COLOGNE, Germany - As the 2025 International Dental Show (IDS) concluded, I noticed three big themes in so many press conferences and product launches.
First, artificial intelligence (AI) is here to stay in dentistry. So many new product releases include some kind of AI component, including some interesting new scanning options from 3Shape and Align. But that wasn't the only place where AI was being discussed.
Kevin Henry.
At the Henry Schein press conference, as well as various conversations with colleagues from the U.S. and abroad, I also heard concern that AI could become a "crutch" for dental professionals, who would rely on the technology rather than their diagnostic skills.
In the same way that many children are relying on Siri or ChatGPT for answers in school, will dental professionals become reliant on AI when they are behind schedule or stressed over staffing issues?
Certainly I believe AI is a benefit to humanity and dentistry … if it is used the right way. If today's dental students focus on AI as a primary aid rather than a secondary component of the diagnosis, this is where our industry could have issues in the future.
The second theme was about workflow. Now, whenever I say "workflow," people think of the digital workflow.
This, however, was about that … but more about product workflow (and it goes into the third point I make below). Product workflow has become a focal point for so many exhibiting here at IDS.
The messaging from many companies was "You don't need to buy any other products outside of ours because here's how all of our products fit together." There was a lot of talk about dentists mixing and matching products from different brands rather than working with a company that can provide everything from start to finish.
Based on Cologne, you'll hear a lot about workflow. You're going to hear a lot about efficiency. You're going to hear a lot about how products and technologies work together.
Now, for those who do the ordering in your practice, this is going to be a theme, or you're going to hear from your sales rep, where they may discourage you from mixing and matching products and trying this cement with this material (or whatever it might be) and staying in the same brand family.
The third theme that I heard at IDS -- and I think it ties right into what I was just saying -- is simplicity.
Dental manufacturers have gotten a message from dentists and team members. They understand that clinicians and staff are being bombarded with new products.
Simplicity was highlighted frequently at IDS. Manufacturers are scrutinizing what is the easiest thing for you and your team members to be as efficient as possible but also that you're not confused.
With so many people entering the dental industry, it's like drinking out of a fire hose trying to learn everything. Dental manufacturers understand this. Manufacturers are being mindful of staffing shortage problems and the knowledge level of new trainees and are trying not to overwhelm these individuals with information while making things very simple for them, and I think that is fantastic.
I have always considered IDS a forecaster of what is to come in the industry, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. If that is once again the case, I will be very interested to watch how these three trends impact dental practices moving forward.
