Summit attendees envision the future of AI and dental assisting
As AI’s impact and reach expands, the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) convened a summit to explore future applications of AI across dentistry and to understand the impact AI could have on the dental assistant role.
Held in Chicago, the AI & the Future of Dental Assisting Summit was an invitation-only event featuring dynamic discussions and a panel session with executives from Bola AI, Heartland Dental, Overjet, PDS Health, and Viva AI. Attendees included dental team members, educators, association and industry leaders, consultants, and strategists.
“AI’s influence on healthcare is accelerating, including its impact on dentistry,” said DANB CEO Laura Skarnulis. “Dental assistants are integral to the dental practice, and their understanding, skill and support of AI are central to its adoption and success.”
One of the summit’s key themes was that dental assistants need to be part of the conversations and training when practices and clinics incorporate AI tools.
Summit insights
AI’s influence is growing and impacting dental practices of all sizes, although some practices and practitioners are slower to adopt. Training for dental assistants will be critical for adoption success.
Practices that are incorporating AI report new efficiencies and more staff time for clinical and business functions. As AI becomes part of dental practices, clinical expertise and sound judgment are more essential than ever.
AI tools can boost dental assistants’ confidence when speaking with patients and providing post-appointment information.
There are opportunities for training and education in formal settings and on the job.
Dental assistants will be on the front lines explaining how AI supports patient care, so communication and reassurance skills are vital.
AI may allow assistants to take on new and expanded responsibilities, in addition to augmenting their current role.
Assistant perspectives
In anticipation of the summit, DANB conducted a survey of dental assistants to better understand the ways in which they and their practices are using AI.
Survey findings:
1 in 3 dental assistants said their workplace was using AI tools, most commonly in dental radiography, scheduling and communications, and charting and documentation.
The top reasons cited for not using AI in the dental practice were the doctor not being interested, no perceived benefits, cost, and security or HIPAA concerns.
Dental assistants most commonly believed AI will have a moderate impact on dentistry but were not sure how it would augment the dental assistants’ responsibilities.
“As AI becomes part of more dental practices, assistants have an important role not only to have the skills to use it with confidence and impact but to bring the critical thinking essential for patient care,” Skarnulis said. “Our summit and research show how practices, the profession, and organizations can prepare for what’s ahead — and DANB is committed to being a trusted partner in this evolving space.”