Say “ahh” to AI
As dental practices adapt to new challenges, technology and community-driven initiatives are reshaping how dentists work and serve patients.
New technology, like automatic speech recognition (ASR), is increasing productivity and reducing the amount of time dentists spend on clinical notes, while new systems, like in-house marketing, are helping dentists attract patients amid a decrease in referrals.
Plus, several Missouri cities are joining others around the U.S. in removing fluoride from drinking water.
Upcoming DSO conference. The ADSO Next Level Mid-Market Conference for DSOs with two to 75 locations will be held in San Diego Nov. 5–7.
King Richard III's oral microbiome. He may have been royalty, but King Richard III had some serious dental problems. His oral microbiome indicates that he had gum disease.
Private equity snaps up more dental practices. The Private Equity Stakeholder Project tracked at least 22 private equity deals in the dental space in August.
Good or bad? A balanced look at the growing debate over whether mouthwash does more harm than good to the bacteria in our mouth.
Oral germ has deadly consequences. Streptococcus intermedius, an often benign oral germ, has led to the death of a healthy 52-year-old woman.
AI speech tools for dental recordkeeping
Automatic speech recognition (ASR) tools have the potential to reduce the amount of time dentists spend typing up their clinical notes. Researchers recently tested ten different ASR systems and found that the most advanced ones provided up to 60% time savings. But they caution that these AI tools can still make "clinically significant errors."
Why it matters: New technology that saves dentists time is an exciting prospect, but it is important that dentists review the outputs of these systems to ensure they catch any potential errors. (King's College London)
Dentists can no longer rely on referrals
An increase in DSOs, general practitioners keeping specialty procedures in-house and a rising competitive market have caused dentists to see a decrease in referrals, prompting them to rethink how they attract patients. Some are turning to marketing—even building in-house marketing teams—to cultivate a brand identity and increase visibility among future clients.
Why it matters: Direct-to-patient marketing may be the way of the future, and if you don't start cultivating your marketing techniques now, you may soon be late to the game. (Dental Economics)
The ADA will have a new president
Thomas M. Paumier, D.D.S., from Canton, Ohio, was voted president-elect by the ADA House of Delegates. Paumier served as president of the Ohio Dental Association, chair of the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs and has served on the ADA Strategic Forecasting Committee. He is on the faculty at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital GPR. Also elected was a new second vice president and speaker.
Why it matters: The not-for-profit organization is the nation's largest dental association, representing over 159,000 dentist members. With these three new leaders come new ideas and changes to the organization. (American Dental Association)
- New partnership gives DEO members access to Planet DDS program
- 10 Halloween costumes for dentists that will make patients smile
- Poor branding can lead a patient out the door
- How to integrate new technology into your practice
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Lesley McKenzie.
