Implementing AI in Dentistry: A Deep Dive Into Practical Use for Modern Dental Practices

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a buzzword—it’s becoming a clinical necessity. In this in-depth webinar, dentists gain direct insight into how to use AI in dentistry to improve accuracy, efficiency, and patient trust. With an emphasis on AI dentistry tools for diagnosis, case presentation, and daily operations, this session delivers practical strategies for immediate application in any dental practice.

The session is especially valuable for dental professionals who are:

• Struggling with diagnosis inconsistencies;
• Seeking ways to improve case acceptance;
• Managing high patient loads with limited staff;
• Preparing to scale their practice responsibly;
• Interested in exploring the future of AI in dentistry;

Dr. Scott Leune, a leading voice in dental business and systems thinking, offers a grounded, experienced viewpoint throughout the session. His reflections underscore how AI for dentists is already reshaping how practices operate—and why it’s time to act now.

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Understanding AI in Dentistry

The webinar begins by clarifying what AI dentistry actually involves. It focuses on a specific type of artificial intelligence—narrow AI—which is designed to perform one well-defined task, such as identifying dental pathologies on radiographs.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between general AI and narrow AI
• How AI systems are trained using thousands of annotated radiographs
• What types of AI are already influencing dentistry: computer vision, machine learning, and natural language processing
• How AI can assist with common tasks like perio charting, image interpretation, and radiographic analysis

These foundational insights help demystify the topic and set the stage for understanding the real-world impact of these tools.

Clinical Use: Radiographic AI as a Diagnostic Assistant

The core of the webinar focuses on radiographic AI—arguably the most immediate and impactful use of AI tools in dentistry today. Dentists are shown how AI highlights caries, calculus, bone loss, and defective margins in radiographs using color-coded overlays.

Key benefits explored include:

• Immediate, unbiased analysis of bitewings and PAs
• Identification of subtle pathologies (like incipient caries and asymptomatic lesions)
• Consistent support in reducing missed diagnoses due to fatigue or distraction
• Enhanced communication with patients through visual segmentation of dental anatomy

These features allow dentists to diagnose with greater confidence and accuracy, especially in high-paced environments.

From Diagnosis to Case Acceptance: Changing the Patient Conversation

Dr. Leune emphasizes that the use of AI in dentistry is not only about better diagnosis—it’s about creating a clearer, more trustworthy patient experience. One of the most compelling outcomes shared was a 30% increase in case acceptance within the first 30 days of using AI-assisted imaging.

From Dr. Leune’s point of view:

• Dentists often face skepticism from patients due to inconsistencies in past diagnoses.
• AI helps reframe the doctor-patient relationship. Instead of persuading, the dentist becomes an interpreter of technology.
• Visual tools allow patients to co-diagnose—seeing their own issues in real time builds understanding and urgency.
• AI reduces the time needed to explain treatment, freeing up minutes for deeper conversations and questions.

He sees this as a core reason AI for dentists should be adopted—not for the sake of technology, but for the ethical imperative to better serve patients.

Operational Impact: AI Beyond Diagnostics

Beyond radiology, the webinar outlines multiple AI tools in dentistry that are helping practices streamline operations and improve scheduling, planning, and documentation.

Attendees learn how AI can:

• Automatically verify insurance before appointments;
• Detect discrepancies between radiographic findings and unscheduled treatment plans;
• Flag coding issues, missed probings, or unscanned x-rays in real time;
• Generate daily provider roadmaps based on treatment opportunities;
• Assist in morning huddles by reviewing each day’s patients and surfacing key actions;
• Reduce insurance claim denials by automatically tagging bone levels and lesion locations;

This systemic integration shows how to use AI in dentistry not just for clinical care, but for driving smoother practice operations.

Dr. Scott Leune’s Strategic Takeaways

Throughout the webinar, Dr. Scott Leune stresses that ignoring AI puts practices at a disadvantage. From his business-focused lens, AI is a key driver of performance, patient trust, and growth.

His perspective includes:

• AI is now a clinical standard. Just like digital imaging or 3D CBCT became essential tools, AI dentistry is fast becoming the new baseline for modern care.
• AI supports—not replaces—the clinician. It allows dentists to review cases faster and with more confidence, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities across a busy schedule.
• Inconsistent diagnosis is a real problem. Studies show massive discrepancies between dentists reviewing the same x-rays. AI helps normalize this by providing unbiased insights.
• Ethical obligation is rising. With studies showing missed pathologies and underdiagnosed conditions, Dr. Leune views the use of AI as a responsibility, not an advantage. Patients deserve the most accurate assessments possible.
• AI is already everywhere else. From marketing algorithms to scheduling and HR tasks, AI is streamlining every business function. Dentistry must evolve with it.

The Road Ahead

The webinar closes with a preview of the near future:

• 3D diagnostic AI on CBCT scans
• AI-generated narratives and chart notes
• Tools that proactively alert front desk staff to documentation gaps before claim submission
• AI-assisted identification of patients eligible for same-day treatment

Dr. Leune frames these advancements not as novelties, but as necessary steps in building resilient, high-performing practices.

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Final Thoughts

This webinar delivers a clear and actionable understanding of AI dentistry today—what’s working, what’s coming, and why dentists should care. From diagnostics to daily schedules, AI is reshaping the standard of care and offering a smarter way to run a practice.

Whether you’re a solo practitioner, associate, or multi-location owner, the message is clear: if you’re not using AI for dentists, your patients—and your team—are missing out.