Trending dental products, budget-friendly tips and a preview of 2026
Personalised dental care continues to boost investment. Advanced tools and equipment that assist practitioners in meeting high patient expectations promote further engagement and generate positive word-of-mouth, all of which contribute to business growth.
However, there is also a need to balance this investment with profitability, which is why many practice owners are closely monitoring their operations and systems. This focus on cost-effectiveness is particularly evident in the smaller products needed for everyday dentistry. As a result, the most successful practices are those that spend time assessing their procurement habits and adapt accordingly to achieve the best ROI.
But time is precious! So industry experts Ruby Booker and Kym Penfold have taken a moment to share product recommendations and offer tips to help your budget go further. Want to get the inside track for that all-important competitive edge? Then read on…
- What does the digital revolution mean for investment?
More dental practices are adopting digital tools to enhance patient care, with increased investment in intraoral scanners beyond orthodontics. Many practices buy multiple scanners to reduce chair time and improve case acceptance. The iTero intraoral scanner has long been a dentist’s favourite for its ability to engage patients in their own dental journey with high-quality 3D visuals. Its fast efficiency helps to enhance the patient experience and speeds up treatment processes. Similarly, the Medit i900 Scanner is excellent at capturing teeth, soft tissue and reflective surfaces with precision and comes complete with a 13-inch Apple MacBook Air.
Laser and soft tissue treatments are also gaining popularity. Dental diode laser systems, like the Dawn and Dawn Light, offered exclusively by Dental Sky, provide versatile options for soft tissue procedures. These systems are empowering dentists to enhance their patient care.
Kym says: ‘Increasingly, practices are investing in both scanners and cameras to give patients full access to their treatment plans. Dentists are also interested in 3D printers and CBCT machines. Just as importantly, technologies that make dentistry more comfortable are highly valued, including products that enhance both the patient and practitioner experience. Because RSI poses a significant risk to dental careers, any solutions that reduce this risk are popular. Interest in ergonomic hand instruments, The Wand (the computer-assisted anaesthesia system that provides a more comfortable injection experience) and specially designed gloves that lessen the impact of repetitive tasks or help prevent Type IV allergies has also increased.
- What’s trending in customers’ shopping carts?
The cost-effectiveness of simplified shade ranges for restorations is a big pull. Not only do they help reduce stock inventory (this is especially key for clinics with limited storage space), but they do so without compromising aesthetic results. These shade systems suit all direct restorations (posterior and anterior) and, thanks to a unishade approach, some can match the aesthetics of the 16 traditional Vita shades with only five core shades.
Ruby says: ‘Universal products are flying off the shelves. They simplify processes by combining multiple steps into one product. They can also be used across various clinical scenarios or in conjunction with other dental materials. This helps to optimise workflows, cuts costs and frees up space for other stock.’
- How can I check the efficacy of products?
Separating ‘fad’ trends from those that genuinely warrant investment is vital. Practices don’t want to be stuck with costly technology that remains unused and gathers dust in the cupboard, particularly when that valuable budget could have been allocated more effectively elsewhere.
Kym says: ‘That’s why we always recommend doing your own research or consulting with peers. Choose technology that provides clear ROI and integrates smoothly, enabling workflows to be optimised. Over the years, Dental Sky has collaborated with outstanding practitioners to produce articles about their experiences with products, which have been shared across the dental press and are also featured on our blog pages. We hope these resources assist other teams in making informed decisions.’
- Any tips on smart ways to buy?
Take advantage of savings whenever possible. Dental Sky offers a variety of monthly promotions on popular products, often featuring free stock or discounts, allowing practices to stock up when deals are available.
Ruby says: ‘We provide upfront discounts for online orders paid in advance. We also offer discount codes for online savings and loyalty rewards that can be accumulated and redeemed for technology, gift cards, or even everyday essentials such as wine and chocolate! For large equipment or technology purchases, customers can speak with one of our Account Managers to explore the support they offer or current promotions. We understand that shipping costs can be a pain, so we offer free shipping on orders over £50 and next working day delivery as standard. For orders under £50, a small fee applies. This rarely fully covers our costs, but we do aim to help as much as possible.’
- And any predictions for 2026?
2026 is poised to be all about artificial intelligence (AI), and it will play an increasingly pivotal role in dentistry. More practices than ever are adopting AI-driven diagnostic tools or enhancing their patient management systems with it. Ultimately, dentists are focused on improving the overall patient experience, and AI gives them that competitive edge. But there is also another area practices are focusing on…
Ruby says: ‘Sustainability is increasingly significant for our customers. Many people want to reduce plastic waste and are opting for biodegradable products or packaging made from eco-friendly materials, often preferring paper or bamboo over plastic whenever possible. The future of dentistry will incorporate AI, but it’s equally important to have a sustainable future to enjoy these advancements!’
Article Provided by:
Ruby Booker – Dental Sky’s marketing manager, and Kym Penfold – Dental Sky business development manager.
