By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD  
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com

A patient asked me about artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry the other day. It reminded me of a story a copywriter friend once shared about parenting his children. His advice to them was simple: Before doing something, ask yourself, “Is this helpful or hurtful?”
I have found that question surprisingly useful when evaluating new dental technologies, especially those that incorporate artificial intelligence. In my practice, I only adopt tools that clearly fall on the “helpful” side of the equation, both for patients and for our clinical team.
That mindset has led me to invest in three recent technologies that use AI in smart, meaningful ways:
Intraoral scanner
If you’ve ever had a crown, bridge, or nightguard made in the past, you may remember the unpleasant tray of goop you had to bite into. That’s now a thing of the past. Our intraoral scanner uses AI to capture precise 3D images of your teeth and gums.
This allows us to create detailed digital models that can be sent directly to our dental lab, with no discomfort and faster turnaround times. It also improves accuracy as digital scans reduce the chance of errors or remakes, meaning fewer appointments and a smoother experience overall.
Even better, these digital scans can often be sent straight to your insurance company, helping to streamline your claim and, in some cases, speed up coverage approval.
Pearl AI
Pearl AI is a radiographic analysis tool that uses artificial intelligence to review and annotate dental X-rays. When we take a new image of your teeth, Pearl highlights areas that may need attention – anything from potential decay to early signs of gum disease.
Just to be clear, AI does not make a diagnosis. That’s still on me, the dentist. Pearl acts more like a second set of eyes, helping them to spot things that might need a closer look. It’s especially helpful for screening periodontal issues and even oral cancer. The end result? More confidence in our treatment planning and more transparency in how we communicate findings to patients.
Voice-activated dictation
Anyone who’s ever had a periodontal screening knows how clunky the process can feel. Traditionally, the hygienist or I call out a series of numbers – your gum pocket measurements – while a staff member manually enters them into your file.
Now, with our new voice-activated dictation software, those numbers go directly into your chart in real time. It’s more efficient, more accurate, and far less distracting for everyone involved. Patients are often surprised by how much faster the appointment feels and we’re able to focus more fully on your care.
The beauty of all three technologies is that they improve the patient experience without replacing the personal touch that defines our practice. They don’t remove the human element. If anything, each new piece of technology makes us better.
So, is AI in dentistry helpful or hurtful? At our office, it’s a clear win for “helpful.” Especially if it means sparing you from a mouthful of goop.
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About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.