1 00:00:00,275 --> 00:00:02,345 - Hello everyone, and thank you for tuning in 2 00:00:02,345 --> 00:00:03,665 to the Becker's Healthcare podcast. 3 00:00:04,205 --> 00:00:05,625 My name is Mariah Mohamed, 4 00:00:05,625 --> 00:00:07,945 and I'm absolutely thrilled to be joined today by Dr. 5 00:00:08,225 --> 00:00:10,305 Seth gri, senior Director of AI 6 00:00:10,305 --> 00:00:11,945 and Innovation at Heartland Dental. 7 00:00:12,245 --> 00:00:14,145 Doctor, thank you so much for joining us today. 8 00:00:14,145 --> 00:00:15,225 It's always a pleasure to speak 9 00:00:15,225 --> 00:00:16,305 with the Heartland Dental Team. 10 00:00:16,595 --> 00:00:18,585 Let's jump right into today's conversation. 11 00:00:19,045 --> 00:00:21,505 So as a senior director of AI 12 00:00:21,505 --> 00:00:23,945 and Innovation at Heartland Dental, what are some 13 00:00:23,945 --> 00:00:26,585 of your priorities and key focus areas right now? 14 00:00:27,255 --> 00:00:29,185 - Well, first I wanna say thanks for having me, Mariah. 15 00:00:29,345 --> 00:00:30,465 I appreciate Becker's 16 00:00:30,465 --> 00:00:32,425 and everything you do to help the industry. 17 00:00:32,525 --> 00:00:34,745 And so, um, just wanted to start off with 18 00:00:34,745 --> 00:00:35,985 that from the, from the jump. 19 00:00:36,645 --> 00:00:38,545 To answer your question, I would think one 20 00:00:38,545 --> 00:00:40,345 of the main things that I do is really just try 21 00:00:40,345 --> 00:00:42,625 to stay on top of innovation that's out there, um, 22 00:00:42,765 --> 00:00:44,105 and look at kind of 23 00:00:44,105 --> 00:00:46,705 what products are coming down the down the line and, 24 00:00:46,805 --> 00:00:50,175 and how we can influence things for the better 25 00:00:50,175 --> 00:00:51,535 for the clinician and for the patients. 26 00:00:51,695 --> 00:00:56,095 'cause ultimately, as a clinician, my job is to figure out 27 00:00:56,195 --> 00:00:58,215 how to, um, help support doctors 28 00:00:58,275 --> 00:01:01,095 and their teams as they deliver, uh, the experience 29 00:01:01,095 --> 00:01:02,415 to the communities that they serve. 30 00:01:02,475 --> 00:01:03,535 And so they're the ones 31 00:01:03,535 --> 00:01:04,735 that are in the chair with the patients. 32 00:01:04,735 --> 00:01:06,015 They're the ones that are chairside. 33 00:01:06,015 --> 00:01:10,415 And so just continue to look at solutions for them on, on 34 00:01:10,415 --> 00:01:12,895 how they can best, um, best support their patients. 35 00:01:14,785 --> 00:01:16,915 - Yeah, yeah, definitely staying on top 36 00:01:16,915 --> 00:01:19,675 of innovation definitely seems essential for your role 37 00:01:20,095 --> 00:01:21,275 and for the organization. 38 00:01:21,455 --> 00:01:24,395 Surely. What has Harlan Dental's journey 39 00:01:24,465 --> 00:01:25,595 with AI looked like? 40 00:01:25,795 --> 00:01:27,515 I know many companies recently just started 41 00:01:27,515 --> 00:01:29,035 maybe a year or two ago. 42 00:01:29,415 --> 00:01:31,075 Um, how long has the company been 43 00:01:31,075 --> 00:01:32,155 looking into this technology? 44 00:01:34,045 --> 00:01:37,905 - So, I've been involved in AI within dentistry 45 00:01:37,905 --> 00:01:39,185 for the last six plus years, 46 00:01:39,925 --> 00:01:41,585 so I've been working on it for a while. 47 00:01:41,685 --> 00:01:43,345 So it's, it's one of those things that, 48 00:01:43,575 --> 00:01:45,945 like you plant a garden and you have to have patience 49 00:01:45,945 --> 00:01:47,625 and it takes time and you have to water 50 00:01:47,685 --> 00:01:50,665 and you have to, to provide nutrients for the garden. 51 00:01:50,765 --> 00:01:53,305 And, and sometimes that takes seasons for it 52 00:01:53,305 --> 00:01:54,825 to mature and for it to grow. 53 00:01:54,925 --> 00:01:57,585 And, and so over the last six years, been involved 54 00:01:57,585 --> 00:01:59,905 with numerous companies, basically everyone in this space 55 00:01:59,905 --> 00:02:01,985 that you could, you could name or imagine 56 00:02:02,045 --> 00:02:06,345 or think of to have conversations on, you know, how can 57 00:02:07,435 --> 00:02:09,635 products be created 58 00:02:09,825 --> 00:02:13,515 that really help drive patient care to a higher level? 59 00:02:13,995 --> 00:02:16,755 I mean, ultimately for me, that's what it's about. 60 00:02:16,755 --> 00:02:18,595 It's, yes, it's about creating efficiencies, 61 00:02:18,655 --> 00:02:19,675 but it's really about 62 00:02:19,775 --> 00:02:22,115 how do we help patients get a higher level of care 63 00:02:22,215 --> 00:02:23,955 and consistency day in and day out. 64 00:02:24,495 --> 00:02:26,475 And so the journey's been a long one, 65 00:02:26,475 --> 00:02:27,715 and it's been really exciting to see, 66 00:02:27,715 --> 00:02:29,275 and especially the last year 67 00:02:29,375 --> 00:02:32,915 or so, I mean, uh, just over a year ago chat, GPT came out. 68 00:02:32,915 --> 00:02:34,595 So everybody's learning about AI or, 69 00:02:34,695 --> 00:02:36,035 or they're involved in ai 70 00:02:36,055 --> 00:02:38,355 and really, whether you call it ai, 71 00:02:38,355 --> 00:02:40,515 whether you call it machine learning, whether you call it 72 00:02:41,115 --> 00:02:43,715 computer programming, really it's how do you take data 73 00:02:43,775 --> 00:02:44,835 and processes and, 74 00:02:45,135 --> 00:02:46,795 and automate those to a degree 75 00:02:46,795 --> 00:02:49,115 that it creates efficiencies within the 76 00:02:49,115 --> 00:02:50,155 system, if that makes sense. 77 00:02:51,695 --> 00:02:53,225 - Yeah, definitely. I think 78 00:02:53,225 --> 00:02:56,425 with technology can definitely be exciting to immediately, 79 00:02:56,565 --> 00:02:59,845 uh, join into, but to ensure, you know, where to put in how 80 00:02:59,845 --> 00:03:02,085 to work, it can be costly and a bit frustrating. 81 00:03:02,225 --> 00:03:04,165 So it's nice that you have that experience. 82 00:03:04,715 --> 00:03:07,405 What factors influence Heartland Dental's decision 83 00:03:07,465 --> 00:03:09,485 to partner with, uh, Vidia Health 84 00:03:09,905 --> 00:03:12,525 as the company's dental, uh, AI partner? 85 00:03:14,125 --> 00:03:15,285 - I mean, I think a number of things 86 00:03:15,285 --> 00:03:16,565 always go into decision making. 87 00:03:16,685 --> 00:03:19,245 I mean, you should, you should consider multiple variables 88 00:03:19,265 --> 00:03:21,805 as you're looking at, whether it's products you're gonna 89 00:03:21,805 --> 00:03:24,285 implement or even CE courses you're gonna go take, 90 00:03:24,675 --> 00:03:26,405 like what's the outcome gonna be 91 00:03:26,405 --> 00:03:27,725 or what's the perceived outcome? 92 00:03:27,745 --> 00:03:29,365 And then second to that is 93 00:03:29,365 --> 00:03:31,365 how do you manage the change of implementation? 94 00:03:31,485 --> 00:03:32,525 I mean, those are huge things. 95 00:03:32,525 --> 00:03:35,085 And so when we look at partners in this space, 96 00:03:35,085 --> 00:03:36,605 whether it's video health 97 00:03:36,745 --> 00:03:38,805 or whether it's other companies, um, 98 00:03:38,875 --> 00:03:40,605 that are in the technology side of things, 99 00:03:40,605 --> 00:03:42,325 or it's Henry Schein or Henry Schein one, 100 00:03:42,345 --> 00:03:45,125 or Allian Technologies and so on and so on 101 00:03:45,125 --> 00:03:46,245 and so on, I could go down the list. 102 00:03:47,035 --> 00:03:49,245 It's important to find partners that are willing to listen, 103 00:03:49,245 --> 00:03:50,485 that are willing to collaborate, 104 00:03:50,905 --> 00:03:55,205 and that really understand the ecosystem with what we work 105 00:03:55,265 --> 00:03:59,555 and how, I mean, we support almost 3000 doctors 106 00:03:59,695 --> 00:04:01,955 and there's a lot of variety among those doctors. 107 00:04:02,055 --> 00:04:06,395 And you have to be cognizant of what change means to them 108 00:04:06,455 --> 00:04:08,875 and how, um, different skill sets, uh, 109 00:04:09,305 --> 00:04:10,435 need different solutions and 110 00:04:10,435 --> 00:04:12,035 how those solutions can be implemented. 111 00:04:12,095 --> 00:04:16,035 So a big part of our, our partnership with Vidia Health and, 112 00:04:16,215 --> 00:04:20,155 and, um, their partnership with Henry Schein, one is 113 00:04:20,155 --> 00:04:22,315 that it just, it just really went back 114 00:04:22,315 --> 00:04:24,475 to working on solutions together, our partnership 115 00:04:24,775 --> 00:04:26,955 and then really strategic 116 00:04:27,095 --> 00:04:28,995 implementation of that change management. 117 00:04:28,995 --> 00:04:30,275 So how can it help workflows? 118 00:04:30,275 --> 00:04:33,115 How can it help tasks, um, to be more efficient 119 00:04:33,115 --> 00:04:34,115 and effective for the team? 120 00:04:34,315 --> 00:04:36,395 'cause ultimately we're in a relationship business. 121 00:04:36,425 --> 00:04:40,275 It's my belief that we really, as clinicians, it's hard 122 00:04:40,275 --> 00:04:42,755 because there are the tasks side of 123 00:04:42,755 --> 00:04:44,435 what we do day in and day out. 124 00:04:45,135 --> 00:04:47,235 And I think it's important to remember we are ultimately in 125 00:04:47,235 --> 00:04:48,395 the relationship business 126 00:04:48,395 --> 00:04:51,195 and kind of always said, if it's breathing, it's a priority. 127 00:04:51,195 --> 00:04:52,915 Meaning if the patient's there, um, 128 00:04:52,945 --> 00:04:53,995 that should be your focus. 129 00:04:54,135 --> 00:04:56,275 And, and so if we can create solutions that, 130 00:04:57,025 --> 00:05:00,355 that help them help a clinician support, help one 131 00:05:00,355 --> 00:05:01,475 of the clinicians or one of the doctors 132 00:05:01,575 --> 00:05:04,595 or a hygienist spend more time interacting with the patient, 133 00:05:04,595 --> 00:05:07,035 understanding what their needs are, what their wants are, 134 00:05:07,455 --> 00:05:09,835 you know, how this care is gonna affect their life. 135 00:05:10,025 --> 00:05:13,015 They can, they can re really create more 136 00:05:13,015 --> 00:05:14,495 customized healthcare for them. 137 00:05:14,955 --> 00:05:17,495 And then on the, on the next side of the technology, 138 00:05:17,565 --> 00:05:20,375 then you can say, okay, how can we utilize technology 139 00:05:20,395 --> 00:05:21,575 to catch disease sooner? 140 00:05:21,955 --> 00:05:23,735 So if we can stop the disease process 141 00:05:23,915 --> 00:05:25,255 before it becomes more advanced, 142 00:05:25,255 --> 00:05:27,375 then it becomes more costly, it becomes more invasive. 143 00:05:27,555 --> 00:05:30,375 And so if we can catch it earlier in that life cycle, 144 00:05:30,725 --> 00:05:31,935 then that's better for the patient. 145 00:05:31,995 --> 00:05:35,655 And that's ultimately better for, for, in my, in my mind, 146 00:05:35,755 --> 00:05:38,615 the, the clinician because it leads to more predictability 147 00:05:38,675 --> 00:05:39,895 and care, if that makes sense. 148 00:05:41,205 --> 00:05:42,775 - Yeah, yeah. Definitely makes sense. 149 00:05:43,195 --> 00:05:45,415 Uh, and thank you so much for giving us that insight. 150 00:05:46,035 --> 00:05:49,375 How does AI enhance the overall patient experience 151 00:05:49,835 --> 00:05:52,135 and support the patient-centric approach? 152 00:05:52,355 --> 00:05:56,375 Taking a Harland Dental supported offices, as I imagine 153 00:05:56,375 --> 00:05:58,565 that's a big reason why AI is being implemented. 154 00:06:00,035 --> 00:06:02,495 - It it does. I mean, I think, I mean, you can go back, 155 00:06:03,055 --> 00:06:04,415 I don't, I don't know how old you are, 156 00:06:04,415 --> 00:06:06,535 but I'm old enough to remember the Reader's Digest studies 157 00:06:06,545 --> 00:06:08,255 where they go to different dentists 158 00:06:08,255 --> 00:06:09,415 and they give you different opinions. 159 00:06:09,435 --> 00:06:14,295 And, and as a practicing clinician, like I understood that 160 00:06:15,755 --> 00:06:17,175 you go to 10 different dentists, 161 00:06:17,175 --> 00:06:18,855 you're probably gonna get 20 different opinions. 162 00:06:18,875 --> 00:06:21,975 And so I think with AI, 163 00:06:22,115 --> 00:06:23,615 it does enhance the patient experience. 164 00:06:23,735 --> 00:06:25,775 'cause it's almost like a built-in independent third 165 00:06:25,775 --> 00:06:27,175 party perspective. 166 00:06:27,355 --> 00:06:29,575 And so it's like you have this built-in second opinion. 167 00:06:30,205 --> 00:06:32,095 Also, one of the things that I think it does is it, 168 00:06:32,635 --> 00:06:34,415 it allows you to almost be fresh. 169 00:06:34,415 --> 00:06:35,935 It's like a fresh set of eyes. 170 00:06:36,045 --> 00:06:39,175 Like if we're talking about radiographic AI to 171 00:06:39,175 --> 00:06:40,335 where it's looking at findings 172 00:06:40,335 --> 00:06:43,895 and it's looking for whether it's, uh, caries on an x-ray 173 00:06:43,895 --> 00:06:46,495 or if it's bone loss related to periodontal disease 174 00:06:46,495 --> 00:06:48,975 or calculus, the AI never gets tired. 175 00:06:49,315 --> 00:06:52,175 And so it enhances the patient experience by, 176 00:06:52,435 --> 00:06:55,735 by having a level of consistency that us as clinicians, just 177 00:06:56,275 --> 00:06:57,375 the AI is not perfect. 178 00:06:57,475 --> 00:06:58,655 And so I think it's important 179 00:06:58,675 --> 00:07:00,575 to remember it's a combination of those two. 180 00:07:00,575 --> 00:07:03,695 So it's not the AI versus the clinician, it's really, um, 181 00:07:03,755 --> 00:07:05,255 the AI plus the clinician 182 00:07:05,255 --> 00:07:07,095 or the clinician plus the AI findings 183 00:07:07,095 --> 00:07:08,815 with the, with the clinician. 184 00:07:08,815 --> 00:07:10,735 This is something that I've positioned for the last 185 00:07:11,355 --> 00:07:14,735 six plus years and, and is, is a very big component of 186 00:07:15,075 --> 00:07:17,695 who we are at Heartland, is that we're doctor led, 187 00:07:17,705 --> 00:07:20,335 we're doctor created, we're a doctor driven company. 188 00:07:20,835 --> 00:07:22,855 And as a, as a doctor led company, 189 00:07:22,925 --> 00:07:24,375 it's important that these are findings. 190 00:07:24,395 --> 00:07:26,535 The doctor always maintains clinical autonomy. 191 00:07:26,675 --> 00:07:29,615 So they're taking in that information 192 00:07:29,715 --> 00:07:31,175 to help the patient experience 193 00:07:31,175 --> 00:07:32,655 to be better, to be more consistent. 194 00:07:33,035 --> 00:07:35,575 And so I think the feedback from patients has been great 195 00:07:35,575 --> 00:07:38,815 because they understand it's just really another set of eyes 196 00:07:38,875 --> 00:07:40,615 to make sure somebody's not missing something. 197 00:07:40,755 --> 00:07:43,495 The other thing that we've really found is that 198 00:07:44,115 --> 00:07:46,215 AI helps from a patient communication standpoint. 199 00:07:46,335 --> 00:07:49,895 I mean, for years and years and years, I would draw on, um, 200 00:07:50,065 --> 00:07:53,095 piece of paper for the patient, um, on the tray cover, 201 00:07:53,755 --> 00:07:56,575 or I would try to explain to them, you know, you see this, 202 00:07:56,915 --> 00:08:00,135 um, darker area on your X-rays on a black and white x-ray. 203 00:08:00,715 --> 00:08:03,175 And they would, they would say they would see it, 204 00:08:03,195 --> 00:08:04,615 but I really understood that 205 00:08:04,615 --> 00:08:06,775 unless it was huge, they, they wouldn't see it. 206 00:08:07,355 --> 00:08:11,175 And so it's this kind of communication difficulty between, 207 00:08:11,595 --> 00:08:12,695 uh, patient and clinician. 208 00:08:12,855 --> 00:08:15,175 'cause sometimes we go to dental, so to speak, 209 00:08:15,395 --> 00:08:16,895 and rather than speaking patient. 210 00:08:16,995 --> 00:08:20,935 And I think what we found is that AI really helps, um, 211 00:08:20,935 --> 00:08:22,735 the patient experience by helping in communication 212 00:08:22,735 --> 00:08:26,295 with the patient so they understand what their needs are, 213 00:08:26,925 --> 00:08:29,215 they understand kind of what's going on 214 00:08:29,215 --> 00:08:31,935 with their condition, and then whether it's catching 215 00:08:31,935 --> 00:08:35,015 something earlier and using, uh, preventive therapies 216 00:08:35,075 --> 00:08:36,375 to help take care of things 217 00:08:36,395 --> 00:08:39,265 or talking to them about, um, their home care 218 00:08:39,925 --> 00:08:42,345 or it's, it's helping them understand why they need 219 00:08:42,345 --> 00:08:44,385 to either have a filling or crown or root canal 220 00:08:44,385 --> 00:08:49,185 or whatever the stages of their dental needs are. 221 00:08:49,605 --> 00:08:51,465 We found those things to be communicated better. 222 00:08:51,485 --> 00:08:53,585 So that also helps enhance the patient experience. 223 00:08:54,185 --> 00:08:56,335 I think from a business team standpoint 224 00:08:56,755 --> 00:08:59,815 and from an intake of a patient, there's a number 225 00:08:59,915 --> 00:09:02,695 of AI tools and innovations out there to make 226 00:09:02,695 --> 00:09:05,895 that experience smoother so that they're not going back time 227 00:09:05,895 --> 00:09:08,295 and again, and having to repeat themselves multiple times 228 00:09:08,355 --> 00:09:12,495 as a patient or, or streamlining the process of, um, 229 00:09:12,685 --> 00:09:16,975 insurance claims or payments or scheduling appointments. 230 00:09:16,975 --> 00:09:18,855 So there's so many efficiencies within the system 231 00:09:18,855 --> 00:09:20,295 that can be automated. 232 00:09:20,355 --> 00:09:23,615 And whether you call that innovation, you use software for 233 00:09:23,615 --> 00:09:25,215 that or you call it AI machine learning. 234 00:09:25,635 --> 00:09:27,615 Um, there's a number of factors that come into play. 235 00:09:27,695 --> 00:09:30,535 I think the other thing too is it enhances the patient 236 00:09:30,535 --> 00:09:35,325 experience by ultimately being able to understand the data 237 00:09:35,325 --> 00:09:37,285 that we have in regards to patient care. 238 00:09:37,305 --> 00:09:39,325 So you've got somebody that's 35 years old 239 00:09:39,345 --> 00:09:43,245 that's on these specific medicines that has this level 240 00:09:43,265 --> 00:09:46,845 of attrition, then you can have a predictive level of care. 241 00:09:46,905 --> 00:09:49,325 So you kind of have an understanding of, okay, 242 00:09:49,325 --> 00:09:51,965 what somebody in that situation needs, um, 243 00:09:52,265 --> 00:09:54,845 and how to have something that lasts as long as possible. 244 00:09:55,165 --> 00:09:56,765 'cause ultimately that's 245 00:09:56,765 --> 00:09:58,365 what you want is you want a predictive level 246 00:09:58,365 --> 00:09:59,645 of care that lasts a long time. 247 00:09:59,665 --> 00:10:02,285 And so how can you understand somebody's risk factors? 248 00:10:02,395 --> 00:10:05,085 Well, now you have an ability with software, ai, 249 00:10:05,085 --> 00:10:07,485 machine learning to be able to analyze 250 00:10:07,485 --> 00:10:10,605 that data across a wide spectrum of patients 251 00:10:11,025 --> 00:10:13,965 and then be able to really streamline care 252 00:10:14,065 --> 00:10:15,365 to a more efficient process. 253 00:10:15,645 --> 00:10:18,765 I mean, from heartland supported network of doctors, 254 00:10:18,865 --> 00:10:21,325 we had over 10 million patient visits last year. 255 00:10:21,325 --> 00:10:22,325 And so that's a lot of data 256 00:10:22,345 --> 00:10:25,805 and a lot of stuff that you can correlate into, um, 257 00:10:26,075 --> 00:10:29,525 understanding a, a patient's needs at a more granular level. 258 00:10:31,355 --> 00:10:33,325 - Wonderful. Yeah, thank you so much for giving us 259 00:10:33,325 --> 00:10:36,485 that information on how the patient experience is affected. 260 00:10:36,905 --> 00:10:39,965 If we can go in a different direction, how is the adoption 261 00:10:39,965 --> 00:10:42,245 of AI expected to enhance productivity 262 00:10:42,665 --> 00:10:44,485 and streamline workflows in the offices 263 00:10:44,595 --> 00:10:46,005 supported by Heartland Dental? 264 00:10:47,725 --> 00:10:49,215 - When I look at AI 265 00:10:49,315 --> 00:10:50,895 and I look at innovation in general, 266 00:10:52,155 --> 00:10:54,095 I'm not really looking at it as a production number 267 00:10:54,445 --> 00:10:59,135 because I really think if we kinda put money aside 268 00:10:59,195 --> 00:11:01,815 for a second and we say, okay, what are we gonna do 269 00:11:01,815 --> 00:11:02,975 that's in the best interest of the patient, 270 00:11:03,475 --> 00:11:04,575 the productivity comes. 271 00:11:05,115 --> 00:11:06,175 So the patients understand 272 00:11:06,205 --> 00:11:09,335 that what's the saying is nobody cares how much you know, 273 00:11:09,335 --> 00:11:10,455 till they know how much you care. 274 00:11:10,875 --> 00:11:13,055 And if it truly goes back to the relationship business 275 00:11:13,055 --> 00:11:14,895 and the people business, which is what we're in, 276 00:11:15,755 --> 00:11:17,095 that's a huge part of it. 277 00:11:17,155 --> 00:11:21,135 And so AI providing solutions that allow you 278 00:11:21,135 --> 00:11:24,055 to be more personal, to understand more about your patient, 279 00:11:24,075 --> 00:11:27,815 to care from an interpersonal standpoint at a higher level 280 00:11:28,735 --> 00:11:31,825 ultimately creates streamlines that will lead 281 00:11:31,825 --> 00:11:33,545 to more productive environments. 282 00:11:33,685 --> 00:11:37,625 But I think the biggest thing that we've seen is that those 283 00:11:37,625 --> 00:11:39,585 that have adopted it at a higher level, 284 00:11:39,875 --> 00:11:41,825 their patients are saying yes at a higher level. 285 00:11:41,845 --> 00:11:43,745 So the care that they're already diagnosing. 286 00:11:44,525 --> 00:11:47,665 And so if a doctor believes you need this as a patient, 287 00:11:47,775 --> 00:11:48,985 then they're diagnosing it. 288 00:11:49,045 --> 00:11:52,185 And so say the patient is accepting 50% of 289 00:11:52,215 --> 00:11:53,365 what you're diagnosing 290 00:11:53,865 --> 00:11:57,525 and moving forward with that, well if now they're saying, 291 00:11:57,525 --> 00:12:00,125 okay, let, let's, let's do 60% of what you're saying 292 00:12:00,245 --> 00:12:01,645 'cause they understand it at a higher level. 293 00:12:01,665 --> 00:12:04,205 So that's where I think the, the patient communication 294 00:12:04,205 --> 00:12:05,765 and the case acceptance is, is kind 295 00:12:05,765 --> 00:12:07,205 of a really big barometer for me. 296 00:12:07,545 --> 00:12:11,605 So not necessarily like are they, are they diagnosing more 297 00:12:12,145 --> 00:12:16,525 or are, is somebody doing something different in regards to 298 00:12:17,365 --> 00:12:18,765 a numbers game, so to speak? 299 00:12:18,945 --> 00:12:22,575 It, it's really more about how do you create a, 300 00:12:22,775 --> 00:12:24,815 a consistent level of care for your patients 301 00:12:24,815 --> 00:12:26,695 and how do you get them to understand what their needs are. 302 00:12:27,085 --> 00:12:30,055 Then I think on the flip side of that, you're also able 303 00:12:30,055 --> 00:12:31,495 to take care of stuff earlier. 304 00:12:31,715 --> 00:12:35,095 And so if you can, there's some newer technologies out 305 00:12:35,095 --> 00:12:37,575 with innovation of restorative materials or, 306 00:12:37,955 --> 00:12:42,655 or regenerative materials that, that really work to kind 307 00:12:42,655 --> 00:12:44,135 of remineralize surfaces 308 00:12:44,135 --> 00:12:46,495 that at a higher level than something like MI pace 309 00:12:46,495 --> 00:12:49,495 or calcium hydroxide or fluoride did in the past. 310 00:12:49,675 --> 00:12:51,855 But even the technology's just gonna continue 311 00:12:51,855 --> 00:12:53,175 to get better and better and better. 312 00:12:54,985 --> 00:12:56,155 - Yeah, absolutely. 313 00:12:56,505 --> 00:12:59,155 Very quickly, can you share an example of 314 00:12:59,155 --> 00:13:02,355 where AI has been leveraged to elevate the quality of care 315 00:13:02,695 --> 00:13:05,115 and increased case acceptance among patients? 316 00:13:07,105 --> 00:13:09,045 - Got lots of examples. I mean, I just think 317 00:13:09,705 --> 00:13:12,205 really patients being able to see it, so being able 318 00:13:12,205 --> 00:13:14,445 to understand, say incipient lesions 319 00:13:14,445 --> 00:13:17,765 or they've got the cavities that, I mean, 320 00:13:18,265 --> 00:13:20,725 and I've always told 'em, patients' teeth are like m 321 00:13:20,725 --> 00:13:21,845 and ms, they've got a heart outer 322 00:13:21,845 --> 00:13:22,925 shell and a softer inner cell. 323 00:13:22,925 --> 00:13:23,965 So if you have a cavity that's in 324 00:13:23,965 --> 00:13:26,605 that heart out outer shell, we have a chance through 325 00:13:27,355 --> 00:13:28,605 oral hygiene instructions 326 00:13:28,665 --> 00:13:31,205 or remineralization products that we can, 327 00:13:31,585 --> 00:13:33,605 we can help those things at least slow the process. 328 00:13:33,945 --> 00:13:37,045 And, and now with solutions like radon 329 00:13:37,045 --> 00:13:41,285 and other biomimetic regenerative materials, 330 00:13:41,735 --> 00:13:43,885 we've got the ability to, to really heal some 331 00:13:43,885 --> 00:13:46,245 of those cavities when they're in that harder outer shell. 332 00:13:46,265 --> 00:13:49,245 And so I think just stopping that disease process, 333 00:13:49,395 --> 00:13:52,525 then you stop the, so like, I think that's a huge win 334 00:13:52,525 --> 00:13:55,805 because then you're, you're, you're stopping the process 335 00:13:55,945 --> 00:13:57,645 of restorative needs. 336 00:13:57,705 --> 00:13:59,165 So like if you can get to something 337 00:13:59,165 --> 00:14:01,725 before it even becomes something that needs a filling, 338 00:14:02,245 --> 00:14:03,845 'cause once you drill on a tooth that's, 339 00:14:03,845 --> 00:14:06,565 that's non reversible, you're never gonna go back to what, 340 00:14:06,865 --> 00:14:08,525 um, God gave you and what you started with. 341 00:14:08,665 --> 00:14:11,725 So, uh, I think those are, that's a lot 342 00:14:11,725 --> 00:14:13,485 of huge wins on the, on the front end. 343 00:14:13,865 --> 00:14:16,165 And then, and then on the, on the flip side of that, 344 00:14:16,185 --> 00:14:19,125 if you can get somebody, say they've got a large cavity 345 00:14:19,125 --> 00:14:20,125 and they've got a broken down tooth 346 00:14:20,125 --> 00:14:22,245 and you can keep 'em out of root canal, um, 347 00:14:22,245 --> 00:14:25,205 because you are able to communicate to them in a, 348 00:14:25,465 --> 00:14:27,885 in a manner which they understood what their needs were, 349 00:14:28,195 --> 00:14:29,685 that they were willing to say yes, 350 00:14:29,745 --> 00:14:31,965 and now you're taking care of it six months, a year 351 00:14:32,145 --> 00:14:34,325 or at some timeframe 352 00:14:34,325 --> 00:14:36,405 before it becomes an emergency situation. 353 00:14:36,405 --> 00:14:39,005 So you're able to, they're able to fit the, the care 354 00:14:39,005 --> 00:14:41,525 that they need in their life in a more strategic manner 355 00:14:41,525 --> 00:14:43,605 versus it being an emergency situation. 356 00:14:43,945 --> 00:14:46,405 Um, 'cause I know my wife would, it would, 357 00:14:46,425 --> 00:14:49,005 it would ruin her day to have to deal with a toothache 358 00:14:49,105 --> 00:14:52,085 and have, uh, something unexpected come up. 359 00:14:52,085 --> 00:14:54,925 And I think most of our patients are the same way, is 360 00:14:54,925 --> 00:14:57,605 that they, um, I'm sure you don't, I'm sure Mariah, 361 00:14:57,625 --> 00:14:59,445 you don't wanna have a have an 362 00:14:59,445 --> 00:15:00,885 emergency thrown in the middle of your day. 363 00:15:00,885 --> 00:15:02,725 We've all got enough problems to solve every day. 364 00:15:02,785 --> 00:15:05,245 So if we can figure out ways to predictive 365 00:15:06,565 --> 00:15:08,285 schedule things out, to plan things out, 366 00:15:08,385 --> 00:15:10,765 to anticipate needs, then um, 367 00:15:10,765 --> 00:15:12,565 those are all huge wins in my, in my mind. 368 00:15:13,685 --> 00:15:14,975 - Yeah, yeah, absolutely. 369 00:15:15,055 --> 00:15:16,295 I completely agree with you 370 00:15:16,635 --> 00:15:19,455 and I think from the patient perspective, AI is more 371 00:15:19,455 --> 00:15:22,975 of a positive, uh, for them than a negative Definitely. 372 00:15:23,525 --> 00:15:25,975 What has the feedback been from the supported doctors 373 00:15:26,405 --> 00:15:29,415 hygiene providers and team members on ai? 374 00:15:31,665 --> 00:15:32,785 - Honestly, a ton of excitement. 375 00:15:32,925 --> 00:15:35,665 Um, because they see how it can help them. 376 00:15:35,775 --> 00:15:38,265 They see how it can make their morning 377 00:15:38,265 --> 00:15:39,785 huddle more predictable. 378 00:15:39,855 --> 00:15:42,545 They see how it can help their patients 379 00:15:42,545 --> 00:15:44,185 understand kind of what they need. 380 00:15:44,185 --> 00:15:47,385 They see how it can make their day more efficient. 381 00:15:47,385 --> 00:15:50,945 And so really from a doctor standpoint, uh, 382 00:15:51,415 --> 00:15:52,785 from a hygiene standpoint, 383 00:15:52,785 --> 00:15:53,945 from a dental assistant standpoint, 384 00:15:53,945 --> 00:15:55,945 from a business assistant standpoint, it's kind 385 00:15:55,945 --> 00:15:58,665 of like every, every position within the office, 386 00:15:58,775 --> 00:16:02,065 there's something in it for them in, in rega in regards 387 00:16:02,065 --> 00:16:03,785 to AI or in regards to innovation. 388 00:16:03,805 --> 00:16:07,255 And so as we look at solutions, I think one 389 00:16:07,255 --> 00:16:09,735 of the great things that, that we've been fortunate 390 00:16:09,875 --> 00:16:13,295 to help on in regards to these solutions 391 00:16:13,295 --> 00:16:15,935 that are offered in the, in the dental world 392 00:16:15,935 --> 00:16:18,695 or in the landscape is our, is our influence 393 00:16:18,835 --> 00:16:20,295 as a world-class company. 394 00:16:20,995 --> 00:16:23,495 And part of that is to be in the room 395 00:16:23,635 --> 00:16:26,615 and to have a hygienist in the room to offer opinions 396 00:16:26,615 --> 00:16:28,255 and their perspective on, on 397 00:16:28,255 --> 00:16:29,415 how to make the solution better. 398 00:16:29,515 --> 00:16:32,295 And so I think that that's also part 399 00:16:32,295 --> 00:16:35,215 of our decision making when it goes to picking partners, is 400 00:16:35,675 --> 00:16:37,495 how can they be strategic partners? 401 00:16:37,795 --> 00:16:39,015 And it really is a partnership. 402 00:16:39,015 --> 00:16:41,615 So how can we collaborate on building solutions 403 00:16:41,615 --> 00:16:44,975 that really help everyone in the office to be able 404 00:16:44,975 --> 00:16:46,535 to focus on their patients at a higher level? 405 00:16:47,865 --> 00:16:49,555 - Yeah, that completely makes sense. 406 00:16:49,975 --> 00:16:52,275 On that same note, do you believe that access 407 00:16:52,295 --> 00:16:55,235 to this technology provides a competitive edge 408 00:16:55,695 --> 00:16:57,995 for supported doctors compared to their peers? 409 00:17:00,115 --> 00:17:01,115 - I would, I would just say yes, 410 00:17:01,145 --> 00:17:04,235 because any tool that you're using that are gonna 411 00:17:04,825 --> 00:17:07,115 help patients understand their needs at a higher level 412 00:17:07,115 --> 00:17:08,995 or create efficiencies when the office are, 413 00:17:09,265 --> 00:17:11,435 that they create competitive advantages. 414 00:17:12,175 --> 00:17:15,905 But I think we look internally a lot. 415 00:17:16,005 --> 00:17:19,065 So we look at, okay, where a network 416 00:17:19,125 --> 00:17:21,385 of 1700 plus supporter offices 417 00:17:21,685 --> 00:17:25,585 and every office is based on the community and the doctor 418 00:17:25,605 --> 00:17:27,665 and the leadership of the team that's there. 419 00:17:27,765 --> 00:17:29,425 And so everyone's unique. 420 00:17:29,485 --> 00:17:32,295 And so I think that's part of a little bit 421 00:17:32,295 --> 00:17:34,695 of a competitive advantage in the communities they serve. 422 00:17:34,935 --> 00:17:37,375 'cause it's a differentiator. But I think also 423 00:17:38,125 --> 00:17:40,775 them having the ability to customize solutions 424 00:17:40,775 --> 00:17:44,535 to some degree kind of ties into that clinical autonomy or, 425 00:17:44,595 --> 00:17:46,695 or how the doctors consistently 426 00:17:46,695 --> 00:17:47,895 would diagnose for their patients. 427 00:17:47,895 --> 00:17:51,045 And so there is, there is that customization component of it 428 00:17:51,075 --> 00:17:52,805 that, um, that also helps. 429 00:17:52,865 --> 00:17:55,645 So yeah, I, I think it does create a competitive advantage, 430 00:17:55,705 --> 00:17:59,605 but I, I also foresee a future state where it kind 431 00:17:59,605 --> 00:18:01,045 of becomes like digital x-rays 432 00:18:01,045 --> 00:18:03,845 and it becomes pretty standard across most offices. 433 00:18:04,085 --> 00:18:07,165 I mean, I can remember when I, um, started in dentistry, 434 00:18:07,165 --> 00:18:08,485 there were no digital x-rays. 435 00:18:08,545 --> 00:18:12,805 We , we had film rooms and, and dipped x-rays. 436 00:18:12,825 --> 00:18:15,005 And, and as technology changed 437 00:18:15,145 --> 00:18:19,045 and things continue to enhance those things will too. 438 00:18:19,105 --> 00:18:20,685 So I I, I do see a day 439 00:18:20,685 --> 00:18:24,685 where it becomes even built into imaging platforms or, 440 00:18:24,865 --> 00:18:26,645 or practice management softwares 441 00:18:27,265 --> 00:18:30,165 and it becomes more standard across the, 442 00:18:30,945 --> 00:18:32,005 across the industry. 443 00:18:32,125 --> 00:18:33,565 I think right now it's still early stages. 444 00:18:33,665 --> 00:18:37,365 And so, um, I think adoption is just gonna continue to grow. 445 00:18:38,875 --> 00:18:39,925 - Yeah, absolutely. 446 00:18:40,365 --> 00:18:42,885 I wanna thank you so much, doctor, for sharing your time 447 00:18:42,985 --> 00:18:46,045 and insights with us today, as well as Heartland Dental 448 00:18:46,265 --> 00:18:47,685 for sponsoring today's content. 449 00:18:48,225 --> 00:18:50,445 To our listeners, thank you so much for joining us 450 00:18:50,545 --> 00:18:52,365 and please be sure to check out other, 451 00:18:52,655 --> 00:18:53,805 other Becker's podcast. 452 00:18:54,235 --> 00:18:56,205 Have a wonderful rest of your day. .