DS CORE
Dentsply Sirona / Zurich
DS Core is an innovative cloud platform developed by Dentsply Sirona, a Fortune 500 company and the world's leading dental equipment manufacturer. The platform is designed to support dental practices and labs throughout their daily workflows, providing a range of tools that enhance efficiency, productivity, and growth in the field of digital dentistry.
Project
Dental Enterprise SaaS
Role
Sn. UX Designer
Year
Sept 2022 - Dec 2024
Context
The primary objective of DS Core was to enable full digital dentistry by allowing dentists and labs to use advanced specialist software functionalities on the cloud, replacing the need for on-premise computers with different software for various parts of the same workflow. This integration aimed to streamline processes, improve collaboration, and ultimately enhance patient care.
As the lead UX designer for clinical applications on this project, my role was crucial in bridging the gap between technical possibilities and clinical needs. I was responsible for three specific workflows within DS Core: Orthodontics, Restorative, and Diagnosis. Each of these areas presented unique challenges and opportunities for innovation in the dental industry. My focus on clinical applications meant ensuring that the UX design not only met technical requirements but also aligned closely with dental professionals' workflows and clinical best practices.
Key Insights through research
Existing Systems and Challenges
Our research phase began with a thorough analysis of the existing systems and workflows in each of our focus areas. As the lead for clinical applications, I worked closely with dental professionals to understand their daily challenges and needs.
Through our research, we identified several key insights that guided our design process. My role as lead UX designer for clinical applications was instrumental in translating these insights into clinically relevant design decisions:
Dentists and labs were using multiple software solutions for interconnected workflows, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Cloud integration had the potential to significantly improve collaboration between dental professionals and enhance overall efficiency.
The incorporation of AI and advanced editing tools could enhance the quality and speed of dental work, particularly in areas like crown design.
There was a strong need for better communication tools, both between dental professionals and with patients.
Clinical workflows varied significantly between different dental specialties, requiring a flexible yet cohesive design approach.
Design Process and Solutions
As the lead for clinical applications, my approach to the design process was deeply rooted in understanding and optimizing clinical workflows. For each solution, I ensured that the design not only improved technical efficiency but also enhanced clinical outcomes and user experience for dental professionals.
The three major themes have been divided into three distinct case studies. Collapse the toggle to explore the design solutions.
Case study 01
Restorative Solution
What is restorative dentistry?
Restorative dentistry is the branch of dentistry focused on repairing or replacing damaged and missing teeth to restore both function and appearance. It includes treatments like fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, and dentures.
These procedures help patients regain their ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and smile confidently while preventing further dental problems
Existing Systems and Challenges
The restorative workflow was fragmented across multiple software systems, including CEREC for crowns, inlays, and onlays, Simplant and Atlantis for implants, and Oracheck for tooth movement monitoring. This fragmentation led to inefficiencies and potential errors in the workflow, emphasizing the need for a unified platform.
Design process and solutions
Our restorative solution focused on unifying the functionalities of CEREC, Simplant, Atlantis, and Oracheck into a single, intuitive interface within DS Core. We developed an end-to-end workflow that allowed dentists to move seamlessly from treatment planning to manufacturing or lab ordering without switching between different software systems.
A standout feature of our restorative solution was the introduction of AI Crown workflows. This innovative functionality leveraged artificial intelligence to rapidly generate crown proposals, significantly reducing design time for dentists. Additionally, we integrated CEREC editing toolkits into DS Core, allowing dentists to fine-tune these AI-generated or lab-created proposals directly within the platform, ensuring precise customization for each patient.
Case study 02
Diagnosis Solution
What is diagnosis in dentistry?
Dental diagnosis begins with collecting patient history, including medical background, current symptoms, and lifestyle factors that affect oral health.
Clinical examination follows, involving visual inspection, probing, and testing of teeth and surrounding tissues, supplemented by diagnostic tools like X-rays, 3D imaging, and intraoral cameras.
The findings are documented in detail, including charting existing conditions and developing a comprehensive treatment plan based on all collected information.
Existing systems and challenges
Diagnosis relied on Sidexis, an on-premise software that limited collaboration and accessibility. This highlighted the opportunity for a cloud-based, collaborative diagnosis platform that could enhance team-based diagnostics and improve patient communication.
Design process and solutions
For the diagnosis workflow, we created a MIRO-like collaborative diagnosis canvas on DS Core. This versatile platform supported multiple media types, including complex file formats like CBCT and DI. We incorporated advanced annotation and measurement tools, enabling detailed analysis and collaborative diagnosis among dental professionals.
One of the most innovative aspects of our diagnosis solution was its dual functionality as a patient communication tool. The interactive canvas allowed dentists to easily explain diagnoses and treatment plans during in-chair consultations, improving patient understanding and engagement. This visual, interactive approach not only enhanced the diagnostic process but also led to better informed decision-making and improved treatment outcomes.
Case study 03
Orthodontics Solution
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws through various treatments like braces, aligners, and retainers.
The practice involves applying controlled forces to gradually move teeth into proper positions, improving both function and aesthetics.
Treatment typically takes 1-3 years and may involve regular adjustments, with the end goal being a properly aligned bite and straighter smile
Existing systems and challenges
The current orthodontics process relied heavily on SureSmile software, with labs creating treatment plans and emailing them to dentists for approval or modification. This system was time-consuming and prone to communication errors, highlighting the need for a more integrated, real-time collaboration solution.
Design process and solutions
For the orthodontics workflow, we integrated SureSmile capabilities directly into DS Core. This integration created a unified platform where labs and dentists could collaborate in real-time, exchange communications, modify treatment plans, and manage orders seamlessly. The new system allowed for instant feedback and adjustments, significantly reducing turnaround times and minimizing errors in orthodontic treatments.
Outcomes and Reflections
Key Achievements
The DS Core project resulted in several significant achievements:
Successfully integrated multiple legacy software functionalities into a unified cloud platform.
Enabled seamless collaboration between dentists and labs across different workflows.
Introduced AI-powered solutions for faster and more efficient dental work, particularly in crown design.
Created a collaborative diagnosis platform that doubles as an effective patient communication tool.
Impact
The impact of DS Core on dental practices has been substantial. As the lead for clinical applications, I'm particularly proud of how our solutions have improved clinical workflows and outcomes:
Streamlined dental workflows across orthodontics, restorative, and diagnosis processes, leading to more efficient and effective patient care.
Enhanced collaboration between dental professionals, leading to improved treatment outcomes and better continuity of care.
Improved efficiency and productivity in dental practices through the use of cloud-based tools and AI-assisted functionalities, allowing dental professionals to focus more on patient care.
Facilitated the shift towards full digital dentistry, positioning Dentsply Sirona at the forefront of dental technology innovation while maintaining a strong focus on clinical excellence.
he DS Core project demonstrates the transformative potential of cloud platforms in the dental industry. By successfully integrating multiple specialized workflows into a unified, cloud-based system, we've not only improved efficiency and collaboration in dental practices but also set a new standard for digital dentistry. As we continue to refine and expand DS Core, we anticipate further innovations that will continue to enhance dental care and patient outcomes.