Why the Traditional Method of Running an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice is no Longer Effective and Competitive When it Comes to Dental Implant Services

Everyone knows this needs to be fixed but they do not know why or how to fix it. This issue of Selected Readings for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery presents a new model for running an implant practice by utilizing Operational Excellence. This new methodology will help oral surgeons and their team members to adjust and transition sucessfully into the new business environment to regain their status in the dental implant arena.

Current Status of Dental Implant Patients:

Implant patient demographics have changed significantly because the fastest growing segment of the US population is the aging population. The demand for more extensive full arch reconstruction utilizing dental implant therapy is increasing as Baby Boomers are aging. Patient expectations from implant therapy have changed as they now require more sophisticated treatments to enhance their quality of life.

It is no secret that society is noting changes with the increase in aging population. Based on the US census, the older population is projected to nearly double, growing from 43 million in 2012 to 84 million in 2050. By 2030, it is estimated that one in five Americans will be aged 65 years or older.

Fig 2– Patient population and demographic information

With more and more Baby Boomers facing the consequences of aging, the demand for more extensive
full mouth reconstruction utilizing dental implant therapy will increase. In fact, 26% of adults over the
age of 74 have lost all of their permanent teeth, with that percentage only continuing to increase, as the
Baby Boomer generation gets older.

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Volume 22.6