6 keys for successfully implementing AI in your dental practice

Like any technology, the power of AI is best realized through careful planning

An idea whose time has come can be a powerful force for change. However, if it’s poorly introduced and implemented, even the best idea can fail to make an impact.

Right now, it seems like AI is being applied to everything, with varying degrees of success. Dental AI systems are among the AI applications with some concrete benefits, such as:

• Improved workflow and operational efficiency
• New levels of diagnostic support and proficiency
• Automated and streamlined practice management

Yet AI is not a magic wand. Achieving these benefits—and more—requires strategic implementation and a well-managed transition involving your team and your patients. Here are 6 pointers to successfully choosing and integrating an AI system into your dental practice or organization.

1. Determine the “why” and “what” of AI in your practice culture

Any technology should be thoroughly evaluated before it is implemented, and the first step in the process is to evaluate yourself: what do you need?

While AI is showing real-world value for diagnostic support, patient engagement and communication, and daily workflows such as scheduling and processing insurance claims, each of these areas might be more or less important for your specific dental practice. As you begin to educate yourself about AI, clarify the following:

• What are your objectives? What metrics would define successful implementation of AI in your practice?
• What insights do team members bring to the discussion of AI implementation in your practice?

Know why you’re interested in AI and what you expect to gain from it. These goals are essential for priming your implementation process.

2. Keep your team in the loop

Communication, education, and collaboration are key. Think of adopting AI a little like bringing on a new associate or adding to your team.

• Introduce your team to AI via workshops, webinars, and training modules.
• Highlight the benefits of AI while being sensitive to any concerns or misconceptions about it.
• Educate your team about how AI can specifically enhance their individual roles and related workflows.
• Ask for team input and address any red flags as you design your AI implementation strategy.

3. Be discerning about your AI provider

Different AI solutions support different aspects of dental practice. Not every AI system will be an ideal match for your “why” and “what,” so do your due diligence.

• Research and evaluate AI providers based on technology expertise, innovative reputation, and overall dental industry affiliation.
• Confirm that the AI solution meets your specific needs.
• Ask your colleagues about their experiences with a specific system.
• Request a demo to determine the AI solution’s compatibility and practical interface with your practice management platform and daily workflows.

4. Take your time with implementation

AI technology is enticing. Still, it’s a good idea to implement slowly and strategically.

• Phase your implementation starting with where you and your team determine AI can be most useful.
• Pilot the process and be open to experiment along the way.
• Prepare for transparent evaluation and the need for adjustments before you implement AI across your entire practice.

5. Inform your patients as you implement

Patients may (or may not) care about dental technology in general. Even so, many are aware of the emergence of AI and could be curious about if, when, or how you will use it.

• Focus on the benefits and how AI supports your patient care.
• Invite patients’ questions, perceptions, and concerns about how AI interfaces with their dental care.
• Confirm your commitment to privacy and security issues relative to technology, including AI.
• Ask for patients’ reviews and feedback when they experience AI in your practice.

6. Monitor your implementation process and make improvements along the way

Just like any other technology, AI is a tool. Measure its performance based on the metrics relevant to your “why” and “what.” For example:

• What patient care trends is AI enabling you to identify?
• How is AI specifically improving your workflow and operational efficiency?
• What improvements is AI responsible for since you began implementation?

There’s little doubt that you’ll notice an upswing in efficiency as you implement AI in your dental practice. The key to gaining the most benefit from the technology is how effectively you lead, manage, and monitor the change process.

Trust the technology and the input of your team and patients along the way. A good way to ensure their trust is staying informed about AI and its role within dentistry.

Check out the following resources to increase your dental AI awareness:

Artificial intelligence: A gift to dentists

Dentistry leads the AI revolution (despite its late arrival)

Support your AI implementation process with technology from a proven leader in dental AI

Pearl is a global dental AI leader assisting dentists across six continents with robust clinical pathology detection.

Get acquainted with Pearl here.

Or…

Curious how AI can benefit your dental practice?

Request a free live demo now.