Now, an app will guide you to nearest dentist

Ras Al Khaimah - Smart app helpful for both patients and doctors

Ever experienced a dental emergency and had no idea where to go? A new app will now help you locate the nearest dental clinic anywhere in the UAE.
The first of its kind UDENZ smart application is the brainchild of Dr Hisham Al Safadi, a dentist who has been in the UAE since 1981.

The app, developed by Amaal Combz, is based on an MSc thesis which shows possible techniques to boost dental services by enhancing communication between the user and dentist.
Dr Hisham, Amaal Combz board member, said the smart app is not only helpful for patients but also for dentists who constantly receive updates relating to the latest number of patients, their locations, appointments, along with the number of the app viewers.
"Dentists also have an option of showcasing their special offers for specific users and areas that not only benefits a dentist but customers as well, he added. "Many doctors have endorsed UDENZ as it brings in a lot of flexibility."
Users can book for appointments that best suits their timing, following which the requested dentist can approve, reject or change the appointment, Dr Safadi explained. "This process is automatically updated within minutes."
He said the app is in line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has urged Arab innovators and entrepreneurs to maximise their efforts and launch more innovative initiatives.
"Dubai has become the sixth most favourable hub for dentistry tourism around the world with a global market value that annually exceeds Dh15 billion spent on dental implants, and giving patients a shiny smile with porcelain-cladded and whitened teeth."
 Dr Safadi, in his research submitted to the University of Salford in Manchester City, UK, referred to a significant change in the communication between dentists and their patients.  "Up to 30 per cent of dental patients in Britain are not very satisfied with their communication with dentists and over 56 per cent of UK minority population fail to get a timely appointment from first time and there are surprisingly instances where they have to wait 3 to 8 months to get one."
Dr Aseel Al Attar, Business Development Manager, Amaal Combz, said 7,500 users have downloaded the new app from Apple and Google play stores since its inception in February 2016. "UDENZ has a huge database of dentists that gives users more options, particularly with dental care centres that have recognized trademarks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah."
Dr Safadi, who won the first position 'Entrepreneurs Branch' in a competition run for by the Business College at the University of Salford, said they have lately concluded a commercial mandate with the Modern Technology Company in Oman to market the UDENZ app in the Sultanate.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com