Scaling Success: Why DSOs Should Adopt Glidewell’s Ecosystem for Single-Visit Dentistry

As the dental industry continues to evolve, dental support organizations (DSOs) are increasingly at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve patient care. One of the most significant advancements in recent years is the shift toward single-visit dentistry — a game-changing model that reduces the number of visits required for procedures, improves patient satisfaction, and boosts revenue. However, implementing this model across multiple locations within a DSO can seem daunting.

Enter Glidewell’s ecosystem of in-office solutions, including the fastmill.io™ In-Office Mill, fastscan.io™ Scanning Solution, and the fastprint.io™ 3D Printing Solution. These tools allow DSOs to seamlessly adopt same-day dentistry, delivering predictable results while scaling practices efficiently across multiple locations.

Why Same-Day Dentistry?

The traditional dental restoration process often involves multiple visits, which can be inconvenient for patients. They might have to come in for initial impressions, wait weeks for a crown to be fabricated by an off-site lab, and then return for placement. This delay not only causes frustration but also increases the risk of patients failing to return for follow-up care, negatively impacting a practice’s revenue.

Same-day dentistry, on the other hand, allows for restorations in a single visit, thanks to in-office CAD/CAM technology. Patients love the convenience, and DSOs can see the financial benefits almost immediately. With same-day dentistry, practices can:

• Reduce chair time and see more patients.
• Improve patient retention, with fewer missed follow-up appointments.
• Increase revenue by offering premium same-day services.
• Differentiate their practices from competitors who still rely on multi-visit models.

However, implementing same-day dentistry effectively, especially across a DSO’s many locations, requires a robust, integrated system that supports efficiency at scale. This is where Glidewell’s ecosystem excels.

Glidewell’s Fully Integrated Ecosystem

Glidewell has spent decades developing an integrated system that supports DSOs in adopting same-day dentistry. It’s not just about adding a mill or a 3D printer to your workflow — it’s about creating a streamlined process from diagnosis to restoration, with built-in support, training, and cost-effective solutions that ensure consistency across multiple offices.

At the core of Glidewell’s ecosystem is the fastmill.io, a powerful in-office milling machine designed specifically for same-day restorations. What makes it ideal for DSOs?

• Compact and efficient: The compact size of the fastmill.io makes it easy to install in any practice, regardless of space constraints. DSOs can equip each location with a unit without worrying about major renovations or space limitations.
• Fully sintered zirconia blocks: The fastmill.io uses fully sintered blocks, eliminating the need for post-processing in an oven. This not only cuts down on procedure time but also simplifies the workflow, making it easier for clinicians to adopt.
• Scalable for multiple locations: Whether a DSO has two locations or two hundred, Glidewell’s team ensures seamless installation and training, helping practices maintain consistency and efficiency at every site.
• Support and training: Glidewell doesn’t just deliver the machine and walk away. DSOs get on-demand training, a dedicated customer success team, and real-time support to guide their clinicians every step of the way. This reduces the learning curve and ensures that every practice can hit the ground running.

In addition to fastmill.io, Glidewell’s ecosystem includes fastscan.io, an intraoral scanner that allows clinicians to capture highly accurate 3D impressions and diagnostic images. This technology further enhances same-day dentistry capabilities, especially for DSOs offering restorative and more complex cases like dental implants.

By integrating fastscan.io into the workflow, DSOs can:

• Reduce lab costs by capturing digital impressions in-house, eliminating the need for traditional impression materials and shipping.
• Speed up procedures by sending digital impressions directly to fastmill.io or a lab, reducing turnaround times for restorations.
• Improve accuracy for restorations and surgeries, leading to better outcomes for patients and fewer remakes or adjustments.
  
  

The fastscan.io Scanning Solution ensures that the digital workflow remains seamless, enabling DSOs to offer same-day services efficiently while maintaining the highest standard of care.

3. Glidewell’s DSO Success Team: Ensuring Seamless Integration and Growth

One of the biggest challenges DSOs face when adopting new technology is ensuring consistency and success across multiple locations. Glidewell’s DSO Success Team solves this issue by offering dedicated support that ensures every team member is equipped to succeed, no matter where they are.

The DSO Success Team works closely with DSOs to:

• Standardize processes across locations, ensuring consistent workflows and outcomes, from intraoral scanning to design and milling.
• Provide personalized onboarding and training, helping clinicians master Glidewell’s digital tools and improve operational efficiency.
• Set weekly meetings to track progress, ensuring that every team member is on track and continuously improving in their use of the technology.
• Leverage AI-powered tools to streamline treatment planning and design, reducing time spent on manual tasks.
• Increase case acceptance by offering patients a clearer view of their treatment with digital simulations and more predictable results.

Glidewell’s DSO Success Team ensures that DSOs not only adopt new technologies but also thrive by consistently delivering high-quality care across all locations.

The DSO Advantage: Scaling Success with Glidewell

One of the most significant benefits of Glidewell’s ecosystem is its scalability. For DSOs, managing multiple locations can often feel like a balancing act — each practice has its unique needs, but consistency is key to maintaining brand reputation and ensuring smooth operations. Glidewell’s ecosystem is designed to simplify that process, allowing DSOs to:

• Maintain consistency across practices with standardized workflows.
• Provide centralized support and training through Glidewell’s on-demand technical support.
• Reduce operational complexity with all-in-one solutions that integrate seamlessly with existing office systems.

Real-World Example: Scaling with Glidewell

Take the example of a mid-size DSO with 20 locations. Before adopting Glidewell’s ecosystem, this DSO relied heavily on outsourcing to labs, which led to varying results, extended turnaround times, and operational inefficiencies. Since adopting the glidewell.io digital workflow, they have:

• Increased case volume by 25% across all locations.
• Reduced lab costs by 35%, keeping more procedures in-house.
• Boosted patient satisfaction, as 90% of their cases are now completed in a single visit.

This DSO’s success is a direct result of Glidewell’s robust technology and unparalleled support system, proving that scalable success in same-day dentistry is not only possible but achievable.

Overcoming Common Barriers

Adopting new technology across multiple locations can be intimidating. However, with Glidewell’s hands-on approach to implementation, training, and support, DSOs can overcome common barriers such as:

• Doctor and staff training: Glidewell’s on-demand training ensures that every clinician and staff member is well-versed in the technology, reducing the learning curve and increasing adoption rates.
• Concerns about consistency: With a standardized digital workflow, DSOs can ensure that every practice follows the same process, delivering consistent, high-quality results.
• Initial investment: While adopting new technology requires an upfront investment, DSOs quickly see returns in the form of increased patient volume, reduced lab fees, and enhanced operational efficiency.

Conclusion: A Partnership for Growth

For DSOs looking to scale their success, adopting same-day dentistry isn’t just a competitive advantage — it’s a necessity. Glidewell’s ecosystem of in-office solutions provides the tools, training, and support that DSOs need to implement same-day dentistry efficiently and effectively across multiple locations.

By partnering with Glidewell, DSOs not only gain access to cutting-edge technology but also benefit from a true partnership that prioritizes long-term success, growth, and innovation. Now is the time for DSOs to take control of their future by adopting Glidewell’s ecosystem and embracing the future of dentistry.