Henry Schein explores some of the findings of its Trusted Partner Report, which includes insight into dental professionals’ attitudes towards AI.
Over the past year, AI has quickly been adopted by the wider public as the new normal – and it was only a matter of time before such technology made its way into the field of dentistry.
But opinions of AI in the dental industry are mixed. According to Henry Schein’s Trusted Partner Report, around 40% of dental professionals currently use AI within their workplace in some capacity, but of the remaining 60%, almost half say they have no interest of incorporating AI into their clinical workflow (Henry Schein, 2026).
So, what is causing the current divide?
The pros and cons of AI in dentistry, according to dental professionals
The conversation around AI in dentistry is no longer about whether it will exist, but about how it can be used responsibly, ethically, and in a way that benefits both practitioners and patients beyond traditional dentistry.
And while some dental professionals are embracing the change, others are more reluctant to for a multitude of reasons.
What are the key concerns with using AI in dentistry?
- Lack of human oversight: while AI can be a useful tool, it is only as good as the data it is trained on. Without sufficient human input and review, AI mistakes can go unmissed which can lead to the spread of misinformation, as well as the loss of the human connection which is invaluable in dentistry
- Integration and training challenges: as with any new technology, AI can feel daunting due to integration and training challenges which require time and adjustment, especially if any issues arise. Training can take dental professionals away from their clinical role, which is not always a viable option for clinics with busy schedules
- Value for money: some AI systems require a significant investment which may not be feasible for clinics with tight budgets – especially when the return of investment is not always immediate or obvious
- Data privacy concerns: patient confidentiality and protection are key within dentistry, so concerns surrounding data privacy and compliance are not unreasonable, nor uncommon, given the nature of AI databases.
What are the benefits of incorporating AI into your practice workflow?
- Improved diagnostics: while AI should not be used for diagnosis alone without clinical input and human oversight, it can be used alongside professional diagnosis to provide supporting data and earlier detection by highlighting patterns that may be hard to spot with the human eye alone
- Workflow efficiency and consistency: AI tools can streamline existing workflows, and can be especially useful for admin-related tasks – freeing up time for more hands-on patient care and allowing dental teams to focus on high-value, human-centric tasks
- Better patient communication and compliance: explaining complex dental conditions and treatment options in a patient-friendly manner can be a challenge, but AI can help by providing visual tools and simplified explanations, improving patient understanding and long-term compliance, and helping you maintain patient trust
- Data-driven insights: using AI analytics, you can identify trends within your practice for everything from cancelled appointments to stock management. This in turn can help your practice run more smoothly, and allow you to plan ahead with more clarity.
Introducing AI to your dental practice with the help of Henry Schein
Around 40% of UK dentists are looking to adopt AI technologies in the next 12-24 months, with just over 60% saying AI adoption would most improve their documentation and admin processes (Henry Schein, 2026). But when it comes to incorporating AI into your dental practice, the best approach is to use AI as a supporting tool, not a replacement for human expertise and experience.
If you find the idea of AI daunting, you can start small: do not feel pressured to make huge changes to your practice workflow. Most importantly, you should always ensure that your team remains firmly in control.
By working alongside a trusted partner like Henry Schein, you can be confident you are using AI to its fullest potential in your practice, with guidance from their expert team and access to their vast range of AI-driven software and solutions.
How can Henry Schein help me incorporate AI-driven equipment into my dental practice?
With many modern equipment models now including AI functionality as standard, incorporating AI technology into your dental practice is simpler than you might imagine.
AI-driven dental equipment can support dental professionals in a number of ways, particularly when incorporated via intraoral or CBCT scanners for the analysis of imaging and scan data to improve patient diagnosis.
At Henry Schein, you can find a huge range of innovative equipment products on one easy-to-use website – from imaging to disinfection, and everything in between – as well as an extensive range of solutions and services including finance options, ongoing equipment support and maintenance, and in-person demos.
How can AI help me with practice management and insights?
With over half of dental professionals citing ‘time pressures’ as one of their biggest challenges, and many saying admin is the the most time-consuming aspect of their role1, one thing is certain: practice management software can be transformative when it comes to streamlining your practice workflow.
Dentally’s fully cloud-based dental practice management software utilises AI functionality for patient education and the recording of clinical notes, as well as allowing easy access to patient records for improved treatment planning, incorporating communication tools to keep staff and patients connected, and offering real-time reporting for managing finances – all for improved task assignment and time management.
How can I use AI to improve patient communication?
Dentistry is human centred at its core, so it’s no surprise that an overwhelming majority of dental professionals say their patients are the most enjoyable part of their role (Henry Schein, 2026). Over half agree that AI tools can be beneficial for improving patient communication, by simplifying treatment plans and diagnoses into less clinical, more patient-friendly language.
Henry Schein can support practices with technologies that help patients see what clinicians see, making conversations clearer and more collaborative, and strengthening patient-clinician relationships. What’s more, their improved website features comprehensive guides and articles on trending topics, providing unique, up-to-date insights that you can share with your patients.
What additional support can Henry Schein provide me when it comes to incorporating AI into my dental practice?
Henry Schein are more than just a dental supplier: they are a long-term practice partner, dedicated to supporting their customers throughout their dental career, from purchasing their first practice to retirement.
As a Henry Schein customer, you will be allocated a local rep whose core role is to provide you with expert guidance, to encourage growth and innovation within your dental practice. If you are looking to incorporate AI technology into your dental practice, your Henry Schein rep or equipment specialist can guide you through the best options to suit your practice’s unique needs, instilling confidence in your purchase.
Taking the next steps towards AI, with Henry Schein
To explore Henry Schein’s huge range of advanced equipment, or to discuss with a dedicated Henry Schein rep which AI solutions would be the best fit for your practice, visit www.henryschein.co.uk.
To discover more unique insights from UK dental professionals, sign up to be the first to access Henry Schein’s Trusted Partner Report.
Reference
- Henry Schein, Trusted Partner Report 2026.
This article is sponsored by Henry Schein.
