AI isn’t the future of dentistry—it’s already part of your day, whether you realize it or not. And if you’re anything like I was, that statement might raise your eyebrows. For years, my focus has been on building strong dental teams, streamlining front office systems, and solving the real-world problems practices face every day. Through Front Office Rocks, I’ve worked with thousands of dental professionals to make their offices run better. I wasn’t chasing the next big tech trend—I was deep in the trenches with you. But that’s exactly why I had to pay attention when AI started showing up.
I Was All In—But I Didn’t Yet See the Full Picture
When I first discovered tools like ChatGPT, I jumped in fast. I immediately saw how it could help me—generate emails, outline training ideas, brainstorm content, and save hours of my time. But what I didn’t realize at first was just how far this would go. The more I experimented, the more I spoke at conferences, the more I coached dental teams one-on-one—the clearer it became: this wasn’t just a helpful tool for me. This was something that could transform every part of a dental office. Hiring. Scheduling. Communication. Leadership. Culture. AI had a place in all of it. Now, I talk about AI from the stage because I’ve seen what happens when teams stop fearing it and start using it. They become more efficient, more creative, and more confident.
A Coaching Call That Proved the Point
On a recent coaching call with a group of AADOM Office Managers, we went around the room and I asked each person to share one thing they were struggling with. Here’s what I heard:
● “I need to write new job descriptions but don’t know where to start.”
● “I’ve got a team meeting coming up and no time to plan.”
● “I’m trying to come up with something fun for team bonding.”
● “I have to talk to an upset patient about a billing issue.”
● “I need to have a tough face-to-face with my doctor and don’t know how to prepare.”
Every one of those managers had a real, immediate challenge. And every single one walked away with a starting point—thanks to AI. We used it live on the call: typed in a few prompts, refined the tone, adjusted the details. Within minutes, they had usable drafts, talking points, and outlines. Not just ideas—momentum. It didn’t replace their judgment. It supported it. And it saved them hours.
What I Didn’t Expect to Learn
The more I used AI, the more I saw how personal this shift really is. This isn’t just about new software. It’s about empowering the people who keep dental offices running people who are often under pressure, short on time, and constantly troubleshooting. AI doesn’t take away their responsibilities. It gives them breathing room. And more importantly, it lets them lead with clarity and intention, not just reaction.
Your Role – Reimagined
If you’re a dentist, an office manager, or a team leader, you’re not just delivering care. You’re running a small business, coaching a team, managing systems, and keeping the wheels turning. You don’t have time to waste—and AI can help you reclaim some of it. This isn’t about being perfect at tech. It’s about being open to better tools. Whether you’re writing an SOP, creating onboarding materials, or navigating a tricky conversation, AI can be a brainstorming partner that helps you move faster—with less stress.
Where We Go from Here
In the next article, we’ll pull back the curtain on how AI actually works—without any of the jargon. You’ll learn what’s going on behind the scenes, why it matters for your practice, and how to use that knowledge to choose tools that truly support your team. But for now, here’s your first step: stay curious. Try one thing. See what happens. Because once you see what’s possible, it’s hard to go back.
