DIGI SOCIETY
Digitalization in Oral Healthcare
Oral healthcare largely consists of patient-facing work and will continue to be so in the future. Nevertheless, digitalization has already begun to be integrated into oral healthcare where applicable.
Patient information systems have been digital in Finland for a long time across both the public and private sectors. ePrescription and the Kanta archive are in use, allowing patient data to move between sectors. Unfortunately, the transfer of dental imaging to the eArchive has been delayed, though the first images could be saved to Kanta’s image repository starting from late 2024. The transition period lasts until the end of 2029.
🦷 The Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela) enables direct reimbursement for private oral healthcare services. This feature is integrated into private oral healthcare’s patient information systems, allowing patients to receive reimbursement immediately at the appointment without having to apply separately afterward.
Private oral healthcare providers have developed their own eHealth services. A good example is Mehiläinen, whose BeeHealthy app allows users to view their dental health records and imaging results. Several wellbeing services counties have also adopted Mehiläinen’s app.
GDPR has already set stricter regulations in healthcare, especially for dental laboratory services. Thankfully, market forces have addressed this issue, and service providers have built digital service pathways that comply with GDPR requirements.
The most significant leap in digitalization within oral healthcare has been the introduction of 3D dental imaging using intraoral scanners. These scanners produce a 3D model of the patient’s mouth, which can be used to create prosthetic structures. The digital model is sent to the dental lab with the push of a button. The lab can then produce the item using digital manufacturing methods such as 3D printing or CAD-CAM milling. Traditional dental lab work is rapidly shifting from craftsmanship to digitally assisted production.
The Data Protection Form has likely had the most impact on my working life, but since it’s been in use for seven years now, I can no longer distinguish its specific effects.
ChatGPT has faced increasing competition. Microsoft’s Copilot provides AI functionality without requiring login. However, answers related to dentistry are not sufficiently precise, as sources are typically free and promotional in nature—thus responses should be critically evaluated. Still, AI is a great assistant for tasks like editing text structure and translating content.
Through this assignment, I’ve gained deeper insight into AI usage and the Data Protection Form and their effects. I realize how progress has moved forward—what once were major changes, like the introduction of the Data Protection Form, have now become part of everyday life
I wrote commetns on blogs below:
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