Wenjing Hu, Phyu Mi Ko, Archi Parikh
Project Smile Global
1/27/2025

Advanced dental technologies, such as cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanners, laser treatments, and 3D printing, have revolutionized oral healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment efficiency, and patient outcomes (Rakhshan et al. 1). They are also used to store and transfer patient information to different branches of medicine for treatment, and overcome geographical barriers, as the information can be shared through different technological platforms (Rakhshan et al. 1). Unfortunately, access to these innovations is unevenly distributed across different regions and populations. In the U.S., for example, individuals from low socioeconomic backgrounds or marginalized communities are less likely to seek oral healthcare, often due to the lack of private dental insurance, which further limits their access to new dental technologies (Khoury et al. 2). This disparity creates significant challenges for both dental professionals and patients. Addressing these inequities will require a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, increased investment in infrastructure, and the expansion of teledentistry services, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from these technological advancements.
Challenges to Access
The delivery of advanced dental technologies, notably to rural areas in America, presents significant challenges due to geographic isolation, economic constraints, and professional training gaps (Skillman et al. S49–S57). These barriers limit the integration of innovative tools that could improve oral health outcomes in underserved communities.
Geographic Isolation
Geographic barriers significantly hinder the adoption of advanced dental technologies in rural America. Sparse populations and long travel distances make it challenging for clinics to justify investments in high-tech equipment, including 3D printers and computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems, used for same-day restorations (Skillman et al. S49). Additionally, the infrastructure needed to support these technologies, such as a reliable internet connection for digital imaging and teledentistry platforms, is often lacking in such areas (Skillman et al. S49). The absence of local access to advanced tools forces patients to travel extensively, delaying essential diagnostics and treatments (Skillman et al. S49). Without geographic proximity to advanced equipment, rural residents miss out on the efficient and precise care that these technologies enable.
Economic Constraints
The financial burden of acquiring and maintaining advanced dental technologies disproportionately affects rural clinics (Skillman et al. S50). Equipment such as laser systems and intraoral scanners requires substantial upfront investments and regular maintenance costs, which are often infeasible for clinics serving low-income populations (Skillman et al. S50). Moreover, rural patients, who frequently have lower incomes and limited or no dental insurance, are less likely to afford services that utilize these technologies, even if they are provided (Skillman et al. S50). This dual financial strain prevents both clinics and patients from benefiting from advancements that could otherwise improve efficiency and outcomes.

Professional Training Gaps
Advanced dental technologies require specialized training for proper use, but rural dental providers often lack access to continuing education opportunities (Skillman et al. S52). For example, mastering digital imaging techniques or operating a 3D printer for dental applications involves hands-on training that is rarely available in isolated areas (Skillman et al. S52). Limited resources also restrict clinics from sending staff to workshops or certification programs on emerging technologies. As a result, many rural clinics are unable to integrate modern tools into their practices, leaving providers reliant on outdated methods (Skillman et al. S52). Furthermore, the difficulty of recruiting and retaining technologically proficient practitioners in rural areas exacerbates this gap, as many professionals prefer urban settings with better resources and career growth opportunities (Skillman et al. S52).
Consequences of Limited Access
With challenges in accessing the latest advancements in dental technology, rural communities are deprived of the benefits such innovations may provide, such as enhanced patient experience, improved treatment outcomes, and cost-efficient and effective oral healthcare services (Joda et al. 448).
An example of how dentists can diagnose patients more efficiently using non-traditional methods is through digital radiography. Digital radiography enables dentists to capture tissue images more quickly than x-rays, which not only take longer, but also expose patients to greater radiation (Gracco et al. 1). Additionally, intraoral scanners have replaced traditional molds for dental impressions, providing more accurate results with greater patient comfort (Gracco et al. 1). These innovations save time and enhance the quality of care for patients.
Potential Solutions
Mobile Dental Clinics
Rural communities not only face challenges in accessing modern dental technologies, but also in receiving fundamental oral health services. To address these disparities, mobile dental units have emerged as another innovative solution, seeing as they deliver essential care and are equipped with modern tools. Staffed by professionals who travel to remote areas, they offer both preventive and basic care, while providing access to modern dental technologies that rural communities would otherwise be without (Skillman et al.). For example, in Washington State, mobile clinics with advanced technologies have improved access to dental services and reduced the need for long travel distances (Skillman et al.). However, while mobile dental units provide a practical solution, they are not without limitations (Complete Mobile Dentistry). These units lack the space and equipment of regular clinics, which limits the number of dental services that can be provided (Complete Mobile Dentistry). Relatedly, the complexity of cases that professionals can attend to is restricted, with a focus on simpler dental procedures (Complete Mobile Dentistry). Nonetheless, improvements in mobile dental technologies and equipment are anticipated, which will help address these limitations (Complete Mobile Dentistry).
Conclusion
In conclusion, while advanced dental technologies have significantly enhanced the quality and efficiency of oral healthcare, their benefits are not universally accessible. Geographic isolation, economic constraints, and professional training gaps in rural and underserved areas continue to hinder the widespread adoption of these innovations (Skillman et al. S49). As a result, many communities remain excluded from the advancements that could greatly improve their oral health outcomes. However, potential solutions—such as mobile dental clinics—offer a promising avenues for bridging these gaps (Skillman et al.2010). By addressing both the infrastructure and educational barriers, these initiatives can help ensure that all individuals, regardless of location or socioeconomic status, have access to modern dental care.
Works Cited
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Evans, Chad. A photograph of a dentist checking a child’s teeth. Community Dental Partners, 27 March 2024, www.communitydentalpartners.com/dental-care-in-rural communities.
Gracco, Antonio, et al. “Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 20, no. 7, 3 Apr. 2023, pp. 1-2, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20075364.
Joda, Tim, et al. “Disruptive Innovation in Dentistry: What It Is and What Could Be Next.” Journal of Dental Research, vol. 100, no. 5, Dec. 2020, pp. 448-53 https://doi.org/10.1177/002203452097877.
Khoury, Zaid H., et al. “Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Addressing Equity in Oral Healthcare.” Frontiers in Oral Health, vol. 5, July 2024, pp. 1-6, https://doi.org/10.3389/froh.2024.1408867.
Rakhshan, Vahid et al. “Advanced Digital Dentistry.” International Journal of Dentistry, vol. 2018 7540954. 26 Dec. 2018, doi:10.1155/2018/7540954
Skillman, Susan M., et al. "The Challenge to Delivering Oral Health Services in Rural America." Journal of Public Health Dentistry, vol. 70, no. S1, 2010, pp. S49–S57. Wiley Online Library, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-7325.2010.00178.x.