In a world where dentists are constantly being marketed to about the wonders of AI—how it will transform your practice, improve efficiency, streamline workflows, and perhaps even make your morning coffee—it may be worth pausing for just a moment before diving headfirst into the AI pool.

Now, before anyone accuses me of being anti-technology, let me be very clear:

I am not.

In fact, I am a big fan of technology in dentistry. And yes…that absolutely includes AI.

But one thing has been weighing on my mind recently.

A short while ago, I watched a video reel from my friend and fellow dental coach, Dee Dee Reid. Interestingly, the message was not specifically about AI. Rather, it focused on something much broader: our profession’s growing tendency to look at technology as the cure-all for an underperforming practice.

To be fair, Dee Dee was not suggesting dentists avoid investing in technology. Far from it. Her point was simply that technology has limitations. It can improve systems, enhance workflows, and support better outcomes—but it is not magic.

And my favourite part of her video?

She pointed out that no patient has ever gone home and raved to their spouse about their amazing experience with the practice’s new cone beam scanner.

It is a funny point.

But it is also an important one.

And frankly, the same thing can be said about AI.

AI is a tool.

An incredibly useful tool? Absolutely.

A practice-changing tool in some cases? Without question.

But it is still just a tool.

It can help improve inefficiencies. It can save time. It can support better workflows. But on its own, it will not suddenly improve communication, strengthen patient relationships, or magically turn an average patient experience into an extraordinary one.

You still have to use it properly.

Take diagnostic AI as an example.

One of the things I genuinely love about it is its ability to help patients actually see what the dentist sees.

How many times have you presented an X-ray to a patient that meant absolutely nothing to them?

Sure, you explained what you were seeing. You outlined the potential consequences of delaying treatment. The patient nodded politely and seemed to understand everything you said.

And then…

They declined treatment.

You are left wondering what just happened.

The reality is that many patients simply do not interpret black-and-white radiographs the way we do. What feels obvious to us may look like abstract artwork to them.

This is where diagnostic AI can be incredibly valuable.

By using colours and visual indicators to highlight areas of concern, patients can often better understand the issue. Suddenly, they are no longer trying to interpret a confusing X-ray—they are seeing something much clearer.

That can be tremendously powerful.

But—and this is an important but—you still need to motivate the patient to take action.

Saying:

“Machine says ya got some cavities. Whaddaya wanna do about it?”

…is probably not the communication strategy most of us should aspire to.

You still need to connect with the patient.

You still need to build trust.

You still need to help the patient understand why treatment matters and feel confident moving forward.

AI can support that process.

It cannot replace it.

The same principle applies to patient reactivation and hygiene systems.

AI can be tremendously effective at combing through patient records and identifying overdue hygiene appointments, unscheduled treatment, or patients who have quietly slipped through the cracks.

And let’s be honest—many practices could significantly improve production and profitability simply by reconnecting with patients they already know.

That is a huge opportunity.

AI can help identify those patients quickly and efficiently.

But then what?

Sure, “the machine” can automatically send an email or text reminder.

And yes, some patients will respond.

But will everyone suddenly have an epiphany and think:

“You know what? I really should call my dentist today!”

Probably not.

So what happens next?

What is your follow-up process?

How does your team reach out?

What systems are in place to create an experience that motivates patients to say yes—to book the appointment, return to care, and move forward with treatment?

Because that part?

That is still human.

Yes, AI is becoming an increasingly essential tool in dentistry.

It can absolutely help you become more efficient. More organized. More effective.

But it will not create the patient experience that differentiates your practice.

It will not build trust.

And it will not replace the relationships that ultimately influence whether patients move forward with care.

That part still belongs to you.

And your team.

So embrace AI.

Use it.

Leverage it.

Just do not expect it to solve challenges that require something technology still cannot replicate:

Human connection.