AI in Dentistry by Dr. Seth Gibree

Artificial intelligence software is transforming how dentists practice. Here’s how to evaluate a program’s benefits and issues

by Dr. Seth Gibree

• Identified needs and objectives. The software must address specific clinical and operational needs.
• Accuracy and reliability. The AI software’s analysis and output must be accurate and reliable.
• Features and integration. The software should utilize desired features and integrate seamlessly with existing practice management systems.
• Ease of learning and use. The software should be easy for clinicians and teams to learn and use.
• User acceptance. Team members’ buy-in is critical to accepting the technology and integrating it into daily practice.

• Pilot testing. Implementing the software in a limited/trial capacity to assess its impact on specific workflows and patient outcomes in the office.
• Feedback collection. Gathering and sharing input from clinicians and team members to understand the software’s usability and effectiveness.
• Cost-benefit analysis. Weighing the costs of implementation/use against potential benefits, such as improved patient communication, increased case acceptance and operational workflow gains.

• Scalability. Ensuring the software can be deployed across multiple locations with diverse technical environments while also having robust IT support and security. It should fit seamlessly into various office workflows.
• Integration into existing systems. Maintaining clinician autonomy while deeply understanding the change management process to establish habits and buy-in of tools that can raise the level of patient care and outcomes. Consistent review of challenges and solicitation of feedback to foster a cycle of innovation and continuous learning is critical to ongoing success.
• Support, training and operational excellence. Providing comprehensive training and continual support to ensure high adoption rates and effective use of the technology. As new team members go through onboarding, there must be a robust training plan in place so they don’t fall behind others. Interdepartmental partnerships with high levels of communication are critical to supporting innovation and technology as new features are created and rolled out.

• Training webinars. Conducting live training sessions with interactive Q&As.
• Digital learning resources. Providing access to online tutorials, learning modules, videos and FAQs.
• Personal engagement. One-on-one virtual engagements to address specific questions and concerns. On-site office visits also are very beneficial to help address specific concerns, challenges and questions.

• Regular check-ins. Monitoring usage and gathering feedback to make necessary adjustments.
• Ongoing education. Updating training materials and providing refresher courses as needed.
• Product enhancements. Collaborating with the AI software provider to develop new features based on user feedback.

• Enhanced diagnostic accuracy. AI enables precise analysis of radiographs, identifying areas that require attention and doctor review.
• Whole picture insight. AI provides a comprehensive view of patient practice management software data, cross-referencing with relevant research to ensure evidence-based treatment plans and care.
• Defined clinician autonomy maintained. AI tools offer insights into each patient’s potential needs, reducing human error and confirmation bias, thus enhancing consistency in patient care.
• Increased case acceptance. AI-enhanced visuals help patients understand their dental conditions better, leading to higher acceptance rates for recommended treatments.
• Improved efficiency. AI tools streamline workflows, reducing chair time and allowing clinicians to see more patients efficiently. As clinicians, we are in the relationship business, and innovation with AI gives us more time to interact with our patients.

Dr. Seth Gibree is the senior clinical director for Heartland Dental, with a focus on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Gibree is a key opinion leader and industry expert with more than 20 years of experience and expertise in strategy, communication, emerging technology, growth, operations, building relationships, leading change and organizational development. Before his time with Heartland Dental, he started and owned multiple multidisciplinary dental practices. Gibree has served on the editorial advisory board of Dentaltown since 2009.