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- From Confused to Confident: Your AI Breakthrough Starts Here
From Confused to Confident: Your AI Breakthrough Starts Here
....your go-to spot for practical tips, fresh ideas, and must-know updates on how AI is transforming the dental world (and beyond).
Laura Nelson
May 07, 2025
📝 From Laura’s Desk
There’s a lot of conversation happening right now about AI in dentistry—but not nearly enough guidance. No roadmap. No clear standards. Just a flood of new tools, faster than most teams can keep up with.
That’s exactly why I created this newsletter: to bring the topic of AI front and center for dental professionals like you. Whether you’re a tech-savvy early adopter or someone who’s still figuring out what “AI” really means for your day-to-day, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
Last week, I gave a two-hour presentation at the Michigan Dental meeting on how AI is already impacting our practices. Afterward, a dentist came up to me and said, “I don’t plan to use AI in my office.” And I had to pause… because here’s the truth: he already is. Whether it’s in your imaging software, patient reminders, or phone systems, AI is already part of your practice—even if you didn’t invite it in. I get the hesitation. It’s new, fast-moving, and often confusing. That’s why we’re baby-stepping through this together |  We are at a lightbulb moment. Not because AI is coming — but because it’s already here. |
💬 The ADA Weighs In on AI Standards
The ADA has officially stepped into the AI conversation
The ADA has officially stepped into the AI conversation, and that’s big news for all of us navigating how to safely and ethically bring this technology into our practices.
In their recent article, the ADA emphasizes that while AI is rapidly expanding in dentistry—from radiograph analysis to patient communication—it’s time to establish clear, consistent standards to guide its use.
Here are some key highlights from the article:
What the ADA Says AI Must Be:
Ethical – AI tools must support patient well-being and follow existing professional codes.
Transparent – Patients and clinicians should understand how the AI is being used and what its limitations are.
Clinician-Led – AI should support the clinical decision, not make it. Dentists remain fully responsible for diagnosis and treatment.
Patient-Centered – AI should be used in ways that enhance trust, communication, and care—not replace the human connection.
Continuously Evaluated – The ADA encourages ongoing oversight to ensure AI tools are safe, effective, and unbiased.
💬 My Take:
This is a big step toward helping all of us use AI with confidence. The more we understand the standards and responsibilities tied to these tools, the more we can integrate them wisely—without compromising the human side of dentistry.
Bottom line: AI can enhance how we diagnose, communicate, and care—but we are still the ones behind the wheel.
🦷 Want to read the full article? Click here to check it out
💡 The Light Bulb Moment: Understanding AI’s Role in Our Future
Have you ever had a light bulb moment—one of those flashes where something finally clicks and you see things in a completely new way?
For many of us, AI brings that moment. At first, it might feel intimidating or unnecessary. But then, you try it—maybe to write a quick email, summarize a conversation, or create a checklist—and suddenly, it clicks:
“This isn’t just a tech trend. This is a tool that can help me every day.”
That’s the power of a light bulb moment. And here’s the truth:
🔹 AI is not going away.
🔹 It’s no longer just in the hands of big tech companies or data scientists.
🔹 It’s in our phones, in our software, and now—in your dental practice.
The question isn’t if we’ll use AI. It’s how intentional and informed we’ll be when we do.
Let this be your light bulb moment. Start small, stay curious, and focus on using AI to make your work easier, your team stronger, and your patient care even better.
You don’t have to be an expert to start—you just have to be open.
AI Hands On Workshop with Laura
 ☀️ And let’s be honest… it’s San Diego. Learning + sunshine? Yes, please. 🗓️ Choose your date: June 20–21 or July 18–19 | If you’ve been curious about how to actually use AI in your dental practice—not just talk about it—this is your chance to dive in. I’m hosting a 2-day, hands-on AI workshop in San Diego designed for doctors, team members, or anyone ready to explore real-world applications of AI in dentistry. We’ll start with the basics, explore tools that save time and reduce stress, and walk through how to integrate AI without needing a tech degree—just curiosity and a desire to lead. |
Dntel. Your Complete Revenue Maximization Partner (and Front Office Lifesaver)
We’re thrilled to spotlight Dntel, one of the smartest partners out there when it comes to combining AI-backed technology with real-world dental billing expertise.
If you’re tired of endless insurance calls, denied claims, and aging A/R, Dntel might be your new favorite team member. Their mission?
Win back your staff’s time. Eliminate administrative overhead. Maximize your practice profits.
🛠️ What Dntel Does for You:
✅ Insurance Verifications
Customized, full benefit breakdowns - you never have to call an insurance carrier again.
✅ Claim Submission
Fast and accurate—submitted with everything needed to reduce denials.
✅ A/R Management
Proactive follow-up to clean up aging reports and improve collections.
✅ Payment Posting
All payments, adjustments, and denials posted accurately and on time.
✅ Patient Billing
Clear and efficient billing and collection services that boost patient satisfaction.
✅ Detailed Analysis
Comprehensive reports and performance insights that help you grow smarter.
They’re trusted by hundreds of private practices like Riverpark, Johns Creek, and ATL Implant
They don’t just offer a platform—they offer a partner
Their approach lets your team do more of what matters: taking care of patients
🎯 Ready to see it in action? 👉 Schedule a demo with Dntel
Thanks to Dntel for helping practices stress less, collect more, and embrace the future of dentistry with confidence.
I love to have you as part of our community, and I would love your help in spreading the word! If you’ve enjoyed this newsletter and found it valuable, please consider sharing it with friends or colleagues who might also benefit from the content.
 DNTL is transforming dental insurance management by combining expert outsourcing with AI technology |  Mango Voice is a game changer with its new AI-powered call notes feature, automatically capturing key details from every patient call so your team doesn’t have to. |  Hello Annie is revolutionizing dental communication with AI chat that supports patients 24/7, making front office tasks more efficient and seamless |
 AI-powered phone assistant designed specifically for dental practices, helping capture missed calls, streamline scheduling, and enhance patient communication 24/7. |  Stratus simplifies dental practice management by combining powerful AI tools with intuitive workflows, helping teams streamline operations and enhance patient care. |  Platform that connects and analyzes data across your dental software systems, giving practices real-time insights to improve operations, team performance, and patient outcomes. |
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