Fully Digitalized Workflow in Dental Medicine Services

Abstract

The digitalization of dental medicine services represents one of the most
significant transformations in oral health over the past decade. This article explores,
from a managerial perspective, how the implementation of a fully digital workflow
influences operational efficiency, the quality of medical services, and the economic
sustainability of dental practices. The analysis is based on a comparative study
between traditional and digital methods for single-unit prosthetic restorations,
focusing on parameters such as treatment duration, accuracy, patient satisfaction,
and implementation costs. The results show that the digital workflow significantly
reduces working time and increases predictability but requires substantial initial
investments and a well-grounded amanagerial strategy. The integration of
digitalization in dental medicine is not only a technological change but also an
organizational one, redefining the relationships between time, resources, and patient
-perceived value.
CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVES
The digital transformation of medical services represents one of the key
strategic directions of contemporary healthcare management. In dental medicine,
the integration of fully digitalized workflows—from intraoral scanning to computeraided
restoration manufacturing—redefines clinical efficiency, patient experience,
and organizational sustainability.The aim of this paper is to evaluate, from both
clinical and managerial perspectives, the impact of implementing a fully digitalized
workflow in dental practice compared with traditional methods.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study was conducted in an urban dental practice using a fully integrated
CAD/CAM technology (intraoral scanner, design software, and CAM milling unit).
Two groups of patients (n=20) were compared: 10 treated using a complete digital
workflow and 10 using conventional methods.
Indicators of clinical efficiency (treatment duration, occlusal adjustments), technical
quality (marginal fit), and patient satisfaction (standardized questionnaire) were
analyzed.
RESULTS
The complete digital workflow significantly reduced treatment time (1 visit vs. 2
–3 conventional visits) and the number of occlusal adjustments. Patient satisfaction
was higher in the digital group, due to procedural comfort and active participation in
the treatment plan.From an organizational perspective, digitalization improved
documentation, traceability, and interprofessional communication, contributing to
operational efficiency and ecological sustainability.
CONCLUSIONS
The adoption of a fully digitalized workflow in dental medicine is not merely a
technological innovation but a strategic transformation of dental services
management. The benefits regarding efficiency, clinical quality, and patient
satisfaction justify the expansion of this model, provided that implementation is
sustainable and supported by continuous staff training.