American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA®) and Heartland Dental Release Survey on Dental AI

May 17, 2024

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association and Heartland Dental and are proud to expand their education partnership in 2024 by releasing research on dental AI. The two organizations recently partnered on an industry survey, “AI in Dentistry: Are Hygienists Ready,” gaining insights on hygiene professionals’ awareness, understanding, and comfort with dental AI technologies.

AI Survey Results ReportThrough a survey of 598 hygienists, the report explores their perceptions and experiences, providing a comprehensive understanding of how hygienists view AI adoption and the impact of AI on their field.

Key highlights include:

  • Awareness and Readiness: While over two-thirds of hygienists believe AI can improve efficiency and clinical effectiveness, less than 8% are familiar with the technology itself. This highlights a need for increased education and exposure.
  • Perceived Impact: Many hygienists see AI as a tool to improve diagnosis and streamline administrative tasks like claim submission. However, the majority believe the major impact will occur in the next 1-3 years, suggesting a wait-and-see approach.
  • Workload Concerns: The survey reveals mixed feelings about workload. While some hygienists foresee a temporary increase, most expect AI to ultimately ease their daily routines.
  • Quality Over Quantity: A resounding majority believe AI will enhance both efficiency and the quality of care they provide. There’s a clear focus on using AI for earlier disease detection, quantifying disease progression, and better patient education.
  • Partners, Not Replacements: Overwhelmingly (80.4%), hygienists see AI as a tool to augment their capabilities, not replace them. This is a positive sign for the future of the profession.
  • Utilizing AI: Security concerns, potential for inaccuracies, and a decline in diagnostic skills emerged as key worries. These are valid points that will need to be addressed as AI integration progresses.

The Road Ahead: Education and Collaboration

This survey highlights the importance of addressing knowledge gaps and concerns surrounding AI. Following the nation’s largest pilot of Dental AI technologies, Heartland Dental announced in Q4 2023 its decision to make VideaAI available to over 1,700 supported offices nationwide. The real-world evidence Heartland’s supported hygienists gathered during the pilot and subsequent implementation rollout, paired with the survey insights, are enabling enhanced learning and awareness across the industry.

“Hygienists have been instrumental partners in our AI journey.  We know AI technology is a great tool for them to enhance their patient care while maintaining a strong partnership with the doctor on diagnosis,” shared Lori Hall, CDA, LDH, Vice President of Clinical Operations at Heartland Dental. “This survey underscores the importance of providing hygiene students, registered hygienists, and other dental professionals with relatable, informative content that is pertinent to the latest dental innovations.”

“When we educate we dispel fears and myths, address concerns, and learn how to embrace new potential skills and roles,” according to JoAnn Gurenlian, RDH, MS, PhD, AAFAAOM, FADHA, Director of Education, Research and Advocacy at ADHA. “AI can enhance and broaden how we function and help our patients better understand their oral health.”

By fostering education and collaboration, as exemplified by the partnership between Heartland Dental and the ADHA, the dental industry can ensure a smooth transition towards a future where AI empowers hygienists to deliver exceptional patient care.

Access the full survey report here.

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ADHA and Heartland Dental have an expanded education partnership that includes virtual and in-person education events for professional dental hygienists and dental hygiene students throughout the year and at the ADHA Annual Conference. For more information on the collaboration and events visit adha.org/heartland.