Dental Sound Bites

AI is in the headlines, but what does that mean for dentistry and for how you practice? We discuss the risks and opportunities every dentist needs to know about using AI responsibly and effectively. Featured Guests: Dr. Alex Lee For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  Everybody's talking about AI, but between the hype and the headlines, how do we know what's actually safe, legal and worth using? Today we're diving into these issues and learning more about the risks and rewards of how AI can be used in dental practices.   Our guest today is Dr. Alex Lee, a general dentist, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Dental Informatics at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM) in Pomona, California. He is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and thought leader whose work focuses on artificial intelligence, dental informatics, and technology implementation in oral health care. Since October 2022, Dr. Lee has delivered more than 60 presentations on AI in dentistry, published multiple peer-reviewed articles on the subject, consulted on multiple AI policies, and serves in leadership roles at CDM, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and other organizations advancing innovation in dental education and practice.  To help our listeners understand the AI landscape, Dr. Lee outlines six major categories of AI in dentistry: diagnostics, treatment planning, automation, extended reality, data analytics, and administrative support. He also notes that while many dentists are familiar with AI-powered imaging and medical record tools, dentistry has been at the forefront of adopting generative AI in healthcare.  Dr. Lee recommends that when evaluating any new AI tool, we should start with three simple questions: Can I use it? Should I use it? And how do I use it? He explains that this framework applies not only to AI, but to any technology being introduced into a dental practice, helping clinicians make thoughtful, practical decisions before adoption.  Dentists need to understand the legal framework surrounding the use of AI, says Dr. Lee, as he explains that while there are currently no federal laws specifically regulating AI in healthcare, existing privacy and compliance laws still apply.  Dr. Lee emphasizes that ethical AI use begins with asking not just "Can I use it?" but "Should I use it?" He explains that the ADA Principles of Ethics provide a valuable framework for evaluating AI, reminding dentists that patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and truthfulness should guide every technology decision.  While AI is proving valuable in the operatory for repetitive tasks such as imaging analysis, administrative workflows, and identifying patterns across large volumes of data, Dr. Lee cautions against treating AI like a "genie lamp," warning that it could lead users to trust results they don't fully understand or verify.  The group examines how patients' reactions to AI in the dental practice can vary but agree that trust often comes down to the clinician, not the technology. Drawing on his experiences as both a healthcare provider and patient, Dr. Lee explains that AI can build confidence when it serves as a support tool, but concerns arise when dentists rely on technology they don't fully understand or allow it to drive decisions instead of exercising their own clinical judgment.  Dr. Lee cautions that one of the biggest mistakes dentists can make is overlooking legal and compliance requirements when adopting AI. Before implementing any tool, he recommends dental practices confirm that vendors have appropriate agreements in place, conduct security risk assessments, establish clear protocols and training, regularly audit technology, and verify that products are cleared for their intended use.  Looking ahead, Dr. Lee believes dentistry's AI future could closely mirror the path already taken by medicine. He notes that many of the technologies, workflows, and efficiencies becoming commonplace in medicine today are likely to make their way into dental practice over the next several years.  Resources  What are the standards for AI use in dentistry? ADA offers guidance on responsible use of technology.   Test your understanding of Generative AI concepts, applications, and best practices with the GLAT - Generative AI Literacy Assessment Test.  The HHS Cyber Gateway provides resources tailored to meet the unique cybersecurity needs of healthcare organizations by leveraging the collective expertise of federal agencies and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Learn more on their site.    The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), in collaboration with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), developed a downloadable Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool. Check it out here.   Learn more about the ADA Code of Ethics.   Read about how how 3D printer emissions may affect health.  Listen to other Dental Sound Bites episodes on Embracing AI for Patient Care, and The AI Revolution in Dentistry.      Looking for CE on this topic? We recommend these courses:  "Leveraging AI and Digital Dentistry for Enhanced Patient Care"  AI Panel Discussion   "Artificial Intelligence: Overview and Legal Considerations"  "Artificial Intelligence's Revolutionary Impact on Dentistry" 

The conversation continues after the show! In this bonus episode of the Dental Sound Bites podcast, learn how new dentists can find a mentor and build meaningful professional relationships. Featured Guests:  Dr. Kayla Klingensmith  For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus the five good habits that can help you build long-term success.  Featured Guests:  Dr. Kayla Klingensmith  For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Show Notes  In this episode, we're sharing the career-building moves every dental professional should know, plus habits that can help you build long-term success.  Our guest is Dr. Karla Klingensmith. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Roanoke College, went to dental school at the University of Pittsburgh where she also got her Master's in Public Health. Did her GRP at Lehigh Valley Hospital where she is an attending and is now the owner of Evergrow Dental in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where she is passionate about helping patients achieve lasting oral health by uncovering the root causes of dental disease. Dr. Klingensmith is the chair of the American Dental Association's New Dentist Committee. Dr. Klingensmith's family includes her husband and her two standard poodles. She enjoys reading, crafting, and gardening.  Many dentists are surprised by how different practice is from dental school. Dr. Klingensmith discusses the challenges, expectations, and lessons that often catch new dentists off guard during their first job, including sharing her own first job experience.  When evaluating that first job search, should new dentists prioritize compensation or focus on finding the best learning environment? Dr. Klingensmith explains why the right experience early in your career can shape long-term growth, confidence, and success, and how to best evaluate what matters most to you.  Dr. Klingensmith shares the questions every dentist should ask before accepting a job offer, including how to evaluate mentorship opportunities, spot red flags during the interview process, connect with dentists already in the practice, and understand important contract provisions, such as restrictive covenants.  The group discusses that confidence takes time to build and reminds new dentists to give themselves grace as they develop their skills. The conversation explores how to approach unfamiliar procedures, embrace continuous learning, knowing your worth, and recognizing that competence is earned through experience, not expected on day one.  Landing the job is just the beginning. Dr. Klingensmith shares what professional development looks like during the early years of practice, including the skills that matter most, how to create a personal growth plan for yourself, and how dentists can make the most of even a few hours each month dedicated to learning and career development.  Knowing when to stay and when to move on from a job can be one of the biggest career decisions a dentist makes. Dr. Klingensmith discusses when she knew it was time to move on, and the signs that it may be time for a change.   Dr. Klingensmith says that the important financial decisions new dentists should be thinking about from the start include managing debt, evaluating compensation, and building healthy financial habits.   What are the five things every new dentist should do during the first five years after dental school? Dr. Klingensmith shares the five good habits that helped her stay on track, from committing to continuing education and mentorship to building strong financial and professional foundations.    Resources  Get the news you need to help you thrive in your career and life – focused on the challenges you face early in your career.  Explore the early career dentist success hub – what early career dentists rely on in their career, practice and financial future.  Map out your career goals, evaluate options and make confident career moves with this career planning resources.   Learn how to evaluate your employment contract and protect your interests with this "What to Know before Signing" E-book.   Questions about the associate-to-ownership path? See what you need to know before buying a practice.  Learn more about the New Dentist Committee at the ADA and get involved!  ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started.  Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok. 

Have a brilliant idea for a new CDT code? Learn how you can participate in the CDT code development process, submit proposals, and contribute ideas that may influence the future of dental coding. Featured Guest:  Dr. Shelley Barker Olson For more information visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

We're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence. For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast Featured Guest:  Dr. Shelley Barker Olson Show Notes  In this episode, we're answering your most frequently asked CDT Code questions, and covering the key changes coming in 2027 to help you navigate CDT codes with confidence.  Our guest for this episode is Dr. Shelley Olson. Dr. Olson received her DDS degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry. While at UNC she was President of the American Association of Women Dentists. Since receiving her degree, Dr. Olson has been in private practice, active in her community, and served in elected offices of local, district, state and national dental societies. Additionally, she is actively working with the North Carolina Dental Society as President and the American Dental Association as Chair of the Council on Dental Benefits Programming.  Coding plays a critical role in every dental practice. The conversation begins with a CDT code primer, exploring what CDT codes are, why they matter, and some key concepts every dental professional should understand.   More than just a billing tool, CDT codes serve as a standardized language that helps dentists, dental benefit plans, and other professionals communicate consistently about procedures and services.   Dr. Olson explains why CDT codes change from year to year, and how the Code Maintenance Committee reviews new code requests. The conversation covers the criteria used to determine whether proposals are added, and the role dental professionals can play in the submission process.   The group discusses CDT Code updates for 2027 that are expected to have the greatest impact on everyday clinical practice. The conversation highlights updates to implant-related codes, the addition of new pain management codes, and efforts to address gaps to better reflect current procedures and patient care.  Dr. Olson shared practical advice for navigating some of the most common CDT coding challenges faced by dentists. Some of these include frequent coding errors, including those involving nightguards and extractions, and she offers insights to help improve coding accuracy, documentation and claim submissions.  Dentists are told "code for what you do", but what if your claim still gets denied? Dr. Olson explains how to navigate claim denials, and shares what you should do when this happens.  Even for practices that are not participating with dental insurance plans, accurate CDT coding is essential, Dr. Olson says, because codes are a standardized record of care, they support clear documentation and help ensure clear continuity of care if patients transfer between providers.   The conversation addresses some of the most frequently asked questions about CDT coding, including documentation requirements for scaling and planing. The discussion also explores what dentists can do when they identify a gap in the CDT codes.  One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is that dentists can play an active role in the evolution of the CDT Code guides.  Dr. Olson explains how dental professionals can participate in the code maintenance process, learn more about the ADA Code Maintenance Committee, and contribute ideas that help ensure CDT codes continue to reflect the needs of today's dental practices.      Resources  Get answers to some of the most frequently asked CDT questions.  Need CDT support? ADA can help!  Free coding assistance is available to all ADA members, plus any non-member who has purchased the current manual. Please contact ADA at 800.621.8099 or [email protected].  Did you know 67 changes are coming to the CDT Code in 2027? Order your new CDT 2027 and Coding Companion Kit.  Learn more about the ADA's Code Maintenance Committee.  Need to request a CDT Code addition, revision, or deletion? Find out how here.  See how the ADA is pursuing insurance and benefits reforms that improve how dental care is financed and administered for all.  Explore ADA Continuing Education courses to ensure your dental team understands CDT codes and how to use them correctly.  ADA members get discounts! Not an ADA member yet? Join the ADA to get access to these resources and more. Visit ADA.org/join to get started.  Connect with us through ADA on social media! Follow us on  Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.