Dental Links and Things, 01-05-12 Cosmetic Dentistry Economic Index Part 2

Vatech America, Inc. Installs 1,000th Unit

Continuing down the path to complete digital adoption, Vatech America announced that they have installed their 1,000th unit.  Currently their share in America stands at 10% and 30% in Canada.

"Vatech America has increased growth at an average rate of 33.3% during the past five years as of December 2011. Vatech America’s total 3-D market share has risen from 0% to 10% in the U.S. and from 0% to more than 30% in Canada."

2011 AACD Economic Report: 2011 State of Cosmetic Dentistry

Back on December 27th I posted my theory about the Cosmetic Dentistry Economic Index.  If my theory holds true (and I wouldn't be wrong, now would I?) then the 2011 State of Cosmetic Dentistry bodes well for the economy as a whole.  According to a survey of 1,068 respondents things are starting to level off and most are predicting an uptick for the coming year.  Growth in males and younger patients has helped contribute to this recent trend.  If males have decided to spend some of their hard earned cash on cosmetic dentistry, it may signal an increase in their available discretionary spending as a whole.  You can read the press release by clicking here.  For the complete survey results, see here.

 "Overall, this is positive news,” says AACD President Dr. John Sullivan, “and it appears—after a few years of declining revenues—we are experiencing increased consumer interest in cosmetic dentistry and beautiful smiles."

Dental Stem Cell Bank?  Possible Next Step In Regenerative Dentistry

A Scottsdale, AZ dental office has begun offering their patients the option of 'banking' their dental stem cells.  The cells would be available for future procedures should the technology develop.  This could lead to some interesting shifts in dentistry down the road.  Could we see a world where dentures are no longer an option, but instead patients can just regrow lost teeth?

"The age of regenerative medicine is arriving. Stem cell medicine is becoming a reality, and the option to “bank” dental stem cells now exists. The Scottsdale dentists at Scottsdale Center for dental medicine are now offering this cutting-edge option to their patients for future use in regenerative options."