The fast evolution of artificial intelligence is leading some dental executives to give careful consideration as to how they want to apply the technology at their practices so they can scale growth without sacrificing culture and workforce.
Curtis Swogger, the CEO of North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery, recently joined the Becker’s Dental + DSO Review Podcast to discuss the growing use of AI in dentistry and how his organization is approaching this technology.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What are some of the biggest issues that you’re following in the dental industry this year?
Curtis Swogger: I’m closely watching the adoption and scaling of artificial intelligence across the dental space, certainly OMS. It is the dominant conversation in every leadership room that I’ve been in. What I’m watching closely is why the groups are adopting it. I get the sense that many are chasing it as a purely cost-saving measure. I see that a lot, maybe in part because it’s the shiny new tool or they’re looking to scale their business, or maybe there are external pressures. Few are asking how it may change the way they deliver the care and run a business. So, it’s really something I’m watching right now and I’m injecting myself in conversations so I can stay educated.
Q: How is AI currently being used at North Pittsburgh Oral Surgery?
CS: We do some of it with the insurance piece. We did have a small blip early on with our phone system incorporating artificial intelligence, about 30-45 days in on that project, and I pulled the cord on it because I just don’t think we’re ready. Artificial intelligence is definitely the future. I think using it is going to be appropriate for different organizations and how they view it. For us, I don’t think we’re there yet.
Q: What are you most excited about when it comes to dentistry at the moment? Is there anything that’s making you nervous?
CS: I’m going to stay on the artificial intelligence train and the technology. What excites me is that we’ve hit an inflection point. This isn’t early stage hype anymore, and it isn’t a slow plateau either. The technology has matured to where it has real, meaningful application in how we operate. What makes me nervous is the pace of the legislation and governance around it. Right now, we know Texas requires providers to tell patients up front when AI is involved in their diagnosis or treatment. California has similar disclosure requirements. Certainly, Illinois has gone further and prohibited AI from making independent therapeutic decisions. We operate out of Pennsylvania, and Pennsylvania hasn’t codified this yet. I’d rather our group hold itself to that standard now on principle than wait for the state to require it, so we’re being really sensitive around that.
My concern isn’t AI-assisted clinical decisions. That’s been a part of medicine for a long time. My concern is using AI as the first point of human contact with a patient. I believe we’ll get there. I just don’t think we’re there yet. I’m also watching colleagues use AI to scale their business and dissolve entire departments overnight. I believe that evolution is coming, up to a point. I’m not naive to that, but as a leader, I’m intentional about getting there through attrition and thoughtful workforce planning, not wholesale reductions. People built these organizations. I don’t think the right way through this transition is to discard them the moment a tool can replace a task, so I want to be really sensitive about that and make sure it’s a win-win. It’s a win for the organization, the team, and really ultimately our culture and our legacy.
At the Becker's 5th Annual Future of Dentistry Roundtable, taking place September 14-15 in Chicago, dental leaders and executives will gain insights into emerging technologies, practice growth strategies and the evolving landscape of dental care delivery, with a focus on innovation, patient experience and operational excellence. Apply for complimentary registration now.
