Why AI in Dentistry Deserves a Closer Look
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is dominating conversations across the dental industry. Every conference has an AI panel. Every vendor wants to claim an AI breakthrough. The buzz around AI is loud, but most dental teams still want to know: How can it actually help me, and what should I be cautious of?
This blog breaks down what dental AI is, what it isn’t, and how to tell the difference between hype and meaningful innovation. The goal is to demystify AI and share how it is reshaping dental practices for the better when built thoughtfully and used ethically.
What AI Is in Dentistry
AI is software designed to recognize patterns, process language, analyze data, and automate tasks that previously relied on manual input. That means it can:
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Transcribe clinical notes accurately from your voice in real time
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Support diagnosis by identifying radiographic anomalies for further review
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Chart procedures automatically based on verbal input
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Capture and summarize calls directly in patient profiles
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Streamline insurance workflows and task management
These applications are not hypothetical. They are already delivering results. A study published in the International Dental Journal found that AI tools have increased diagnostic accuracy by up to 15% in radiology. Another study showed that AI-enabled documentation saved providers 2 to 3 hours per day, without reducing quality.
This isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about restoring time and presence to providers who are too often bogged down by administrative demands. The result? Better experiences for teams and patients alike.
What AI Won’t Do For Your Practice
AI is not a replacement for clinical judgment. It does not make decisions without a human in the loop. And it’s not a flashy label that magically improves outcomes.
Jana Macon, President of Curve Dental®, emphasized this distinction in a recent podcast, where she discussed emerging AI trends in dentistry and how Curve is building AI directly into its all-in-one practice management platform: "What’s different about real AI, versus just slapping the label on it, is that the AI engine actually learns from the data. Then we build around what it can do, not the other way around. That’s how you create something truly useful. At Curve, we flipped half our roadmap in March to rethink how we apply AI to the core pillars of our software. Not just to say it’s AI, but to invest meaningfully, $20 million a year, in building it the right way.”
This is critical. True AI is trained with purpose. It’s integrated thoughtfully. And it is constantly improving based on how it is used. Research published in ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction indicates that AI works best when paired with humans, like a co-pilot enhancing documentation accuracy without removing oversight. That’s the model we, at Curve Dental, believe in.
How Do You Know if It’s Real AI or Just a Label?
As AI becomes more common, it is essential to distinguish real functionality from marketing claims. Ask yourself:
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Is the AI embedded into your existing platform or does it require multiple tools?
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Does it reduce the steps needed to complete a task or add complexity?
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Does it demonstrate measurable improvements in accuracy, time, or satisfaction?
What should you watch out for? Avoid tools that use the term “AI” without showing how it actually works, or how it improves your workflow. If it adds more clicks, more complexity, or sits outside the tools your team already uses, it may be creating more problems than it solves.
Survey data from 2025 reveals that many providers see the value in AI but still face barriers like lack of training or transparency. That’s why Curve not only builds native AI features but also ensures they are easy to use, fully supported, and clearly explained. Tools like Ask CurveAI and Eligibility+, Curve’s AI-powered insurance verification solution, are designed to simplify workflows for dental teams—not complicate them.
Using AI to Improve the Patient Experience
AI can support better connections. It can eliminate redundant clicks and screen time, freeing up the provider to make eye contact, explain treatment, and focus on patient needs. Recent research demonstrates that AI tools could interpret patient-reported experience with substantial accuracy, making it easier to learn from and respond to patient feedback.
A 2023 study in the Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that AI cut down on misdiagnoses and saved 40 minutes a day in typical dental workflows. These gains help your practice run smoother, so you can show up fully for the person in the chair.
Curve Dental's Human-First Approach to AI
AI in dentistry should not be smoke and mirrors. It should be built on trust, clinical insight, and a clear commitment to people. At Curve, we’re not layering AI onto the surface. We’re embedding it into the foundation of your workflow so it works for you, not the other way around.
When you’re ready to explore what real, human-centric AI looks like in practice, we’re ready to show you.
Book a personalized demo of Curve today.
References
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Samaranayake, L., et al. (2025). International Dental Journal.
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Bundy, H., et al. (2024). Journal of General Internal Medicine.
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Bossen, C., & Pine, K. H. (2023). ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction.
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Gupta, E., et al. (2025). Bioinformation.
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van Buchem, M. M., et al. (2022). BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making.
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Costin, L. I., et al. (2023). Romanian Journal of Oral Rehabilitation.
Robin Bowling
Author
Robin Bowling is the Chief Marketing Officer at Curve Dental, a leading dental software company. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare technology and SaaS, she brings deep industry insight into the innovations transforming how dental practices operate. Robin is passionate about advancing modern, scalable solutions that empower dental teams, improve patient care, and drive growth across the industry. She holds an MBA in Organizational Leadership and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Strategic Leadership.