Pearl explores the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) in the contemporary diagnostic workflow in dentistry.
Technology, specifically artificial intelligence (AI), is rapidly reshaping healthcare, and dentistry is no exception. AI-powered radiographic tools are transforming clinical workflows and how patients engage with their oral health. According to Dr Amanda Bassey-Duke, associate dentist at Clyde Munro Dental Group, the introduction of Second Opinion by Hello Pearl has significantly improved patient communication, trust, and treatment uptake, while saving an average of nine minutes per appointment.
When Dr Bassey-Duke joined Dental Care Perth, she incorporated Second Opinion into her daily practice. Initially the only clinician using the system, the measurable improvements in patient engagement, time savings, and clinical outcomes led to its broader rollout across the organisation’s network of practices.
Co-diagnosis leads to greater treatment acceptance
One of the most immediate benefits has been its impact on patient communication. Traditionally, explaining dental X-rays could be challenging, often relying on abstract descriptions of shapes and shadows.
Second Opinion overlays colour-coded annotations on radiographs in real-time, highlighting issues such as early decay, enamel lesions, bone loss, and periapical pathology. This visual clarity allows patients to see exactly what their dentist is describing, shifting them from passive listeners to active participants.
As Dr Bassey-Duke notes, this builds trust almost instantly, patients can see the evidence for themselves rather than relying solely on professional reassurance.
Providing annotated images for patients to take home strengthens this effect. Patients who initially hesitate can reflect on the visuals at their own pace, often returning with a better understanding and greater willingness to proceed, boosting case acceptance rates.
Enhancing preventive care
The technology also enhances preventive care. Subtle conditions like early enamel lesions, often overlooked in routine discussions, become clearly visible. These visual prompts encourage questions, making preventive care a collaborative discussion rather than a lecture.
Hygiene appointments have particularly benefited: when patients see signs of periodontal disease and bone loss, they are more likely to take these conditions seriously, increasing commitment to regular hygiene visits and prompting patient-driven requests for follow-up imaging.
Patient feedback supports these observations. Surveys reveal that most patients feel AI-generated visuals improve their understanding of oral health and increase confidence in diagnoses. High satisfaction rates indicate the technology is both effective and well received.
- 86% said the visuals helped them understand their oral health better
- 77% said they trusted the diagnosis more after seeing the AI results
- Nine plus minutes were saved per appointment.
Clinically, the consistent, real-time analysis of radiographs helps cross-check findings and reduce oversights, adding a layer of diagnostic support that enhances confidence and consistency in decision-making.
What could you do with another nine minutes per patient?
Efficiency gains are another advantage. Saving over nine minutes per patient consultation adds up over a busy week, and even a modest increase in treatment acceptance can offset the system’s monthly cost. For many practices, AI-supported diagnostics are not only a clinical enhancement but also a sound business decision.
Ultimately, Second Opinion reflects a broader shift in dentistry: from one-sided explanations to collaborative conversations. By making complex clinical information accessible and visual, AI bridges the gap between clinician expertise and patient understanding. As Dr Bassey-Duke emphasises, the technology does not replace clinical experience, it amplifies it, ensuring patients are fully informed and more engaged in their care decisions.
For more information, Amanda Bassey Duke presented a webinar ‘Saving time, strengthening trust and improving outcomes – AI in the modern diagnostic workflow’. You can view this on demand.
More information about Hello Pearl visit: hellopearl.com/getdemo.
This article is sponsored by Pearl.
