. AI makes it possible for them to treat you. With the right AI program, they can create detailed, realistic and accurate 3D models of your mouth and jaw like never before. They can run through the treatment using augmented reality and predict the outcomes. So you may only need one trip to have them perform the procedure. 

Challenges and risks

There’s a lot to love about AI. But understanding its full potential is something even the most intelligent minds are still getting to grips with. And while most people and businesses are looking to use it for good, that’s not everyone’s intention. (Deepfake, anyone?)

When it comes to keeping people’s personal details and records of faces, there are (quite rightly) data protection concerns. Theft of such personal data could be catastrophic. 

Currently, any AI technology used in Australian healthcare must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). This is similar to the American Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Both are in place to ensure patient privacy. 

As so many AI tools learn from existing material and need to be fed data, healthcare practitioners need to ensure:

• the tool or software removes any identifying information
• any data fed into it is well protected, and people can’t be identified.

It’s a big area of concern, and one reason why AI adoption in dentistry is slower compared to other industries. 

Another speed bump is the lack of big data. AI learns using huge datasets. And our industry is struggling to build the resources needed. 

Unlike hospitals or big medical organisations, dental practices are small, privately owned businesses with much smaller patient numbers. To create the data banks, Australian dentists would need to agree to centralise their data, creating a shared AI learning environment.    

The final challenge is accuracy. A lot of evidence supports AI’s talent to diagnose, predict and aid in successful dental treatment. But it’s early days. Truthfully, the machines are still leaning. The technology is still being refined. And all AI work should still be reviewed by a dentist. 

AI at Keppel Dental

Within a decade, dentists in Australia will inevitably be using the power of AI technology to assist with most treatments. At Keppel Dental, we already use Smilecloud and 3Shape Automate for treatment planning, smile design and crown design. Since introducing these technologies, we’ve noticed greater patient excitement regarding treatment outcomes, and designing crowns and bridges in the lab is faster. 

For us, working in an industry that embraces innovation and ways to make treatment simpler and more comfortable feels positive. But how do you feel about AI playing a supporting role when it comes to your oral health care? Let us know by answering our question in this post.

Turning the idea of getting full-mouth (All on 4, or Ao4) dental implants into reality can take months, if not years. Taking the time to plan and save up for the procedure is part of the journey. And when it comes to how much you’ll need to save, well… that depends on where you go for your treatment.  

Dental practitioners in Australia set costs that reflect:

• their location
• their experience
• the price of the materials they use. 

So when you see one fee that’s several thousand dollars less than another, why wouldn’t you choose the more affordable option? 

I completely get it. But (and there’s nearly always a ‘but’) there’s a recurring theme I hear from patients who have chosen the more affordable All on 4 option. 

The cheaper treatment didn’t save them as much as they thought it would.

There are a number of reasons why people end up feeling this way, which I’ll get into later. But right now, I want to share some of their general concerns and experiences so you can make a fair call on whether travelling intrastate, interstate or internationally will leave you and your oral health better off. 

How much All on 4 treatment costs in Australia

Dental practices in Australia are independent, private businesses. And like any independent business, each practice sets its own fees. So the cost of getting full mouth dental implants in Australia varies widely from practice to practice and state to state.

Using data from the latest ADA fees survey from 2022, the lowest cost for full mouth implants is $19,311 and the highest is $52,312. That’s quite a range.

To help us understand All on 4 fees—and the costs of other common dental work—the Australian Dental Association (ADA) runs a fee survey every few years. This gives us the lowest and highest dental costs in Australia for different treatments, as well as the mean fee for each one. 

Using data from the latest ADA fees survey from 2022, we’ve worked out that the lowest cost for full-mouth implants is $19,311.54 and the highest is $52,312.52. (Here’s how we got to these figures.) That’s quite a range. And these figures account only for the cost of the components and procedures most commonly needed for Ao4 treatment. These include:

• a comprehensive exam (intraoral x-rays and/or OPG, CBCT scan, photos and digital modelling)
• pre-treatment consultation
• surgery to place the 4-6 implants needed
• the final bridge.

Keppel Dental sits somewhere in the middle. We charge $25,000 for an upper or lower arch. But this is just an estimate. Your treatment may be more or less depending on:

• how many x-rays you need 
• any extra consultations you need before or after treatment
• whether you need additional surgical procedures such as
  • tooth extraction 
  • bone grafting 
  • a sinus lift 
  • gum grafting
• whether you need a temporary bridge or arch.

If you already know how full-mouth implants are fitted, you’d probably expect to see these items on your treatment bill. But the path to getting dental implants isn’t the same for everyone.

Personal treatment plans are essential to understanding the total cost of full-mouth dental implants. And 6 factors affect the fee.

1. Your current oral health. Implant success relies on a healthy mouth and gums. Any signs of poor mouth health (inflamed or bleeding gums, cavities, etc.) must be addressed first.
2. Extra dental work. This could involve extracting existing teeth to make room for your implants, a sinus lift for top-tooth implants, or a lower jaw bone graft for bottom-tooth implants.
3. The number of implants being fitted. This will depend on whether you’re having a full arch, partial bridge, just the top, just the bottom, or implants in both top and bottom.
4. Implant size and placement. Implants come in different lengths and diameters. The size of the implant depends on the amount of bone available and the distance between the teeth.
5. The implant’s manufacturer. Australia has several dental implant manufacturers. And each company delivers its own take on implants. Some invest more in research and manufacturing than others, which leads to higher quality at a higher price.
6. The location and experience of your dentist. The practice’s overheads and the dentist’s ongoing specialist training to keep up with changing technologies may be reflected in the price of implants and other services.

Travelling for implant treatment packs its own costs 

Where you go for treatment is an important cost comparison factor. Whether it’s in the city or the country, in Australia or overseas, the size of the economy the practice is working in affects how much the dentist charges. 

For example, dentists working in countries with smaller economies won’t have the same overheads as those operating in larger ones. This is why you can often get lower rates by travelling to one of Australia’s major cities or trying overseas dental tourism. 

But this doesn’t always work out well for patients. While the cost of the treatment itself may be lower, there are additional charges and potential challenges you need to consider. 

Travelling there, back, and possibly there again (and again)

It takes multiple appointments to properly complete full-mouth implant treatment. Even if your first consultations aren’t face-to-face, and records and x-rays are forwarded on, you’ll still need at least two trips. And that’s assuming yours is a simple case (i.e. you don’t need any extra dental work before implants, and you don’t have any complications afterwards). 

So when budgeting for these locations, factor in multiple airfares and airport parking. You may also need to budget for taxis or car hire to get around. 

Sorting somewhere to stay 

Lobbing in with family or friends who live near your chosen practice is ideal. Being somewhere familiar can make recovery more comfortable, not to mention the extra TLC you’ll get if you’re feeling below par afterwards. 

But if staying with someone you know isn’t an option, you’ll need to find a hotel or apartment. It’s always worth asking the practice’s client care coordinator if they offer an accommodation subsidy. Practices that want to attract out-of-town patients commonly have arrangements with local hotels, motels and apartments. Using these offers will save you money, but you’ll be limited to the accommodation options they’ve partnered with. 

Arranging time off work 

You’ll probably need to use some of your work leave, particularly on the day of your treatment, as it’s not advisable to travel long distances or fly that day. 

Most people feel well enough to travel and return to work the day after surgery. However, you might want to add a bit of buffer time to account for:

• any stumbling blocks with your treatment 
• you feel worse than you expected 
• you encounter travel delays.

The big one: getting post-treatment care

If an implant is doomed to fail, it will happen in the 24-72 hours after treatment. Ideally, you want to be close to your dentist so you can see them quickly. 

Patients who travel for treatment and return home quickly afterwards struggle with this. They may have to wait days or even weeks before seeing their practitioner again, by which time the implant is lost. It’s usually at this point that these patients come to me, needing help with one or more of these common dental implant complaints. 

• They’re experiencing discomfort in their mouth.
• The implants feel tight or sore.
• They’ve noticed the implanted teeth are coming loose.
• At least one implant has fallen out. 

Travelling back to see their original practitioner is no longer an option. They didn’t account for the extra cost or time needed, and they can’t see the dentist until a much later date. This can leave patients feeling lost and confused about what to do. 

I can’t emphasise enough how important the post-care treatment stage is. It shouldn’t be overlooked. And from my experience, patients feel confident and secure when they know their dentist is an hour or less away. 

Delivering full-mouth dental implant treatment and care in Central Queensland

Getting dental implants isn’t something you decide on a whim. Treatment costs, expected outcomes and time needed all need to be understood, evaluated and planned for before hitting ‘Go’. 

Whether you’re at the start of your dental implant journey or ready to take the next step, Keppel Dental can help. Using the latest digital dentistry technologies and high-quality dental implant products, we can deliver the best dental implant care possible for patients in Central Queensland and beyond.

For all the details about organising your treatment with us, head over to our dedicated (and highly-detailed) All on 4 service page. 

Working out the cost of All on 4 treatment in Australia

To calculate the costs of Aon4 treatment in Australia, we used the ADA Fee Survey from 2022. But as this treatment has so many variables, we created a simple case scenario.

• The patient is having an implant bridge to replace 14 teeth.
• They’re having 6 implants/abutments, meaning 8 pontics for bridging.
• They need 4 teeth removed using line item 311 only. (The other 2 teeth where the implants will go were previously removed due to decay.)

Using the lowest, highest and mean cost of each line item in the ADA Fee Survey, we then calculated a cost range.

Note: These aren’t perfect numbers, as the fee survey didn’t include fees for some services often associated with Ao4 implants such as:

• CBCT scan
• extra photos and digital modelling offered (depending on the available technology within the practice)
• bone grafting
• sinus lift
• gum grafting.

A while back I was nerding out to a non-dental industry friend about the progress of dentistry technology. He was impressed that we can mill crowns using a 3D printer, take highly detailed mouth scans in minutes, and use AI dentistry to plan and predict entire treatment plans.

Once I’d finished my spiel, he said with bemusement and an exasperated expletive or two, “Yet every day, we’re still using a bit of string to clean our teeth.” He had a point.

Water flossers have hit the mainstream thanks to social media influencers and some nifty design refinements. And although they look like a much-needed evolution in flossing, here’s the surprising thing: water flossers have been around since the 70s. I didn’t have the heart to break this news to my friend.

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Flossing is fantastic for your teeth

Given that you got here by searching for water flossers and how they work, you’re probably already sold on the benefits of flossing. But in case you’re still on the fence, here’s a reminder.

Flossing cleans tooth surfaces that brushes can’t reach, helping to remove food and break down plaque-building bacteria. If food and bacteria aren’t regularly cleaned away, a sticky, fuzzy film can form, leading to gingivitis or, in serious cases, periodontal disease.

The latest research from the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has found that using string floss and brushing reduces the risk of periodontal diseases by up to 50%. We’ll reveal how this stacks up against water flossers in a minute.

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What are water flossers and how do they work?

A water flosser is a cordless, electric, handheld device. Its mission—like any flossing device—is to clean between the teeth and along the gumline.

To use a water flosser, start by filling the tank or reservoir with warm water. (Bathroom tap water is fine.)

Next, attach the nozzle that’s best suited for your mouth. There are ones designed specifically for cleaning around braces and bridges for example.

Turn it on and a steady stream of water jets out of the nozzle. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific flosser on how you should move it around your mouth. This will give you the best results. As you point it at each tooth, the gentle water pressure will remove any food and plaque that may be lingering after you’ve brushed.

In short, think of water flossers as a pressure washer for your teeth.

Figuring out all the water flosser features

Every brand of water flosser has its own design. You may have heard of the WaterPik, widely regarded as effective and easy to use. However, large oral health brands, such as Oral B and Colgate, have their versions, too. (Even Kmart is getting in on the water flosser trend.)

It’s worth researching the different features of each water flosser to help you choose the one that’ll work best for you. Or, if you’re seeing your dentist or OHT before buying one, chat with them about which options are most practical for you.

Features you’ll commonly see mentioned in product descriptions or reviews include:

• the number of speeds, power settings, or cleaning modes
• the size of the tank and how much cleaning time this provides
• the recharging system, battery power, and total run time
• whether it’s waterproof (for use in the shower)
• its dimensions and weight
• what it’s made from.

Some write-ups may also include details about how quiet (or noisy) the flosser is, and how easy it is to clean. Product information like this can make the difference between you using a flosser or leaving it in the drawer. After all, who wants to buy an item that’s supposed to make their life easier, only to find it makes things messier and more complicated?

Reasons to start using a water flosser

There are three main reasons why you might want to start using a water flosser, or why your dentist recommends using one.

You have dental implants, crowns or braces

Traditional flossing with string might not be possible if your mouth is healing from a surgical dental procedure, such as dental implants, or you’re undergoing orthodontic work. A water flosser offers a gentler way to clean gums and provides more flexibility for cleaning behind wires and gaps.

You find manual flossing difficult

Health conditions and dexterity challenges may mean using string or interdental brushes is just too fiddly. The larger handle and body of a water flosser make it easier to move the small nozzle around the mouth.

You find dental floss uncomfortable to use

Flossing with dental string shouldn’t feel uncomfortable when you do it correctly. But that’s not everyone’s reality. For people with sensitive gums, perhaps due to medications or treatments or long-term poor oral hygiene, a water flosser can offer a gentler, more comfortable way to clean between the teeth.

Are bleeding gums a reason to switch to a water flosser?

Not necessarily. The early warning signs of a gum infection can look the same as poor flossing technique—sore gums, sensitive gums and teeth, and bleeding when brushing or flossing. If you experience this, consider booking an appointment with your dentist to get a proper diagnosis.

If it turns out that you do have gum disease or periodontal disease, then your dentist may recommend using a water flosser until it clears up. This can feel more comfortable without sacrificing your oral hygiene.

How effective are water flossers compared to string floss?

We looked at two studies into whether a water flosser is more effective than string.
The first is a small clinical study that compared the amount of plaque cleaned from teeth when using string and a manual toothbrush versus using a water flosser and manual toothbrush. The results found that cleaning with a water flosser and a manual toothbrush is 29% more effective than using waxy floss string and a manual toothbrush.

Improve oral health by combining traditional flossing and water flossing

Unless there’s a medical reason for not using string floss—you’ve suffered mouth trauma or have dexterity challenges—most dentists (ourselves included) wouldn’t recommend abandoning string floss.

The current thinking among dentists in Australia is that a combined approach will serve you best.

1. Use a string floss first to remove food and break down plaque-building bacteria that are lingering around the teeth.
2. Brush your teeth to give them a good clean.
3. Finish with a gentle water floss to remove any last remaining bits that your toothbrush couldn’t reach.

Ready to revolutionise your oral health care?

The best way to work out if a water flosser is right for you is to talk to your dentist or oral health therapist at your next appointment. They may have experience or knowledge of the best water flossers and can point you towards a device that will best suit your needs.

In the meantime, if you’re looking for more information about how to improve your at-home oral health routine, you may find these articles helpful.