The unplanned AI upgrade impacting dental assistants
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is getting a lot of attention as dental practices of all sizes explore the benefits, such as increased efficiency and improved diagnostic support. While some practices are proactively incorporating this technology into their work, others are encountering it by chance.
Caroline Monk, CDA, EFDA, was introduced to AI in 2024 when her employer — a small private practice in Newport, Washington — updated their radiography software. “We got a new x-ray program, and [AI] came with it. Seeking out AI was not the main purpose; it just happened to come with the software as a perk,” says Monk.
In a recent DANB survey, one in three dental assistants reported that their practices currently use AI tools in some fashion. While there is still hesitancy among some practices to adopt AI for reasons such as cost or uncertainty around the benefits, the number of users will only continue to grow — especially as ongoing software updates make it unavoidable.
Supporting the dental practice
Radiography is an area of dentistry that is showing promise for AI enhancement. In fact, 60% of dental practices currently using AI are applying it to x-ray imaging. This tool can help dentists analyze images more efficiently and consistently, while improving patient outcomes.
Karen Comisi, CDA, DISIPC, RDA, FADAA, of North Augusta, South Carolina, previously worked as a dental assistant and now speaks on AI and other topics impacting dentistry. “AI can pick up early interproximal decay, bone loss, and pathologies before the human eye will see it,” she says.
“X-rays are analyzed in seconds, and areas of concern are highlighted for review. This can help improve trust between the patient and dentist and improve case acceptance.”
— Karen Comisi
As Monk navigated the ins and outs of using AI in radiography, she realized it could help patient exams run more efficiently. AI technology highlights potential problem areas in the x-ray, allowing Monk to alert the doctor of potential issues.
“Obviously, it’s not a diagnostic tool. It’s more of a flagging tool,” she says. “I’ll see the patient first and then I’ll intercept the doctor in the hallway and mention the areas of concern. Or I’ll write down what I see on a sticky note and say, ‘Hey, look at all of these areas.’”
AI can also help create consensus for diagnoses and treatment plans — a benefit for practices with multiple doctors. “AI helps everybody. I work with two doctors, and sometimes they do treatment plans differently,” Monk says. “So, if they’re looking at the same image and there’s a highlight or it’s training your eye where to look, they tend to create a similar treatment plan.”
Improving patient outcomes
As clinicians embrace AI in dental radiography, there are also benefits for patients. This technology provides detailed visual aids that can help patients better understand their diagnosis and ultimately accept treatment.
“X-rays are analyzed in seconds, and areas of concern are highlighted for review,” says Comisi. “This can help improve trust between the patient and dentist and improve case acceptance.”
“Obviously, it’s not a diagnostic tool. It’s more of a flagging tool. I’ll see the patient first and then I’ll intercept the doctor in the hallway and mention the areas of concern. Or I’ll write down what I see on a sticky note and say, ‘Hey, look at all of these areas.’”
— Caroline Monk
AI tools can also boost dental assistants’ confidence when speaking with patients and providing post-appointment information. X-rays are difficult for the untrained eye to interpret, and patients may question or misunderstand their diagnosis. Now, AI gives Monk a powerful patient education tool.
“Our AI software uses a blue highlight on problem areas,” she says. “So I just hover over it, and it shows the abscess, the widened PDL, the bone loss, or the caries. There’s higher patient acceptance because they seem to understand it more.”
Overcoming obstacles
While there are many benefits to AI in dental radiography, it can also present obstacles. One consideration is the importance of clinical judgment since AI software does not replace a diagnosis.
“AI-assisted radiograph analysis is intended to support, not replace, the dentist’s clinical judgment,” says Comisi. “It serves as a second set of eyes, but the dentist must review all findings and make a clinical diagnosis.”
Challenges may also arise when patients are skeptical about AI. For example, some people may be hesitant to use AI with sensitive personal information. Patients can also get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information the tool presents onscreen.
Dental assistants should be ready to explain the diagnosis and the practice’s approach to AI, in addition to addressing concerns. “If a patient sees all these boxes and blue highlights and notations on the screen, they’re like, ‘Is my mouth falling apart?’” says Monk. “I have to focus their attention and tell them everything’s going to be OK, that it’s not as bad as it looks.”
Preparing for success with AI
Whether practices decide to integrate AI in dental radiography or it just appears one day with a system upgrade, there are considerations to support staff and patients through the transition.
Sudden changes in technology can create a big shift in office culture and daily routines, so Monk recommends starting with small steps and growing from there. “I would say start with a limited view and use it as patient education and a way to show them what you’re looking at,” she says.
It’s imperative that practice leaders develop a plan to integrate AI and train staff. Dental assistants should be at the forefront of these discussions since they will be operating dental radiography equipment and having discussions with patients.
“Dental assistants should be involved from the beginning,” says Comisi. “Many AI software companies offer training. Time must be allowed for training the entire dental team when AI is incorporated.”
But training and development shouldn’t end there. Comisi stresses the importance of ongoing education to stay current with advancements in technology. “Practices need to keep up with the changes in dental AI and ask the company for help after software updates, if necessary,” she says.
Additionally, dental assistants should be prepared to answer questions from patients about AI — from data privacy to how the technology benefits them. Practices that are integrating AI into their practice should train dental assistants on talking points so they can best assist patients and address concerns.
It’s a good idea for practices to develop policies outlining how AI tools are used, including what types of data may be accessed. “Data privacy and security requirements increase when AI is incorporated into the dental practice because risks increase,” says Comisi.
The future of dental assisting and AI
It remains to be seen how AI will impact dental practices long term. But there are emerging opportunities for dental assistants to enhance their careers as they leverage this new technology in dental radiography and other tasks, such as charting, treatment planning, and more.
Dental assistants will have an important role in developing the skills and critical thinking to use AI effectively, and they may take on new and expanded responsibilities as their current roles are augmented by this technology. In fact, practices that are incorporating AI report new efficiencies and more staff time for clinical and business functions.
The future of dental assisting looks promising as AI is poised to expand roles and responsibilities. As the heart and soul of the practice, dental assistants also bring uniquely human skills that technology can’t replicate, paired with clinical knowledge and skills that are critical to the success of AI.
“AI can never replace the human connection patients feel when they are in the office,” Comisi says. “A dental assistant can sense when a patient is feeling anxious, notices body language, holds a patient’s hand when they are receiving anesthetic and listens when the patient needs to talk. AI will never replace the caring and compassionate dental assistant.”