Planmeca: Adapting to the new normal

SHANGHAI, China: As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the dental industry has been forced to adapt to the “new normal” and invent new platforms for communication and collaboration. However, traditional trade fairs and exhibitions are still important platforms for dental professionals to try out the latest dental technology. In China, the local Planmeca team participated last week in the first major dental event to take place since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2.

A few countries currently less affected by the COVID-19 pandemic than others have gradually been able to return to business as usual. In China, for example, the number of new COVID-19 cases has been moderate for a few months already, enabling the holding of trade fairs and congresses as planned.
With 35,000 registered visitors, the 2020 China Dental Show in Shanghai was the first major dental event in East Asia to take place after the emergence of COVID-19. Planmeca was one of more than 600 exhibitors at the event, showcasing the company’s digital solutions and workflows to local dental professionals.
“We typically participate in around 200 events per year, so this year has been truly exceptional also in the sense that we have not been able to meet with dental professionals at various dental events. Although we have been able to communicate with our customers and partners remotely, we are happy to be able to meet and showcase the intelligent features of our products face to face as well,” said Jouko Nykänen, vice president of sales at Planmeca.

“We are adapting to a new normal where we are combining virtual meetings with local in-person events”

— Jouko Nykänen, Planmeca

To enter the exhibition hall, all participants had to wear masks and present their mobile health QR codes and registered name cards as well as identification cards or passports at the security control. At the Planmeca booth, the local Planmeca team in China also paid special attention to safety and increased infection control—themes that have always been essential in the Planmeca product design. Of course, hand sanitisers were available at the booth for visitors to disinfect their hands before and after touching the equipment.
“Visitors were naturally very interested in our infection control procedures. At the booth, we wanted to highlight how both the intelligent product design of Planmeca devices and the intelligent Romexis all-in-one software contribute to infection control,” Nykänen continued.
Romexis not only offers excellent imaging and treatment planning tools, but also integrates all Planmeca devices into one platform. Its users can view and track the status of their clinics, equipment and infection control routines along with patient and staff information easily in one software program.
“Just to name a few other examples, our water treatment solutions and automated suction tube cleaning procedures of the dental units ensure a safe treating environment. Additionally, our intra-oral scanners can be integrated with Planmeca dental units and operated with the foot control, minimising the risk of cross-contamination,” Nykänen explained.
This autumn, Planmeca will participate in other dental events with local Planmeca teams if local circumstances allow.
“We are adapting to a new normal where we are combining virtual meetings with local in-person events, if the current circumstances allow. Our goal is to ensure everyone can explore Planmeca solutions safely in accordance with local recommendations and restrictions—and will soon announce new platforms for this,” Nykänen revealed.

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