Although not new, Artificial Intelligence (AI) seems to be finding its way into more areas of our lives without us even realising it. Here, Regional Support Manager, Chris Nicholson, shares his impressions of how AI will affect dental teams from what he sees in practices.
AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it’s already reshaping industries, including dentistry. Dental practices are beginning to adopt AI-driven tools to help streamline operations, improve patient engagement, and reduce administrative burdens. So, is AI truly revolutionising practice management, or is it just the latest buzzword?
AI in the Dental Practice
AI refers to computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically we’d expect from human intelligence—such as learning from data, making decisions, or predicting outcomes. In dental practice management, AI is most commonly seen in:
- Practice management software that automates scheduling, billing, and patient communications
- Chatbots that handle website FAQs and appointment bookings quickly and efficiently
- Digital note taking ensuring accuracy and saving clinicians’ time
- Automated recall systems that optimise follow-up timing based on patient history.
Efficiency Gains: Where AI is Delivering
Many practices are already seeing measurable benefits from AI integration. Here are some of the most impactful areas:
Streamlined Administration
Most of the most tangible benefits of AI tools can be seen in the automation of predictable repetitive tasks. Things such as automated appointment reminders, digital check-ins, and smart scheduling systems free up front-desk staff to focus more on dealing with patients.
Improved Patient Retention
AI-driven recall systems can analyse patient histories and behaviour to determine the optimal time to send out reminders. This personalised approach increases the likelihood of patients returning for their routine examinations helping to boost retention rates.
Data-Driven Decision Making
Modern AI platforms offer real-time dashboards that highlight booking trends, identify underperforming services, and forecast busy periods. This enables practice managers and the team to make informed decisions about staffing, marketing, and the types of treatments and services to offer.
Workflow Optimisation (diary zoning)
AI can help allocate tasks more efficiently across the dental team. For example, it can analyse patient demand and your clinicians’ availability and suggest when to schedule hygiene appointments versus restorative treatments, making the best use of resources.
Limitations and Pitfalls
However, although AI can be a great help in some cases, it’s not yet the be-all-and-end-all. For anyone concerned that AI will dominate every aspect of the practice, it may be comforting to know that it does have its downsides. Such as:
Lack of Personalisation
Although AI systems are efficient when it comes to predictable repetitive tasks, they can lack the ability to cope with some of the nuances of human interaction. Chatbots are unable to pick up on human emotions and so may give an inappropriate or inaccurate response which could potentially damage your reputation.
Data Quality Issues
As the saying goes in computing: GIGO (garbage in, garbage out). AI is only as good as the data it’s fed. Incomplete or outdated patient records can lead to inaccurate predictions or inappropriate communications. So, handle with care.
Cost and Training
There’s often an upfront investment to implementing AI tools; not only in software, but also in staff training too. Smaller practices may find stumping up the money difficult.
Patient Trust
Over-automation can feel impersonal. Patients may not feel comfortable interacting with AI, especially if it’s not clearly disclosed that you’re using it. Striking the right balance between automating your systems and the human touch is crucial.
Ethical and Regulatory Considerations
As with any technology handling sensitive data, AI in dentistry must be implemented responsibly and in accordance with any relevant rules and regulations.
- GDPR Compliance: Ensure that any AI tool used is compliant with UK data protection laws. Patient data must be stored securely and used transparently
- Transparency: Patients should be informed when they are interacting with an AI system, whether it’s a chatbot or an automated reminder
- Clinical Boundaries: AI can support decision-making but should never replace the clinical judgement of dental professionals.
Is AI living up to its promise in dental practice management?
Short-Term Outlook
In the short term, AI offers clear benefits—particularly when it comes to reducing the team’s administrative workload and improving patient communication. For busy NHS or mixed practices dealing with a high volume of patients, these efficiencies can be game-changing.
Long-Term Potential
While the long-term potential of AI is significant, it requires careful implementation. It’s important for practices to continuously evaluate the effectiveness of AI tools and remain open to new and evolving technologies.
Final Verdict
AI in many cases can become a valuable asset to the dental team. However, it is not a silver bullet, although when it’s used wisely, it can take over many of the mundane, repetitive tasks the dental team needs to perform leaving them with more time to spend with patients. The key is to start small, measure impact, and scale thoughtfully.
Practical Tips for introducing AI
If you’re thinking about introducing AI into your practice, here are some practical steps to help you get started:
- Start Small: Begin with a single AI-enabled tool, such as an appointment reminder system or a chatbot for FAQs
- Involve the Whole Team: Ensure that front of house staff, clinicians, and managers understand the tool and are on board with its implementation
- Monitor Performance: Track key metrics such as time saved, reduction in DNAs (Did Not Attend), and patient feedback to assess return on your investment (ROI)
- Stay Informed: AI is evolving rapidly. Stay up to date with the latest developments by attending CPD events, webinars, or supplier demos.
About Chris
Chris Nicholson is a Regional Support Manager at Practice Plan and has over 15 years’ experience in the healthcare industry, including five in dental practice.
Dive deeper into the world of AI with Les Jones and Chris Barrow on one of our latest Bodcasts – click here to listen!