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Professional Courtesy: My Interview With an AI Chatbot by Dr. Thomas Giacobbi

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Professional Courtesy: My Interview With an AI Chatbot


by Thomas Giacobbi, DDS, FAGD, editorial director

One of the growing topics of discussion in our profession is around the expanding use of artificial intelligence (AI). This month, I thought it would be fun to get some insights on the topic from ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence tool created by OpenAI. You’ve no doubt heard about ChatGPT. These are the prompts I provided and the responses I received.

 Explain ChatGPT in 30 words or less.
ChatGPT is a large language model created by OpenAI that can generate human-like responses to natural language inputs, capable of various tasks such as chatbot, language translation, and more.

I thought I would warm up the chatbot with a prompt to discover the upside of AI for our profession.

How will AI help dentists?
AI will help dentists improve diagnosis accuracy, treatment planning, and patient communication. By analyzing dental images, AI can identify potential issues and detect early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. AI can also assist dentists in developing personalized treatment plans based on patient history and medical records. Chatbots powered by AI can answer common patient questions about dental procedures and post-care instructions. Additionally, AI can automate routine tasks like appointment scheduling, billing, and insurance processing, freeing up time for dentists to focus on patient care and improve productivity. Overall, AI has the potential to transform the dental industry and improve patient outcomes.

The AI seemed more than capable of providing a concise description of the issues most often mentioned in both positive and negative reviews of dental practices, as well as answers to questions patients might have.

Write a summary of the most positive reviews of dental offices.
The most positive reviews of dental offices often mention friendly and knowledgeable staff, comfortable and clean environments, and high-quality care. Patients may highlight the use of modern technology and techniques, personalized treatment plans, and affordable pricing. Reviewers may also express appreciation for the level of communication and attention given to their dental health, as well as the overall positive experience they had during their visit.

Write a summary of the most negative reviews of dental offices.
The most negative reviews of dental offices often cite poor customer service, long wait times, unclean environments, and high costs. Patients may describe feeling mistreated or ignored by staff members, experiencing pain or discomfort during procedures, or receiving subpar dental work. Billing issues, difficulty scheduling appointments, and outdated equipment and practices may also be mentioned. Reviewers may express frustration with feeling scammed or overcharged for services, or with a lack of transparency regarding treatment options and costs.

Why would I need to wear a nightguard on my teeth?
A nightguard is a dental appliance that is worn over the teeth while sleeping. It is typically recommended for individuals who suffer from bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of teeth during sleep. Bruxism can lead to a range of dental issues, including tooth wear, jaw pain, headaches, and even tooth fractures or loss. A nightguard can help protect the teeth from the effects of bruxism by providing a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the amount of force placed on them during grinding or clenching. Wearing a nightguard can help alleviate the symptoms of bruxism and prevent further damage to the teeth and jaw.

What is a root canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat a severely damaged or infected tooth. The procedure involves removing the pulp, which is the soft tissue inside the tooth that contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp is removed because it can become infected or inflamed, which can cause pain and lead to further damage to the tooth. Once the pulp is removed, the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed with a material called gutta-percha. Finally, a crown or filling is placed over the tooth to protect it and restore its function. A root canal is a common and effective way to save a damaged or infected tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

Then I decided to have a little fun with my new friend.

Should I brush my teeth before I floss or floss my teeth before I brush?
It is generally recommended to floss before brushing your teeth. Flossing helps to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your gum line, which brushing alone may not be able to reach. By flossing first, you can loosen and dislodge any debris in those hard-to- reach areas, making it easier for your toothbrush to clean your teeth thoroughly. Then, when you brush your teeth, the toothpaste can reach all surfaces of your teeth more effectively.

How many dentists does it take to change a light bulb?
The classic answer to this joke is “Three. One to administer the local anesthesia, one to extract the old light bulb, and one to insert the new light bulb and fill out the billing form.” However, this is just a play on the common stereotype of dentists being overly concerned with billing and making money. In reality, dentists, like all medical professionals, prioritize the health and well-being of their patients.

In that last bit, I was certainly relieved to know that ChatGPT wanted to make it clear that dentists prioritize the health and well-being of our patients.

I expect this interview to generate some ideas about the possibilities for this technology in dental offices. Maybe Dr. Dental AI will call your patients at the end of the day and ask how they’re doing. In most cases, a properly trained AI might be able answer all their follow-up questions and provide advice to address common issues.

In the future, your treatment coordinator AI might instantly call patients to fill an opening in the schedule, and it will know which patients should be called first based on their likelihood to be available at that time.

What else would you like your AI to do? Please share your thoughts and comments under the digital edition of this column online at dentaltown.com/magazine. I can also be reached via email at tom@dentaltown.com.

Dentaltown Magazine
September 2025
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