Open Wide Dentist

Why use Open Wide Dentists (OWD) ?

The Open Wide Dentist (OWD) system is designed to provide rapid, remote and affordable dental assessments using a combination of innovative imaging tools and telehealth services. Here’s why you should use it:

🦷 Key Benefits of the Open Wide Dentist System

1. Remote Dental Assessments save massive time and money: 

• Users can capture high-quality intraoral images from home using the d.MISTIFY Capture Kit, which includes specialized mirrors, retractors and a light/air dispersal unit.
• These images are then submitted to OWD clinicians for professional evaluation, eliminating the need for an in-person visit 

2. Affordable and Flexible Plans

Once you have obtained the d.Mistify kit, you can purchase assessments when you need them. You will save enormously on dental expenditure as you can always be informed of what is happening in your mouth and head off potential issues. You can use your Lowes Zero card as well to finance the OWD kits and assessments and receive a further 5% discount. 

3. Comprehensive Reporting

Reports include evaluations of:

• Tooth integrity
• Decay, broken or missing teeth
• Jaw alignment, crowding, and spacing
• Gum health and plaque levels (with optional plaque disclosing swabs)
• Aesthetic appeal

4. Accessibility for Special Needs

• Particularly helpful for individuals with autism, anxiety, or mobility issues who may struggle with traditional dental visits 

5. Convenient and Hygienic

• The kit is designed for easy use at home and comes in a hygienic, high-quality case.
  
• The ALD unit ensures fog-free mirrors and clear imaging and works ideally with any smartphone camera 

6. Created by Dental Experts

Founded by Dr. David Penn, a global leader in dental innovation and a team of experienced dentists, the system aims to democratize access to dental care across Australia and the USA.

The Open Wide Dentist (OWD) system offers practical support for patients experiencing a toothache or a broken/missing tooth, even without an in-person visit. Here's how it works:

🦷 How OWD Helps with a Toothache or a Broken Tooth

1. Specialized Assessment for Broken or Lost Teeth
OWD provides a dedicated exam type for patients with a broken or missing tooth. Users are guided to submit specific intraoral images using the d.MISTIFY kit, including:
• Maxillary occlusal (upper arch)
• Mandibular occlusal (lower arch)
• Left and right side bite views
• Close-up images of the affected area 
Patients can also add notes about pain, swelling, or recent trauma during checkout to help the clinicians tailor their assessment.

2. General Dental Assessment for Toothache
For broader symptoms like toothache, the General Dental Assessment is recommended. It includes 8 key images:
• Full face (front and profile)
• Front smile (teeth together and apart)
• Occlusal and bite views This allows the

OWD team to evaluate:
• Tooth integrity
• Signs of decay or infection
• Jaw alignment and bite issues
• Gum health and inflammation 

3. Detailed Clinical Report
Once images are submitted, registered dentists at OWD review them and generate a written report. This includes:
• Diagnosis of the issue (e.g., cracked tooth, decay, abscess)
• Recommendations for next steps (e.g., urgent care, temporary relief, referral)
• Advice on pain management or hygiene until treatment is received

🧒🦷 How OWD assesses children’s teeth

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) assesses children’s teeth using a child-friendly, remote imaging process that’s designed to be comfortable, non-invasive, and effective for early detection of dental and orthodontic issues. Here's how it works:

🧒🦷 How OWD Assesses Children’s Teeth

1. Mixed Dentition Phase Monitoring
• OWD is ideal for children aged 6–12 who are transitioning from baby teeth to adult teeth.
• Clinicians assess:
• Eruption patterns
• Crowding or spacing
• Partially erupted teeth (e.g., #11 and #21)
• Bite alignment (e.g., crossbite, overbite)

2. Image-Based Evaluation
• Parents use the d.MISTIFY kit to capture:
• Occlusal views (top and bottom arches)
• Bite views (left and right)
• Front smile (teeth together and apart)
• These images are submitted securely for review by registered dentists.

3. Comfortable for Anxious or Neurodiverse Children
• No need for a clinic visit, making it ideal for children with:
• Autism
• Dental anxiety
• Sensory sensitivities

4. Preventive Care Recommendations
• Reports include:
• Fluoride application advice
• Hygiene tips tailored to age and brushing ability
• Referral suggestions if orthodontic care is needed

5. Affordable Family Packages
• Parents can assess multiple children at once using the multiple assessment options and payment using the Lowes Zero card, reducing cost and improving convenience.

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) is a strong option for patients on a strict budget because it offers cost-effective, remote dental assessments without compromising on clinical quality. Here's why:

💰 Why OWD Is Budget-Friendly

1. No In-Person Visit Required
• Eliminates travel costs, time off work, and clinic fees.
• Ideal for families, students, and pensioners.

2. Affordable Packages
• High value: One assessment + d.MISTIFY kit
• Add-on assessments: Available at lower rates than traditional consults.

3. Preventive Focus
• Early detection of issues like decay, crowding, or gum disease.
• Helps avoid costly emergency treatments by catching problems early.

4. Reusable Imaging Kit
• The d.MISTIFY kit can be reused for future assessments, reducing long-term costs.

5. No Hidden Fees
• Transparent pricing with no surprise charges for reports or follow-ups.

6. Tailored Advice
• Reports include actionable recommendations, helping patients prioritize care and avoid unnecessary procedures.

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) offers a practical and affordable way to help patients experiencing bleeding gums, which is often a sign of gum disease, poor oral hygiene, or plaque buildup. Here's how it supports these patients:

🩸 How OWD Helps with Bleeding Gums

1. Gum and Oral Hygiene Assessment
   OWD provides a dedicated exam for patients with symptoms like:

• Bleeding gums
• Sore or inflamed gums
• Gum recession or infection
This assessment includes:
• 12 detailed intraoral and facial images
• Use of Divulge plaque disclosing swabs before and after brushing to highlight plaque stages
• Evaluation of gum health, inflammation, and plaque accumulation

2. Professional Report
After image submission, OWD clinicians generate a written report that includes:
• Identification of gum disease indicators (e.g., gingivitis, periodontitis)
• Assessment of plaque age and location
• Recommendations for improved hygiene, products, or referral to a local dentist if needed

3. Preventive Advice

OWD helps patients:
• Understand the cause of bleeding gums (e.g., plaque, brushing technique)
• Receive tailored advice on brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use
• Avoid costly treatments by catching gum disease early

✅ Why It’s Ideal for Budget-Conscious Patients
• No need for a clinic visit
• Affordable one-time or family packages
• Early detection prevents expensive procedures like deep cleaning or surgery

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) can be a valuable tool for identifying and monitoring orthodontic issues, especially in children, teens, and adults who may not yet be under active orthodontic care. Here's how it helps:

🧠 How OWD Supports Orthodontic Assessment

1. Jaw Alignment & Bite Evaluation
• OWD captures occlusal and bite views to assess:
• Overbite / underbite
• Crossbite (unilateral or bilateral)
• Open bite
• Midline discrepancies

2. Crowding & Spacing
• Dentists review spacing between teeth and signs of crowding.
• Useful for early orthodontic screening and planning.

3. Eruption Patterns in Children
• Tracks mixed dentition phase (baby and adult teeth).
• Identifies delayed eruption or abnormal positioning of teeth.

4. Monitoring Orthodontic Progress
• Patients in active treatment (e.g., braces or aligners) can submit periodic images.
• Dentists can monitor movement, hygiene, and appliance fit remotely.

5. Referral Guidance
• Reports include recommendations for orthodontic consultation if needed.
• Helps families prioritize care without unnecessary early visits.

✅ Why It’s a Smart Option
• Cost-effective: No need for expensive initial consults.
• Convenient: Ideal for rural families or busy parents.
• Child-friendly: Less intimidating than a clinic visit.
• Preventive: Early detection can reduce treatment time and cost later.

The OpenWide Dentist system is designed to make dental care more accessible and less intimidating—especially for patients who experience fear or anxiety about visiting the dentist. Here’s how it helps:

🏠 1. At-Home Dental Assessments
• Patients can perform a comprehensive dental exam from the comfort of home using the d.MISTIFY Capture Kit.
• This eliminates the stress of physically visiting a clinic, which is often a major trigger for dental anxiety.

📸 2. Easy-to-Use Imaging Tools
• The d.MISTIFY device includes intraoral mirrors, a light and air dispersal unit, and retractors to help patients take clear, fog-free images of their teeth and gums.
• These images are submitted online for review by registered dentists, who then provide a detailed written report.

🧘 3. Stress-Free Experience for Sensitive Patients
• The system is especially helpful for:
    • Children with sensory sensitivities (e.g., autism).
    • Adults with dental phobia who avoid clinics.
    • Elderly or mobility-limited individuals.
One testimonial on the website highlights how a parent of a child with autism was able to complete a dental check-up without sedation or distress, thanks to the home-based model.

📄 4. Personalized Reports and Recommendations
• After submitting images, patients receive a customized dental report with:
    • Diagnoses (e.g., decay, crowding, gum issues).
    • Treatment recommendations.
    • Visual references to help understand the findings.
This builds trust and understanding, reducing fear of the unknown.

🧑⚕ 5. Gradual Introduction to Dental Care
• For anxious patients, OpenWide can serve as a first step toward in-clinic treatment.
• It allows them to build confidence and familiarity with dental assessments before committing to in-person care.

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) offers a thoughtful, tech-enabled approach to dental care that’s especially beneficial for aged care residents—where mobility, access and comfort are key concerns. 

🦷 How OWD Supports Aged Care Residents

✅ Remote Screening & Assessments

• Residents can submit dental images or symptoms via mobile or tablet.
• Dentists review cases remotely, reducing the need for travel or in-person appointments.

⏱ Fast, Professional Feedback

• Quick turnaround on assessments helps staff and families act early.
• Ideal for spotting issues like gum disease, broken teeth or oral infections before they escalate.

💸 Cost-Effective Care

• Offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional dental visits.
• Helps facilities manage oral health budgets while still providing quality care.

🛏 No Disruption to Daily Routine

• Residents stay in familiar surroundings—no transport, no waiting rooms.
• Especially helpful for those with dementia, mobility issues or high care needs.

📋 Clinical Reporting for Staff

• Generates clear, structured reports that carers and nurses can use for follow-up.
• Supports compliance with aged care standards and improves continuity of care.

🛡 Early Detection of Systemic Risks

• Oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes and cognitive decline.
• OWD helps catch signs early, contributing to overall wellbeing.

📊 Aged Care Outcomes (Australia-wide)

A major study of 360,305 aged care residents (2017–2020) revealed:

• 1 in 5 residents had a significant oral health issue upon entering care A
• 19.6% entered aged care with at least one oral health concern A
• Over 5,000 residents were hospitalised due to dental or oral health problems A
• Nearly 25% of those hospitalisations were preventable with earlier intervention A
• Poor oral health was linked to increased risk of heart disease, pneumonia, and cognitive decline A

This underscores how remote screening like OWD can catch issues early, reduce hospitalisations, and support better systemic health.

🚜 Rural & Remote Care Statistics

From a cohort study of 3,407 rural patients receiving remote dental services:

• 27,897 dental services were completed across 8,992 patient episodes B
• Women were more likely to receive preventive and restorative care
• Men were more likely to receive oral surgery and prosthodontics
• Children aged 5–14 received over 32% of all services, showing strong uptake for youth screening B
• Many patients had to travel 60+ minutes for traditional dental care—remote options helped bridge that gap B

🧠 Why This Matters for OWD

These stats validate OWD’s model:

• Remote-first screening reduces unnecessary travel and stress
• Fast feedback helps facilities act before problems escalate
• Structured reporting supports compliance and care coordination
• Cost-effective access improves equity for underserved communities

OWD (Open Wide Dentist) is especially well-suited to support patients with physical or cognitive disabilities—offering a more inclusive, low-stress pathway to dental care. 

♿ Support for Physical Disabilities

🏠 Remote Access

• Patients can receive assessments from home—no need for travel, transfers or navigating inaccessible clinics.
• Ideal for wheelchair users, those with chronic pain or mobility limitations.

📱 Mobile-Friendly Submissions

• Caregivers or support workers can upload dental images and symptoms via phone or tablet.
• Reduces reliance on transport services or in-person coordination.

🧰 Equipment-Free Screening

• No need for specialized dental chairs or tools during initial screening.
• Makes oral health monitoring more frequent and less disruptive.

🧠 Support for Cognitive or Developmental Disabilities

🧘 Reduced Anxiety

• No unfamiliar environments, bright lights or sensory overload.
• Patients stay in familiar surroundings, which is especially helpful for those with autism, dementia or sensory sensitivities.

👨👩👧👦 Caregiver Collaboration

• Reports are structured for easy understanding by carers, nurses or family members.
• Enables informed decision-making and smoother follow-up care.

🛡 Early Detection Without Distress

• Identifies issues like decay, ulcers, or gum disease before they become painful or require invasive treatment.
• Helps avoid emergency visits, which can be traumatic for some patients.

🧩 Integration with NDIS & Special Needs Dentistry

While OWD handles remote screening, it complements services like Special Care Dentistry in NSW and NDIS oral health support .
These providers offer:

• Sensory tools and sedation options for in-person care
• Behavioural support strategies
• Occupational therapy for oral hygiene skills
• Speech pathology for swallowing or feeding issues