Top 5 things dental assistants do that AI can never replace
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly develop, many dental practices have begun implementing it in day-to-day operations. Among other applications, dental offices are using AI tools to assist with taking and interpreting radiographs, charting and documenting notes, and communicating with patients.
And dental assistants are critical to implementing this new technology, which has the potential to improve the way they work and open the door for them to take on expanded responsibilities.
But while AI can help dental assistants work more efficiently, it certainly can’t replace everything they bring to the table. Here are a few things dental assistants do that AI simply can’t replicate, according to the experts we interviewed at the AI & the Future of Dental Assisting Summit.
Comforting patients
Some patients are uncomfortable or anxious about going to the dental office, especially if they’re visiting for more than a routine teeth cleaning.
AI can do many things, but it doesn't provide the human touch of a dental assistant. It can’t give a calming smile to a patient who’s nervous. It can’t hold their hand during a procedure. AI tools might be able to answer basic questions, but they can’t address a patient’s concerns empathetically or educate them in a hands-on, easy-to-understand way.
“A dental assistant brings empathy, compassion, and love to the patients, and I don’t think that’s something that AI could ever do,” says Rebecca Stolberg, Vice President of Allied Dental Education and Faculty Development at the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
Farid Fadaie — CEO of Viva AI, a company that develops AI communication software for dental practices — agrees.
“The thing that AI is really bad at is creating the human connection, the trust, with the patient and answering questions in an empathetic way,” says Fadaie. “AI can pretend to do that. But the fact that there is a human behind the answers the patient is getting — that’s the feeling causing trust to be built. That will never happen with a faceless AI.”
Responding to body language
More specifically, AI can’t replicate a dental assistant’s ability to read nonverbal cues.
Dental assistants are skilled at noticing and interpreting their patients’ body language. While some patients may tell the dental staff that they’re anxious about a procedure, others may show it by fidgeting or clenching their jaw. Dental assistants can detect these signs and provide reassurance, ask questions, or help the patient relax by asking them about their family or pets. While the procedure is happening, dental assistants notice if a patient is uncomfortable and can react accordingly.
“There’s no replacement that AI can provide to actually read the patient’s body language, feel what’s happening for them, and be able to respond to them to make them comfortable and make sure they’re OK,” says Atia Black, a former dental assistant and Director of Business Development for DANB.
Providing four-handed dentistry
Dentists heavily rely on dental assistants to maintain an efficient workflow. Before procedures, dental assistants prepare operatories, sterilize instruments, take x-rays, and more, ensuring that the dentist can focus on the patient. During a procedure, a dental assistant continuously anticipates their dentist’s next step, handing over instruments and supplies as needed, also known as four-handed dentistry. This helps the team provide care and minimize procedure times, allowing the practice to see more patients.
While AI can improve efficiency in other areas, it can’t replicate everything a dental assistant does to help their doctor and ensure each appointment goes smoothly.
“There is no AI in the world that can replace a dental assistant standing there with their dentist and making sure that procedure runs efficiently and smoothly,” says Sarah Stream, CDIPC, CDA, FADAA, M.P.H., Education Product Manager for DANB and the DALE Foundation.
Building patient relationships
A dental assistant doesn’t just make people more comfortable visiting the dental office — they also build lasting bonds with patients. These relationships can keep patients coming back for their future dental appointments. In fact, over 90% of dental office leaders believe that assistants are key to patient retention, which helps lead to a more profitable practice.
“AI can never replace the person — that relationship you build with the patients,” says Renee McNally, CDA, COA, CPFDA, CRFDA, CDIPC, RDA (AMT), B.S., who is a dental assistant and DANB Board member. “They’re there because of the relationships and the way they feel when they come to see you.”
Michelle Lee, Executive Director for the Association for Dental Safety (ADS), also believes these relationships are crucial, as dental assistants can serve as a liaison between patients and doctors.
“AI will never replace the one-on-one that dental assistants have when the patient sits down in that chair,” says Lee. “And when that dentist walks out of the room and patients have these questions, they have that trust that they know they can ask the assistant and get the answer they need.”
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