On September 19, 2025 in Chicago, I joined a panel hosted by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) to talk about where AI is taking dentistry. It was a lively, practical conversation with clinicians and operators who are already living this shift. (Want the replay? Watch the full panel on YouTube. Learn more about DANB at danb.org.)
Beyond the Operatory: AI for the Nonclinical Side
Most AI headlines focus on clinical tech—reading radiographs, detecting caries, drafting clinical notes. At Viva, we obsess over the nonclinical side: answering and placing calls, insurance verification, follow-ups, and patient communications across channels.
Imagine every patient interaction feeling like a concierge experience—someone who remembers context, preferences, and communication style. AI lets practices deliver that level of personalization at scale.
This isn’t about replacing people; it’s about removing the work no one enjoys (endless calls, faxes, and hold music) so teams can spend more time with patients.
Empowering Teams, Not Replacing Them
No one shows up excited to make 200 outbound calls or chase insurance faxes. AI takes on the repetitive, low-value tasks; humans do the high-touch work. Practices that lean into this division of labor see happier teams and more present patient care.
Adoption: What Actually Moves the Needle
A surprise from the discussion: some of the strongest adopters are experienced dentists. They value AI as a consistent “second set of eyes” and a way to align the whole team. Real adoption happens when tools feel reliable, intuitive, and embedded—not like “one more app” to juggle.
What’s Next (and Already Here)
Over the next 3–5 years, AI will be so woven into workflows that we’ll stop calling it “AI.” On the nonclinical side, expect:
- Faster, clearer patient communication that feels human across voice and text
- Smarter insurance workflows (eligibility checks, documentation, and adjudication support)
- Automation of repetitive ops so front offices can focus on people, not processes
The through-line: less friction, more human care.
About Viva
Viva AI streamlines nonclinical workflows for dental practices—calls, follow-ups, and insurance tasks—so teams can spend more time with patients.
About DANB & the Event
The panel was part of a DANB session in Chicago on September 19, 2025. Learn more about DANB at danb.org and watch the full panel here.