Author: Ross Phillips – SprintRay Area Manager UK & Nordics
There is no debating that evidence-based dentistry is the order of the day. But beyond this, it is important that individuals have access to a choice of treatment options wherever possible. Not only does this allow them to find a solution that best suits their clinical situation, but also one that accommodates their budget, preferred deadline and lifestyle. For practices, offering a selection of treatment options may also appeal to patients, who will typically shop around and compare service providers before making a decision.
Optimising outcomes
A major part of providing treatment choice to patients is restoring control over their own care. This higher engagement with their healthcare has been shown to improve compliance with medical recommendations and enhance health outcomes. There is also evidence that it encourages self-efficacy among patients, inspiring them to take more responsibility for their wellbeing moving forward.[i]
For these reasons and more, the concept of shared decision-making has become key across the healthcare sector. By increasing patient participation throughout the treatment journey, from planning through to maintenance, they are far more likely to stay motivated. The literature also suggests that patients will be more satisfied with the treatment outcome.[ii]
All of this is supported by studies that demonstrate how patient choice regarding medical intervention could lead to both enhanced clinical outcomes and psychological wellbeing during treatment.[iii] A study into patients with anxiety disorders also found that giving them choice with regards to their treatment significantly improved outcomes for depression, decreasing the dropout rate and enhancing therapy adherence.[iv]
Consequently, it is essential that the dental team can provide a selection of treatment solutions for patients wherever possible. Communicating the choices and ensuring they are fully informed is integral to a successful shared decision-making process.
Budget management
Another key benefit of providing patients with different treatment options is to help them manage their budget more effectively.
There is a growing body of research that highlights an association between increasing dental care costs and reduced access. The rise in cost-of-living has been a catalyst for financial challenges among much of the UK population, requiring many individuals and families to prioritise and minimise their outgoings.[v]
Cost is a leading barrier for vulnerable groups too, fuelling inequalities in oral health throughout the UK. Older adults are both directly and indirectly affected by cost of dental care, with the problem exacerbated for those living in the community.[vi] Financial barriers are also significant issues among people with protected characteristics and disabilities. They may either be concerned about covering costs, or might lack an understanding of the financial support they could receive, leaving them with feelings of confusion and fear of the unknown.[vii]
By offering various dental treatment options, dental professionals can help individuals find an option that supports their oral health without compromising their financial situation. For some, simply providing a temporary solution may be enough to allow them to save a little more and complete treatment later on.
A new restorative choice
To increase access to high-quality yet affordable dental care, many clinicians have turned to technology. The advent and development of various solutions are continuously elevating the digital workflow and providing new treatment pathways that better suit patient needs.
The 3D printer is one such technology, affording multiple advantages that enhance the experience for both patients and practitioners alike. Among these are shorter treatment times, access to more aesthetic solutions and optimised patient convenience. While ultimately improving patient comfort and care outcomes, cutting-edge technology such as this also provides several benefits for the clinical team and wider practice, saving time, reducing production costs, and increasing workflow efficiency. There is also an opportunity for team members to advance their professional skills by learning to utilise the equipment or support the 3D printing workflow, diversifying their role at the same time.
For peace of mind that all this and more will be consistently attainable, consider integrating the innovative Midas 3D printer from SprintRay – the UK’s only dental-focused manufacturer of 3D printing solutions. The Midas uses patented Digital Press Stereolithography to overcome the challenges of first-generation printers that limited the viscosity of the resin material available to fabricate restorations. Combined with the new SprintRay Ceramic Crown, it is now possible for clinicians to 3D print crowns in under 10 minutes, with a total treatment time of only 45 minutes. This provides a new and exciting treatment option for patients, delivering a highly aesthetic, affordable and durable long-term temporary solution.
Innovating for access and quality of care
Providing patient choice is more than a nice-to-have – it is becoming essential to facilitate access to the care so many individuals need. With the right equipment and protocols, dental teams can now offer highly affordable yet predictable dental solutions that give patients a better chance of restoring their smiles and their quality of life.
For more information, please visit https://sprintray.com/en-uk/
[i] Marzban S, Najafi M, Agolli A, Ashrafi E. Impact of Patient Engagement on Healthcare Quality: A Scoping Review. J Patient Exp. 2022 Sep 16;9:23743735221125439. doi: 10.1177/23743735221125439. PMID: 36134145; PMCID: PMC9483965.
[ii] Shay LA, Lafata JE. Where is the evidence? A systematic review of shared decision making and patient outcomes. Med Decis Making. 2015 Jan;35(1):114-31. doi: 10.1177/0272989X14551638. Epub 2014 Oct 28. PMID: 25351843; PMCID: PMC4270851.
[iii] Clark NM, Janz NK, Dodge JA, Mosca L, Lin X, Long Q, Little RJ, Wheeler JR, Keteyian S, Liang J. The effect of patient choice of intervention on health outcomes. Contemp Clin Trials. 2008 Sep;29(5):679-86. doi: 10.1016/j.cct.2008.04.002. Epub 2008 Apr 20. PMID: 18515187; PMCID: PMC2577598.
[iv] Johnson C, Radunz M, Linardon J, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Williamson P, Wade TD. The impact of patient choice on uptake, adherence, and outcomes across depression, anxiety, and eating disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychol Med. 2025 Feb 7;55:e32. doi: 10.1017/S0033291725000066. PMID: 39916348; PMCID: PMC12017370.
[v] Dale V, Gutacker N, Bloor K. NHS dental charges and the effect if increases on access: an exploration. March 2021. https://www.york.ac.uk/media/healthsciences/images/research/prepare/NHS%20dental%20charges%20and%20the%20effect%20of%20increases%20on%20access%20-%20an%20exploration.pdf [Accessed August 2025]
[vi] Beaven, A., Marshman, Z. Barriers and facilitators to accessing oral healthcare for older people in the UK: a scoping review. Br Dent J (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-024-7740-x
[vii] Inequalities in oral health in England. Public Health England. April 2023. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6051f994d3bf7f0453f7b9a9/Inequalities_in_oral_health_in_England.pdf [Accessed August 2025]
