Dentistry is experiencing a revolution. Technology is increasingly present in dental offices in the form of digital x-rays, lasers (to remove cavities, whiten or cut soft tissues), 3D printing (to create models of teeth and gums) and artificial intelligence ( used in the detection of pathologies). The last major procedure that has resisted disappearing is impression taking with a tray: a process that required the use of a plastic mold inserted into the mouth with a viscous and sticky paste that was later used to make prostheses or various treatments. .“Almost no one uses it anymore. It is a totally archaic and analog procedure,” acknowledges Luis Garralda, president of the Fenin Dental Sector. “It has been replaced by intraoral scanners, which are already in almost all consultations,” says the expert from the health technology association, which together with Ifema Madrid, organizes Expodental, the fair for professionals in the sector. There, at this biannual event (which will be held from March 14 to 16), the news of the industry will be announced, which, in terms of billing, has already overcome the covid-19 health crisis, but which has been affected by disruptions in the global supply chain and the inflation unleashed in recent years. “It has not been an easy season for the sector,” says Garralda. In 2023, the dentistry market grew between 2% and 3%, after having invoiced around 930 million euros in 2022. For this year, much better figures. “There is something known as the Expodental effect, that is, when it is a fair year, many more equipment and technologies related to the sector are sold. Expodental is a showcase and we are going to see if this year we can grow between 3% and 4%,” says the representative of Fenin's dental sector. “The event is a reference for the sector throughout Europe. We are not just talking about the Iberian Peninsula, but it has positioned itself very strongly as one of the two most important on the continent,” adds Ana Rodríguez, director of the exhibition, in which more than 27,000 professional visitors are expected, mainly from Portugal. , Germany, France, Argentina and Italy (which will be the guest country). “We are working with great perseverance and effort to improve the result,” explains Rodríguez. “Our goal has always been to reach 30,000,” adds Garralda. “Expodental means the meeting point of the industry and where everyone has a fundamental role: from telling experiences to exposing innovative treatments, revolutionary techniques, and of course, being participants in the most important networking generation of the entire year,” emphasizes the director of the event. In addition to the exhibition area, the meeting will have various spaces for presentations, presentations, training and other content aimed at professionals. Various generations also converge at the fair. For example, fourth and fifth students of the Dentistry degree (who are about to enter the labor market) will be able to access it for free on March 14. “Spanish dentistry is being rejuvenated. The average age is below 40 years and continues to decline,” explains Garralda. Follow all the information from Economy and Business on Facebook and xor in our weekly newsletter
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