You recently attended ConfEx in Dubai; tell us about Align Technology’s participation at the event. What are the latest technological innovations that you showcased at the event?

Align Technology's participation at the recent 36^th International Dental ConfEx event in Dubai was our most extensive to date. As an event sponsor, we had the opportunity to host a total of nine different seminars, lectures, and roundtable discussions on-site, which provided over 300 practitioners with practical knowledge as well as a guide to help digitize practices, aiding in the development of restorative dentistry and practice efficiency through the adoption of digital workflows.

Apart from these informative sessions, we also had a booth showcasing our newest digital solutions like the Invisalign System and the iTero intraoral scanners. It was great to be a part of such a large dental conference in the Middle East, with professionals coming from various places in the region to attend. Personally, I enjoyed meeting many of the doctors who are our customers, and I'm looking forward to the next opportunity where we can connect again.

How do you envision the future of digital dentistry with the integration of digital technology like intra-oral scanners?

I firmly believe that intra-oral scanners will play a significant role in transforming dental practices by improving precision, efficiency, and the overall patient journey. With ongoing advancements in this technology, we're poised for a future where workflows for dental professionals become more seamless and integrated.

Take, for example, the iTero intraoral scanner. It empowers practitioners to capture incredibly accurate digital impressions, which not only enhances the precision of treatment planning but also significantly improves patient comfort. This integration of technology in dentistry fosters better communication between dental professionals and their labs, streamlining processes and accelerating the turnaround time for restorations and aligners.

The widespread adoption of intra-oral scanners has the potential to transform how dental professionals approach diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient interaction. Using these digital tools that seamlessly integrate into the Align Digital Platform, our digital end-to-end practice workflow suite, allows for the entire patient journey to be enhanced, with a much more engaging patient experience. This advancement signals a more technologically progressive era in digital dentistry, providing a much-improved experience for patients undergoing treatments that historically might have been uncomfortable. Digital workflows can aid in engaging the patient and providing an elevated experience from their initial consultation, right through their planning and treatment phase, to helping them maintain their new smile for life.

In your view, what role does artificial intelligence play in the future of digital dentistry? How is Align Technology using AI for the development of your solutions?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is important to the further development of digital dentistry that helps doctors, through solutions that leverage data from past cases to help predict treatment outcomes, improve patient engagement, clinic efficiency, and enhance patient satisfaction. It's important to note that the expertise and judgment of clinicians will always remain essential in dental treatments.

At Align Technology, we've embraced the potential of AI through products such as Invisalign Outcome Simulator Pro. This tool simplifies consultations by allowing orthodontists to forecast and display potential treatment results in real time. Using in-face visualization and 3D dentition view, orthodontists can show patients a personalized preview of how their smile might transform. This happens right in the treatment chair, making the process more accessible and immediate.

In essence, integrating AI into our field enables more reliable predictions based on historical data, ultimately leading to superior patient care. Patients can now visualize their individual results before commencing any treatment, ensuring a clearer understanding and a more engaging and transparent treatment journey.

How does Align Technology plan to stay at the forefront of industry advancements and continue to provide innovative solutions for dental professionals in the region?

For over 26 years, our commitment has revolved around nurturing a culture of learning and progress within the dental community. Our recent participation in the industry event reaffirms our dedication to pushing the boundaries of innovation and efficiency. We advocate for the transformative power of seamlessly integrated digital workflows and tools, aiming to redefine the possibilities in modern dentistry.

Looking ahead, a primary focus for us is to continue evolving the technologies within the Align Digital Platform and to raise awareness about how these advancements can help doctors treat diverse patients including growing patients and teens. Our ongoing efforts involve combining orthodontic and restorative dentistry, aiming for superior treatment planning and elevating the overall quality of patient care.

In what ways has Align Technology contributed to promoting advanced training and education among dental professionals in the region, and how do you perceive the role of education in fostering the adoption of digital dentistry solutions?

Continued education is vital in driving the adoption of digital dentistry solutionsDental professionals can gain a comprehensive understanding of the benefits, functionalities, and practical applications of digital technologies in dentistry only through continued education.

At Align Technology, we collaborate with Invisalign speakers to conduct workshops and seminars across the region, fostering a culture of ongoing learning and professional growth within our community. During events such as ConfEx, we offer a mix of on-site and off-site learning opportunities covering various tracks, including digital workflows, restorative dentistry using intraoral scanners, and managing complex malocclusions using clear aligners.

Our collaborations with esteemed institutions across Kuwait, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the UAE play a pivotal role in our commitment to education. Tailored roadshow events enable us to engage with dental professionals, understanding the unique aspects of each market. This deepens their understanding of the benefits and practical applications of digital dentistry solutions, thereby encouraging their adoption and integration into dental practices. Ultimately, we aim to support dental professionals in implementing these innovations to improve patient care.