Although technology has the power to enhance patient care, one executive warns that these innovations should not come at the cost of human connection.
Benjamin Golik, DDS, the co-founder of URBN Dental in Houston, recently spoke with Becker’s to discuss the risk that comes with technology advancements in the field.
Note: This response was lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What is currently the most dangerous trend taking place in the dental industry?
Dr. Benjamin Golik: I believe one of the most dangerous trends in dentistry is allowing the profession to become too transactional as technology continues to advance. We have incredible tools, data and AI available to us today, and I am very optimistic about where they can take dentistry. But as artificial intelligence grows, I believe our emotional intelligence needs to grow with it.
Dentistry is still built on relationships. Patients trust us with decisions that affect their health, confidence, time and finances. As dental providers, we need to keep improving how we listen and communicate, show empathy and help patients truly understand their health and treatment options.
Technology can actually help us do this better. Digital imaging, digital scanning, AI tools and better data allow us to visually show patients what we are seeing and have deeper, more informed conversations about their health. We should not simply point to an AI finding and move on. These tools should help us educate patients, answer questions, discuss options and ultimately build greater understanding and trust.
As dentistry continues to evolve, we should use technology to make care more personal, not less. Better systems can support our teams, improve consistency and help us make better-informed clinical decisions, but they cannot replace clinical judgment, communication, empathy or the human touch.
The future of dentistry should be more advanced, more efficient and more personal at the same time. Technology can give us better information, but the human connection turns that information into trust and better care.
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.
