Smart Al in Dentistry - Oct 13, 2026

AI is in the headlines, but what does that mean for dentistry and for how you practice? We discuss the risks and opportunities every dentist needs to know about using AI responsibly and effectively.

• Featured Guests: Dr. Alex Lee

For more information, show notes and transcripts visit https://www.ada.org/podcast

Show Notes

• Everybody’s talking about AI, but between the hype and the headlines, how do we know what’s actually safe, legal and worth using? Today we’re diving into these issues and learning more about the risks and rewards of how AI can be used in dental practices.

• Our guest today is Dr. Alex Lee, a general dentist, Professor, and Assistant Dean for Dental Informatics at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (CDM) in Pomona, California. He is a nationally recognized speaker, educator, and thought leader whose work focuses on artificial intelligence, dental informatics, and technology implementation in oral health care. Since October 2022, Dr. Lee has delivered more than 60 presentations on AI in dentistry, published multiple peer-reviewed articles on the subject, consulted on multiple AI policies, and serves in leadership roles at CDM, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the American Dental Association (ADA), and other organizations advancing innovation in dental education and practice.

• To help our listeners understand the AI landscape, Dr. Lee outlines six major categories of AI in dentistry: diagnostics, treatment planning, automation, extended reality, data analytics, and administrative support. He also notes that while many dentists are familiar with AI-powered imaging and medical record tools, dentistry has been at the forefront of adopting generative AI in healthcare.

• Dr. Lee recommends that when evaluating any new AI tool, we should start with three simple questions: Can I use it? Should I use it? And how do I use it? He explains that this framework applies not only to AI, but to any technology being introduced into a dental practice, helping clinicians make thoughtful, practical decisions before adoption.

• Dentists need to understand the legal framework surrounding the use of AI, says Dr. Lee, as he explains that while there are currently no federal laws specifically regulating AI in healthcare, existing privacy and compliance laws still apply.

• Dr. Lee emphasizes that ethical AI use begins with asking not just “Can I use it?” but “Should I use it?” He explains that the ADA Principles of Ethics provide a valuable framework for evaluating AI, reminding dentists that patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and truthfulness should guide every technology decision.

• While AI is proving valuable in the operatory for repetitive tasks such as imaging analysis, administrative workflows, and identifying patterns across large volumes of data, Dr. Lee cautions against treating AI like a “genie lamp,” warning that it could lead users to trust results they don’t fully understand or verify.

• The group examines how patients’ reactions to AI in the dental practice can vary but agree that trust often comes down to the clinician, not the technology. Drawing on his experiences as both a healthcare provider and patient, Dr. Lee explains that AI can build confidence when it serves as a support tool, but concerns arise when dentists rely on technology they don’t fully understand or allow it to drive decisions instead of exercising their own clinical judgment.

• Dr. Lee cautions that one of the biggest mistakes dentists can make is overlooking legal and compliance requirements when adopting AI. Before implementing any tool, he recommends dental practices confirm that vendors have appropriate agreements in place, conduct security risk assessments, establish clear protocols and training, regularly audit technology, and verify that products are cleared for their intended use.

• Looking ahead, Dr. Lee believes dentistry’s AI future could closely mirror the path already taken by medicine. He notes that many of the technologies, workflows, and efficiencies becoming commonplace in medicine today are likely to make their way into dental practice over the next several years.

Resources

• What are the standards for Al use in dentistry? ADA offers guidance on responsible use of technology.
• Test your understanding of Generative Al concepts, applications, and best practices with the GLAT – Generative Al Literacy Assessment Test.
• The HHS Cyber Gateway provides resources tailored to meet the unique cybersecurity needs of healthcare organizations by leveraging the collective expertise of federal agencies and collaborating with industry stakeholders. Learn more on their site.
• The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC), in collaboration with the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR), developed a downloadable Security Risk Assessment (SRA) Tool. Check it out here.
• Learn more about the ADA Code of Ethics.
• Read about how how 3D printer emissions may affect health.
• Listen to other Dental Sound Bites episodes on Embracing Al for Patient Care, and The Al Revolution in Dentistry.
• Looking for CE on this topic? We recommend these courses:
• “Leveraging Al and Digital Dentistry for Enhanced Patient Care”
• Al Panel Discussion
• “Artificial Intelligence: Overview and Legal Considerations”
• “Artificial Intelligence’s Revolutionary Impact on Dentistry”