Practical AI strategies for dentistry solve real dental problems today. In Episode 34 of The Technology Evangelist Podcast, sponsored by Medidenta Digital Solutions, Dr. John Flucke talks with Dr. Kathryn Alderman, EMBA — former dentist, MIT-trained AI specialist, founder/CEO of Intelligent Care Alliance, and expert in responsible AI deployment for healthcare/dentistry.
Key Insights:
- Origin Story: Teenage immigrant mother in a homeless shelter → vowed to build her best life through education. Biochemistry degree → dentistry (practical choice for motherhood) → 20+ years clinical/business management → MIT AI studies → full-time AI consulting.
- AI Today: Not future hype — present tool. Focus: agents (agentic AI) for support, not replacement. Handles drudgery so humans focus on relationships/patient care.
- Burning Problems & Solutions:
- Case acceptance: Diagnostic AI (e.g., Pearl/Overjet) + visuals build trust; ChatGPT creates patient-friendly summaries in any language.
- Revenue cycle: AI verifies benefits instantly, calculates fees, drafts collection messages — reduces surprises, improves collections.
- Burnout/staffing: AI analyzes HR issues, suggests changes; supports teams 24/7 so humans handle high-value tasks.
- Accessibility/marketing: Voice agents answer calls 24/7, capture leads, schedule; prevents lost patients.
- Tech integration: Change management — identify one problem, educate team, implement one solution per 90 days, measure/celebrate.
- Implementation Tips: Treat AI like a new employee — clear prompts/context. Supervise outputs (continuous monitoring). Start small: one tool for the biggest pain point.
Dr. Alderman’s takeaway: AI is your 24/7 support system — use it to reduce burnout, boost efficiency, and live your best life/practice.
Connect via IntelligentCareAlliance.com or LinkedIn.
