Another leap forward in the world of wearable tech, how people consume news (and what it might mean

Two items of news stand out for me this morning and give us a brief glimpse of a possible future in the delivery of dentistry.

Item #1 – In my “Wired” e-shot I read:

Amazon held its annual hardware showcase in Seattle this week, and WIRED was there to see all the new stuff. In addition to announcing the sorts of things you’d expect—Echo speakers, security cameras, smart home displays—the company also threw out a few futuristic curveballs. There were Alexa-powered smart glasses that can field voice requests, Alexa-powered earbuds with Bose audio tech built in, and an Alexa-powered smart ring that vibrates when you receive a smartphone notification.

Item #2 – In my “Statista” daily news I see how news is being consumed by different demographic groups:

Amazon are accelerating the development of wearable technology. The latest Apple watch can detect heart beat irregularities and menstrual cycles, the Oura ring can monitor sleep patterns, a Garmin watch can record fitness progress – now Amazon appear taking an holistic approach to add to this market.

Statista illustrate a continuing trend away from desktop devices towards those we carry around in our pockets (lessons there for all marketers).

How long, then, before a patient’s oral health is monitored in real time by wearable devices and their dentist/therapist/hygienist is advised on a daily basis – perhaps even their plan premium adjusted in line with compliance?

There’s lots of talk right now about integrated digital workflow and how technology is making the delivery of dentistry a bold new frontier.

Watch out for the patient’s end of things – and make sure that remain an innovator or early adopter in how you deliver the news that you want your patients to consume.