Evolving beyond the NHS model: A case for AI-driven dentistry

When Dr. Kunal acquired his first dental practice in 2023, he inherited more than a patient list. The Leeds practice operated exclusively under the predictable—but limiting—NHS model. In exchange for steady income and a robust patient volume, the arrangement requires practices to operate on a slender profit margin.  

Procedures like root canals and crowns barely broke even. Staff costs were rising. Investments in cutting-edge technology? Out of the question. Existing challenges in key dental workflows such as appointment scheduling, consultation duration and treatment planning limited the ability to provide optimal patient care and attention. For a young and aspiring dentist with a passion for growth, innovation and delivering better patient care, the established model of the practice he acquired—along with the practices, processes and standards—posed a strategic dilemma.

One key decision made to elevate patient care and drive Meliora Dental’s growth was to invest in advanced technology, enabling more efficient treatments: Dr. Kunal onboarded Pearl’s Second Opinion.

• At a glance: Dr. Kunal’s practice
• High patient volume, big visual strain
• Taking patients from silver fillings to spotless smiles
• Results
• A springboard for growth

Initially, Dr. Kunal found Pearl helpful in maintaining diagnostic consistency and workflow efficiency while managing the NHS model’s high patient volume. Before Pearl, he spent precious minutes examining traditional black-and-white X-rays with magnifying glasses. That workflow, executed at an arduous pace, led to tired eyes and diagnostic fatigue.

“Depending on the day or the time—in the morning you are fresh, but after lunch you might be tired or distracted—you can miss things,” said Dr. Kunal. He said Pearl’s AI-powered diagnostic tools provide much-needed support: “It’s a second set of eyes,” he said.

Pearl identifies areas of concern with precision, reducing variability and providing clinicians with an unbiased perspective. For high-volume practices, this consistency is invaluable—it saves time and eliminates the guesswork that can leave patients doubting their treatment plans.

“With Pearl, my patients leave confident, not confused. We’re all working from the same page, and that’s the foundation of trust and quality care,” Dr. Kunal said.

Taking patients from silver fillings to spotless smiles

Dr. Kunal’s shift from NHS-only contracts to an enhanced, more patient-centric care model was not about financial viability—it was about redefining dental health. At the heart of this transformation was Pearl’s Second Opinion, an AI-powered diagnostic tool that revolutionised how patients understood their treatment options.

The practice’s evolution began with a simple, yet powerful, approach: using Pearl to provide patients with visual evidence of their dental issues and potential improvements. Many NHS patients still had silver amalgam fillings, which were functional but conspicuous. Pearl AI’s colourful, intuitive visualisations helped Dr. Kunal to convince them to upgrade to more attractive and durable white composite fillings.

Pearl showed patients not only where the decay was located but also how deep it went. “I would tell them: ‘This is going to be 30% of your tooth’s surface. Is [the silver filling] going to be something that affects your confidence?’” Dr. Kunal said.

The results were compelling. Initially, associates used Pearl on an optional basis, but after making its use mandatory, treatment acceptance surged. Pearl surfaced old treatment needs, and nearly half of patients who had previously declined care opted for treatment after seeing Pearl’s visual evidence. About 75% of them chose premium upgrades, generating significant revenue.

Results

{% icon icon_set="fontawesome-6.4.2" name="Arrow Trend Up" style="SOLID" height="16" purpose="decorative" title="Arrow Trend Up icon" %}  48% increase in treatment acceptance

{% icon icon_set="fontawesome-6.4.2" name="Arrow Trend Up" style="SOLID" height="16" purpose="decorative" title="Arrow Trend Up icon" %}  75% of patients opted for premium upgrades

{% icon icon_set="fontawesome-6.4.2" name="Arrow Trend Up" style="SOLID" height="16" purpose="decorative" title="Arrow Trend Up icon" %}  64% more revenue per filling with upgraded treatment

A springboard for growth

This newfound profitability enabled Dr. Kunal to reinvest in state-of-the-art technology, such as CBCT scanners for precise imaging and the Invisalign system for orthodontic care. These enhancements not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also bolstered patient trust, creating a virtuous cycle of elevated care and business growth.

With Pearl, patients no longer felt they were being sold treatments—they felt informed and empowered, confident in their choices and in the quality of care they received. From emergency patients becoming loyal regulars to long-time patients marveling at the new level of transparency, the practice’s shift to private care was as much about fostering trust as it was about delivering spotless smiles.

Additionally, the new, Pearl-enabled treatments boosted the practice’s reputation and the team’s job satisfaction. “It isn’t just about financial sustainability; it’s about feeling respected,” said Dr. Kunal. “Under the NHS model, respect can sometimes feel lacking.

“However, when patients pay for their treatments, they value and respect the care you provide.”

Meliora Dental is redefining dental health, striving for ‘better’ through a culture of excellence and advanced digital technologies to deliver personalised and effective patient care and treatments. Please visit at https://www.melioradental.co.uk/ for more information.