A prescient overview of digital developments and the way they will impact the way dentistry is delivered was the prime focus of Align Technology's first Growth Summit held in Copenhagen, Denmark in September.

The radical and rapid shift towards a digitally focused healthcare eco-system has opened up a new frontier in the world of dentistry, said the company, hence the focus of the conference on digital developments and their impact on dental trends.

For the conference, 75 leading general dentists converged on the Danish capital to learn from experts within the dental sector and beyond and to experience a summit designed to leverage insights into future technologies for dental healthcare – beyond the science of tooth alignment.

The Summit's international speakers offered delegates a broad picture of the dental world of tomorrow and beyond, enlightening them about their future role within it, and inspired them to take a wider view of dentistry, whilst embracing the digital revolution.

There were also forecasts of the innovations to come in the next five years with a look at how Align Technology will continue to shift and shape the dental landscape.

During two thought-provoking days of lectures and workshops, the Growth Summit's speakers explored topics ranging as wide as AI (artificial intelligence), the utilisation of social networks to improve health outcomes, big data, biomechanical measurements, the emotional dental experience and the invaluable use of digital tools to aid patient communication.

The presentations also brought into focus the many adaptations general dentists will need to make, as much in their clinical approach as their communications with patients.

Align Technology's EMEA marketing director for the general dentist channel Jody Carter, said this might include instigating and encouraging a public shift away from the more traditional view of both general dentists and the preventive care messages they share.

The new way will include improved clinician-patient connectivity via internet, wearable devices and social networks, as well as utilising in-clinic technologies.