Robots in Dentistry? Julian Moore on Practical AI for Dental Practices

In this episode, Julian Moore, an AI specialist and former Microsoft engineer from Strategic Membership Solutions, discusses how dental practices can use AI to reduce repetitive work while maintaining patient trust and human connection. He explains why practices should approach AI as a junior team member, with clear instructions, boundaries and oversight. The conversation explores AI receptionists, appointment scheduling, software integrations and the potential role of humanoid robots in dentistry. Julian also discusses privacy, data hosting and the questions practice owners need to ask before introducing AI into administrative and clinical workflows.

Timestamp:

01:00 Can AI and robots transform dentistry?
02:09 Julian’s path from Microsoft engineering to practical AI consulting
03:14 Treating AI like a junior team member
04:18 Connecting AI to practice-management systems
05:23 AI agents, automation and keeping human oversight
07:29 Integrating AI with legacy software
09:46 Privacy, compliance and Australian data hosting
11:58 AI receptionists and real-world practice efficiencies
15:23 Humanoid robots: what they could mean for dental practices
17:33 Avoiding unnecessary AI software and getting more from existing platforms
18:37 Closing remarks

Takeaways

• Treat AI like a junior team member that needs clear tasks, instructions and supervision.
• Identify repetitive work where AI or automation could reduce the administrative load.
• Ask your existing software provider what features are already available before purchasing another product.
• Understand the difference between a set automation and an AI agent that can make decisions within a task.
• Set clear boundaries around what AI can action independently and what requires team approval.
• Review privacy arrangements and data handling before using AI with patient information.
• Check the specific protections offered by an AI service rather than assuming a business account meets every requirement.
• Understand where information is stored, who can access it and how it is used.
• Explore how AI receptionists could support calls, bookings and confirmations, with access to a team member when needed.
• Use scheduling and cancellation patterns to identify opportunities for better appointment management.
• Assess emerging technology, including humanoid robots, against a practical need in your practice.
• Maintain personal communication where patients need reassurance, explanation and support.

Learn more about Strategic Membership Solutions & Julian Moore:
Website: https://www.julianmoore.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliansmoore/

Send us Fan Mail

Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry.

Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue.

✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High
✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money
✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management

Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit

Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting

Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au

Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302

Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

AI for dental practices: start with the problem, not the tool

In this episode, Gry Stene, a human intelligence strategist, author and advisor, discusses how dental practices can make practical use of AI and automation by starting with the problem they need to solve. Drawing on nearly 40 years of experience in software and digital health, Gry explores opportunities to reduce administration, support patient communication and improve workflows. The conversation covers AI scribes, meeting minutes, stock control, recall systems and social media, with an emphasis on protecting patient information, checking AI output and maintaining human connection. Gry also explains why documented procedures and team input provide an essential foundation before introducing new technology.

Timestamp:

01:02 Why AI should start with the business problem, not the tool
02:35 Gry’s technology background and human-first approach
03:40 AI scribes: improving notes while staying present with patients
06:43 Why human review, privacy and accuracy checks are essential
09:07 An easy way to begin: identify the work that consumes too much time
09:23 Practical early wins, including meeting summaries and action points
10:42 Reducing the administrative load of stock and compliance
11:28 Using AI to support practice marketing and clearer positioning
14:02 Recall systems, patient follow-up and retention
14:59 Getting more value from the systems a practice already has
15:58 Building playbooks and documenting workflows before automating
18:01 Closing thoughts and where to connect with Gry

Takeaways

• Define the practice problem before choosing an AI tool.
• Ask your team which tasks create delays, frustration or unnecessary work.
• AI scribes can support more focused patient interactions, but clinicians still need to review the documentation.
• Understand how a tool handles sensitive patient information before introducing it.
• Check AI output for errors, omissions and invented information.
• Start with manageable administrative tasks, such as meeting minutes and follow-up actions.
• Review the automation available in your existing practice software before purchasing additional tools.
• Keep personal communication where patients need reassurance, explanation or support.
• Identify what makes your practice different to strengthen your marketing and patient communication.
• Document procedures, responsibilities and review requirements so the team uses technology consistently.

Learn more about Gry Stene:
Website: https://grystene.rocks/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gry.stene

Instagram: @‌grystene

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grystene

Send us Fan Mail

Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry.

Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue.

✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High
✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money
✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management

Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit

Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting

Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au

Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302

Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!

Discover how AI voice technology is reshaping front office operations in dental practices. Lewis Crook shares insights from his 20+ years in enterprise tech and healthcare, highlighting practical applications, benefits, and considerations for adoption.

Timestamps:
1:05 — Why missed calls are a major issue for dental practices
2:06 — Lewis’s background and where AI voice supports human care
3:32 — The real-world impact of unanswered practice calls
4:27 — Handling the morning booking rush with AI
5:39 — Patient experience, retention, and revenue opportunities
6:58 — How AI agents are trained and connected to practice systems
8:18 — Why older automated phone experiences created resistance
8:57 — Choosing the agent’s voice, language, and brand experience
9:47 — Why practice owners can underestimate missed opportunities
10:33 — A practical, evidence-led approach to adopting AI
11:23 — Privacy, compliance, and keeping patient data secure
13:52 — Why healthcare practices should start exploring AI now
15:43 — Closing thoughts and where to learn more from Lewis
16:38 — Series wrap-up and preview of the next season

Key Topics:

• The current challenges faced by dental practices in handling calls and missed opportunities
• How AI voice agents can improve patient experience through instant response and appointment booking
• The balance between automation and human touch, especially in complex cases requiring empathy
• Technical integration of AI voice agents with existing practice management systems via APIs
• Customisation options, including voice cloning and branding to match practice identity
• Privacy, security, and compliance concerns within healthcare AI deployment
• The importance of starting small with AI implementation and measuring outcomes
• The evolving regulatory landscape affecting healthcare AI solutions

Connect with Lewis Crook:
Lewis Crook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamlewiscrook/
Website: https://lewiscrook.com/

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

#DentalPodcast #AIinDentistry #DentalPracticeGrowth #DentalReception #PatientExperience #DentalTechnology #VoiceAI #PracticeEfficiency #DentalBusiness #HealthcareAI #BeyondChairside #AlignedBCPodcast #AlignedBusinessConsulting #MichellesView #LewisCrook

Send us Fan Mail

Helping Dental & Specialist Practice Owners Build Systems That Work—So You Can Focus on Dentistry.

Not sure where your practice stands financially? Take our FREE 5-Minute Practice Profitability Audit and uncover hidden profit leaks and quick-win strategies to boost revenue.

✔ Get your Profitability Score – Low, Medium, or High
✔ Identify inefficiencies that may be costing you money
✔ BONUS: Free copy of The Ultimate Guide to Practice Management

Take the audit now: https://tinyurl.com/alignedbc-freeaudit

Need expert advice? Book a complimentary 30-minute virtual coffee chat:

Connect with me: https://linktr.ee/alignedbusinessconsulting

Email: michelle@alignedbusinessconsulting.com.au

Enjoying the podcast? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more expert insights! https://www.youtube.com/@michellepritchard-alignedb9302

Stay tuned for more episodes from Dental Success: Beyond Chairside!