Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a pivotal force across industries, and dentistry is no exception. As AI tools continue to mature, their practical application is transforming patient care, operational workflows, and overall practice management. To understand the true impact of this transformation, we turn to Srivatsan Laxman, a leading AI subject matter expert whose company has implemented groundbreaking AI technologies in dental care. In this article, we get his insight, as well as a real-world case study showcasing how AI can revolutionize the dental field when used thoughtfully and strategically.
What do you see as the top applications of AI in dentistry today? Two years from now?
“Today: AI-powered dental image analysis, pathology detection and clinical decision support. AI-powered patient communication such as automated chat and SMS text-based patient support and lead conversion. In two years from now, it will be automated voice receptionists at the dental office that can handle both inbound and outbound communication tasks and full life cycle marketing automation including identifying targets, content development, and lead engagement and conversion. I also see actionable practice analytics over diverse data sources such as patient records, communications logs and imaging data.”
What are the biggest benefits to AI in dentistry that too many are missing out on?
“A reduction in labor costs. With the persistent labor shortages in the dental industry, finding and retaining qualified staff has become increasingly challenging and expensive. AI automates a high percentage of routine tasks, allowing practices to operate with fewer employees while maintaining or even improving service quality. This not only cuts costs but also allows staff to focus on more complex tasks, enhancing overall productivity. Patients today expect round-the-clock access to appointment booking and communication. With AI, practices can offer after-hours service without the need for additional staffing. AI provides actionable insights that help optimize operations, refine patient interactions, and ultimately improve retention, making AI a powerful tool for both patient experience and practice growth.”
What is the next big thing coming as it relates to AI?
“Multi-modal AI refers to AI systems that can process and integrate different types of input—such as text, voice, images, and data—into a unified experience. In a dental practice, this could mean an AI system that analyzes imaging, clinical data, and patient records simultaneously to provide more accurate diagnoses or treatment plans. Multi-agent AI takes it a step further by enabling different AI systems to collaborate on various tasks. One AI agent might focus on clinical decision-making, while another handles administrative tasks like inventory management or billing. These agents can communicate and share data, creating an integrated system that streamlines both operational and clinical workflows. This level of coordination can significantly enhance efficiency and improve overall patient care in ways that isolated AI tools cannot. As these multi-modal and multi-agent systems continue to evolve, they will open up new possibilities for dental practices, enabling smarter decision-making, better resource management, and more personalized care throughout the entire patient journey.”
Should smaller practices be pursuing AI any differently than larger group practices?
“Both small and large practices can benefit from AI, but the implementation approach may differ based on the practice’s size and complexity. Smaller practices typically have fewer systems to integrate, so they can quickly adopt AI to automate tasks like appointment scheduling and patient communications without much difficulty. This allows them to streamline operations and focus more on patient care. For large multi-practice organizations that operate call centers, AI can also enhance efficiency by handling a significant volume of routine calls and booking requests, freeing up staff to focus on more complex issues. Whether for a single practice or a large DSO, the key is to leverage AI’s flexibility and scalability to meet specific operational needs, ensuring consistent and efficient patient care across all locations.”
How should practices evaluate which AI services/providers are best for them?
“When evaluating AI services and providers, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface features and ask the right questions to ensure you’re choosing a solution that truly meets your needs. First, consider what problems you are trying to solve. Next, consider how the AI solution integrates with your existing practice management systems. A robust AI platform will seamlessly connect with your current tech stack, ensuring smooth operations without disrupting your workflow. Cost is another important factor. Be sure to evaluate not just the initial implementation cost, but also the ongoing expenses. The provider’s reputation and experience in the dental industry are also key. Look for a provider with a proven track record and deep industry knowledge. Finally, ensure that the provider offers ongoing support and training.”
What are the biggest challenges for AI solution providers?
“First, integration with existing dental software. Dental practices often use a variety of practice management systems (PMS) and messaging platforms, and seamless integration is crucial for the effective use of AI. TrueLark is deeply integrated with a wide range of PMS and messaging software, allowing our AI solution to work smoothly within a practice’s existing tech environment. We are also continually adding new integrations and are committed to maintaining an open developer environment to ensure our solution can adapt to the evolving needs of dental practices. Second, user adoption. User adoption is another significant challenge. Many dental professionals are still hesitant about using AI, especially when it comes to patient communications. To address this, TrueLark focuses on educating both front desk teams and executives about the benefits of AI and provides comprehensive training to help them understand how the technology can enhance their workflows.”
Case Study
SGA Dental Partners
Situation:
SGA Dental Partners faced challenges with missed
calls and lost leads, hindering their ability to efficiently manage patient communication, maximize revenue and scale quickly.
Task and Approach:
To address these challenges, SGA Dental Partners added TrueLark’s AI-powered patient communication solution. The platform answers 100% of patient calls and webchat inquiries, resolving the majority without requiring staff intervention. Patients can book, reschedule, cancel and get answers to questions while engaging in remarkably human-like conversations with TrueLark’s patented artificial intelligence. The solution integrates with PMS and messaging systems, keeping scheduling calendars updated in real-time.
Results:
- Increased appointments: To date, SGA Dental Partners has booked over 13.4K appointments through TrueLark.
- Improved efficiency: TrueLark has automated 106K conversations, with 62% requiring no staff intervention.
- New patients: Within the first four months, SGA Dental Partners added over 900 new patients via TrueLark.
In today’s competitive market, effective patient communication and 24/7 self-service booking are essential for DSOs to thrive. TrueLark sets the gold standard in AI-driven patient communication, offering end-to-end call management and unparalleled automation. With the platform’s ability to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and elevate patient satisfaction, DSOs can streamline their operations while improving the overall patient experience. By investing in AI solutions like TrueLark, DSOs can unlock new opportunities for growth and profitability, positioning themselves for long-term success.
Learn more about what TrueLark can do for you.