AI can make your dental practice more efficient, but what happens when efficiency starts replacing the human connections that make dentistry work? In this episode, Kirk Behrendt is joined by ACT Dental coach Heather Crockett to share four ways to protect the human side of dentistry in an increasingly AI-driven world. You’ll learn how to use AI to create more capacity, why some conversations should never be outsourced, how to preserve the patient and team experience, and why a human must remain accountable for AI-generated work.
To learn how to use technology without losing the relationships that matter most, listen to Episode 1109 of The Best Practices Show!
Main Takeaways:
- Use AI to eliminate low-value work and create more capacity for leadership, patient care, and relationships.
- Do not automatically fill the time AI saves with more work; intentionally decide where that time should go.
- Human connection should not be outsourced when conversations require courage, empathy, trust, mentoring, or collaboration.
- AI can support patient and team interactions, but it cannot fully interpret emotions, hesitation, body language, or the nuances of human relationships.
- Technology should support the patient and team experience rather than replace meaningful human interaction.
- A human must remain accountable for reviewing AI-generated information, communication, systems, and other important outputs.
- Use the time AI gives back to create more space for your team, patients, family, and the relationships that contribute to a better practice and a better life.
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Protecting the human side of dentistry in an AI world
02:33 Why dentists need to embrace AI thoughtfully
04:15 Trust will become increasingly important
07:40 Use AI to create capacity
09:00 Be intentional with the time AI gives back
11:46 Don't outsource human connection
15:19 Protect the human experience in your practice
17:13 Keep a human accountable to the task
19:00 Put your best energy toward what matters
21:00 Use AI to make room for more humanity
22:00 Final thoughts on creating a better practice and a better life
Guest Bio/Guest Resources:
Heather Crockett is a Lead Practice Coach who finds joy in not only improving practices but improving the lives of those she coaches as well. With over 20 years of combined experience in assisting, office management, and clinical dental hygiene, her awareness supports many aspects of the practice setting.
Heather received her dental hygiene degree from the Utah College of Dental Hygiene in 2008. Networking in the dental community comes easy to her, and she loves to connect with like-minded colleagues on social media. Heather enjoys both attending and presenting continuing education to expand her knowledge and learn from her friends and colleagues.
She enjoys hanging out with her husband, three sons, and their dog, Moki, scrolling through social media, watching football, and traveling.
More Helpful Links for a Better Practice & a Better Life:
