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Interview: “One must take advantage of cutting-edge technology”

Like in many other areas, digitalisation has also caught up to the field of orthodontics. (Image: Shutterstock/Virrage Images)
Dental Tribune International

Dental Tribune International

Mon. 28. June 2021

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There is no way around it: digitalisation is inevitable in all aspects of life, including, of course, in dentistry. Dr Dalia el-Bokle, an orthodontics specialist from Egypt, is well aware of this fact. At AEEDC 2021, she will present a lecture on how to introduce digital tools into the orthodontic practice and why it is important to do so.

Dr el-Bokle, you are presenting a lecture titled “How ‘going digital’ can be a game changer in your orthodontic practice”. What will you cover in your lecture?
My lecture is about the advantages of applying digital technology in daily orthodontic practice, starting with intra-oral scanning to acquire digital models, followed by a full analysis of digital data to achieve an accurate orthodontic diagnosis. My lecture will demonstrate how various digital treatment simulations and digital smile designs can be easily made and compared in order to select the best orthodontic treatment plan. I also use these digital simulations and smile designs to educate, engage and motivate my patients. This is very important for a successful result.

Dr Dalia el-Bokle. (Image: Dalia el-Bokle)

Going digital can be beneficial during treatment when using digital indirect bonding for accurate orthodontic bracket positioning as well as when making in-house aligners. The result is an improved treatment outcome, with reduced time and laboratory fees.

What is the take-home message for your audience?
Going digital can be a great investment as it not only can increase one’s efficiency in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning but it also can be a practice builder and promoter. One must take advantage of cutting-edge technology such as scanners and software in order to facilitate orthodontic diagnosis, reduce cross-contamination and achieve high-quality treatment outcomes.

Why did you choose orthodontics as your specialty and why is working digitally in this field important?
I chose orthodontics because I think it’s a unique dental specialty. It is challenging, as no one case is like another, and fulfilling, as one watches the patients smile happily with more self-confidence at the end of treatment. The extended treatment time, compared with other dental specialties, also allows for a deeper bond between me and my patients.

If you compare working as an orthodontist now with the situation when you started your career, what do you regard as the greatest developments that have taken place?
Oh, there have been many changes. First off, I now use an intra-oral scanner for my dental impressions, so it is less messy and more comfortable for my patients. A great of time has been saved and much frustration has been avoided as my staff members no longer have to pour, trim or store dental models. Digital analysis of dental models nowadays is far more accurate than the old manual methods since one can magnify the teeth virtually on a computer screen to examine and measure. I use special software that combines patients’ digital models, photographs and radiographs to help me customise my treatment plans and to allow for patient involvement during decision-making.

Is this your first time speaking at AEEDC? What does the event mean to you personally?
Yes, this is the first time for me to lecture at AEEDC. It means a great deal to me to participate in one of the most renowned dental conferences in the world. I’m both very excited and proud because it is taking place in an Arab country and in the beautiful city of Dubai.

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