Dental Industry Trends Summary Jan 6 - 12

Byte-Sized Dental News & Data

Haven’t had the chance to catch up on what’s been going on in the dental industry? In this week’s Dental Industry Summary, beyond the usual democratization of data, we cover XR in dentistry, consequences of processed foods and more.

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INDUSTRY NEWS


Top Stories

Get the latest in dentistry news curated by us.

Soft Foods Equals Soft Jaws?

Experts warn that ultra-processed foods may hinder proper jaw development in children. Modern diets are gradually shifting from nutrient-rich whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, and meat, to softer, easier-to-chew options, such as cereal and potato chips. This reduced chewing may stunt bone growth and facial muscle development in kids aged 3 to 5, which is why fiber-rich foods are crucial in preventing issues like malocclusion and misaligned teeth. With the increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods, are we seeing the start of a lasting trend in jaw development issues for future generations?

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XR: Dental Anxiety Relief

A recent study published in the Journal of Dentistry suggests that extended reality (XR) technology, including virtual reality headsets, noise-canceling headphones, and tactile gloves, can improve symptoms of dental anxiety in adults. By immersing patients in virtual environments, these devices can help reduce uneasiness, pain, and cardiovascular stress markers during dental procedures. Throughout the study, all factors were measured to calculate the overall effect of the technology. The results revealed significant reductions in all the categories among patients, and while further studies are needed to confirm these findings, XR is proving to be a promising option for those with dental anxiety.

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INDUSTRY TRENDS


Dental Industry Summary

Gain insights on industry changes, including production, patient visits, procedure shares and more.

2024 / 2025 Year-over-Year (YoY)

Jan 6 - Jan 12

Production per practice

Weekly production growth by state

-3.93%

Overall Production

 

-0.7%

Overall Visits

Share of procedures performed

12.07%

Maxillofacial Prosthetics

 

5.3%

Preventive

-13.58%

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

 

-25.53%

Prosthodontics - Removable

2025 Yearly Progression

Jan 1st 2025 - Present

Growth in production

Practice demographics

60.29K

Production per Practice

 

112.9

Visits per Practice

 

30-60 : 13.8% | 61-90 : 9.4% | >90 : 76.8%

AR

*Numbers are subject to change based on data availability and PMS adjustments.

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