📝 From Laura’s Desk

My advice? Be careful who you take advice from, especially when it comes to areas like HIPAA, compliance, or HR. AI is powerful, but if used incorrectly, it can create risk instead of removing it.

Let’s be curious, but cautious. Open-minded, but thoughtful. And let’s keep learning—together. The more we understand, the better we can lead our teams into this new era with clarity and confidence. 💡💪

🧠 How Dental AI Gets FDA Approval

The world of dental AI is evolving quickly, but before these tools can land in your operatory, they have to clear a major hurdle: FDA approval. And it’s no easy feat.

I’ve recently been diving into Pearl’s journey to getting their AI tool, Second Opinion®, FDA-cleared—and let me tell you, this process gave me a whole new appreciation for what goes into bringing AI into clinical reality.

🛠️ Here’s how it works:

1. Build and Train the AI: Using thousands of expertly labeled dental images, the AI is trained to detect things like cavities or bone loss.

2. Test in the Real World: Clinical trials follow—just like Pearl did with thousands of radiographs—comparing AI performance to traditional diagnostics.

3. Submit to the FDA: All results, risks, and documentation are submitted through strict regulatory pathways.

4. FDA Review & Clearance: Only after thorough review can the product be approved for use in your practice.

✅ Why it matters: FDA clearance isn’t just a badge—it means the tool has been proven safe, accurate, and effective. For your team, it boosts confidence in diagnoses and streamlines decision-making. For patients, it builds trust when they can see what you’re explaining in real-time on their X-rays.

Tools like Second Opinion® represent more than innovation—they're the future of dentistry backed by real data, real validation, and real results.

To read more about this, check out the press release.

✨ Curious what FDA-cleared AI could mean for your practice? This is just the beginning.

As AI becomes more integrated into our dental workflows—from diagnostics to patient communication—it’s important that we not only understand its potential, but also the risks and responsibilities that come with it.

A recent article from TDIC (The Dentists Insurance Company) caught my eye, and I wanted to share a quick breakdown for you because it hits on something we all need to consider: how do we use AI responsibly in our practices?

Here are a few key takeaways from the article:

🧠 1. AI Should Assist, Not Replace Clinical Judgment

AI tools like radiograph analysis can improve efficiency and accuracy—but the dentist is still responsible for interpreting and verifying results. You can’t outsource your license to the algorithm. You remain the final clinical decision-maker.

🔍 2. Informed Consent is Critical

Patients should know when AI is being used in their care. Just like you’d explain a digital X-ray or a new technology, transparency about AI use helps build trust—and can help protect you legally if questions arise later.

📋 3. Document Everything

AI may assist in detection or treatment planning, but it’s essential to document your reasoning behind any diagnosis or care recommendation. If you’re using AI to support your decisions, make note of it—but don’t rely on the tool alone as your documentation.

🛡️ 4. Understand Your Tools

Before you adopt any AI platform, you need to understand how it works, what it’s approved for, and its limitations. That includes reviewing FDA clearance status, privacy policies, and how it integrates into your workflow.

🧾 5. Risk Management Still Applies

Using AI doesn’t eliminate malpractice risk—it introduces new areas to manage. TDIC reminds us that dental liability still lies with the clinician, regardless of the tool in use.

💡 My Take:

AI can absolutely enhance your practice—but you need to lead the implementation with clarity, communication, and clinical oversight. The more your team understands where AI fits in (and where it doesn’t), the smoother and safer the transition will be.

This article is a great reminder that tech is a tool—not a substitute for our professional judgment. Want to read the full piece?
👉 Check it out here

💬 Talking with Your Team About AI & Responsibility

As you begin using AI in your dental practice, it’s essential to bring your team into the conversation—not just about how it works, but about how to use it responsibly and within legal boundaries.

Start by explaining that AI is a support tool, not a replacement for clinical decision-making. Make it clear that the dentist is always the final authority, and any AI-generated insights must be reviewed and verified.

✅ Set up systems to:

• Document when and how AI is used in patient care

• Ensure informed consent includes mention of AI use (when relevant)

• Train staff on what tasks AI can support—and where human oversight is required

• Regularly review workflows to confirm compliance with your state board and liability coverage

Having clear protocols and accountability in place helps your team feel confident and keeps your practice protected. 💡

Join Me For A New Hand-On AI Workshop

I’m hosting a 2-day, hands-on AI workshop in San Diego for doctors, team members, or anyone ready to learn how to actually use AI in a dental setting. No tech skills needed—just curiosity!

We’ll cover practical, real-world tools that save time and support growth. And let’s be real… learning + sunshine? Yes, please. 🌴☀️

🗓️ Choose your date: June 20–21 or July 18–19
👉 More info at Brush Up Ai

 Sponsor Spotlight: Pearl.ai

There’s a reason Pearl is one of the first AI companies I recommend to dental practices—because they’re doing way more than most people realize.

Most know Pearl for Second Opinion®, their FDA-cleared AI tool that reads radiographs in real time and helps dentists spot things like caries, calculus, and bone loss with greater accuracy. But what many don’t realize is that Pearl also offers AI-powered insurance verification—yes, really! It automatically pulls and organizes patient eligibility info so your front office doesn’t have to spend time chasing it down.

And one of my favorite features? Pearl’s Morning Huddle tool. It gives your team a clear, AI-generated breakdown of the day’s patients, potential treatment needs, and opportunities for care—all before your first patient even walks through the door.

It’s not just a radiograph reader—it’s a full practice support system. To book a demo or learn more: Sheela Roth [email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to check out this newsletter! I hope you found the content engaging and insightful. If you enjoyed it, please consider sharing it with friends or colleagues who might also benefit from or appreciate the information.

Your support in spreading the word means a lot to me and helps me continue to provide valuable content to a wider audience. Thank you once again for your interest and support!