What you need to know

We’re living through one of the biggest AI booms of all time: an era where the question isn’t “What can AI do?” but rather, “What can’t it do?” It’s no surprise that some companies have already sunk their teeth into the dental industry. To help you navigate this emerging field, we’ve collected some common myths about dental AI, plus our take on what’s fact and what’s fiction.

#1 Will AI replace dentists?

Not anytime soon. First of all, a computer can’t replace a human dentist’s empathy or professional judgement. There’s also a legal barrier: California’s Physicians Make Decisions Act, passed in 2024, requires all medical decisions to be made by a human. AI can advise along the way, but a licensed professional still needs to take responsibility. 

#2 Does AI think like humans do?

Not really. Different types of AI work differently, but they struggle with some very human thought processes, like outside-the-box thinking. This can be a good thing: if your AI program was trained to book appointments, you wouldn’t want it to start reciting song lyrics.

AI may also make mistakes that people don’t—for example, identifying a potential case of caries in someone’s gums. Thankfully, mistakes like these are generally trained out of AI-powered programs before their release.

#3 Are all AI products mostly the same?

While there is some overlap (there’s only so many ways to design an AI receptionist, for example), not all products are created equal. Look out for these key factors:

• Company size: Larger companies have more resources for compliance and security testing. Since their products will get access to at least some of your data,
• FDA clearances: Many AI-powered products, due to their involvement in diagnosis, are classed as “medical devices” by the FDA. If that’s the case, the software will need government approval before it can be legally used in your practice.
• Range of features: Instead of mixing-and-matching products, choose one or two that offer the specific features you want. You’ll save money and protect your data from unnecessary exposure.

How we can help

We know that new tech is exciting, but we are still an IT company. Nothing’s more important to us than keeping your office secure. If you have questions or concerns about an AI-powered product, we’re here to help! Call us at 408-200-9881 or email [email protected] for thoughtful, friendly advice.

Conclusion

As with any new technology, our best advice is: Be careful. If you’re curious about adding AI into your treatment toolkit, do your research—and talk to a trusted IT provider, like Admin Networks, before making any big decisions.