Solve Staffing Challenges with the Help of AI and Automation

In this year’s Trends Outlook, our experts agreed that hiring and retention will continue to be a challenge in 2026. How practices meet that challenge will start to look different, though, as they look to solutions beyond increasing pay, that include:  

• AI tools and automation that take on tedious, time-consuming administrative tasks 
• Boosting workplace wellness and culture 
• Attracting, retaining, and engaging emerging dental talent 

Another point our experts emphasized: AI isn’t here to replace people—it’s here to support them. While automation can take on discrete, time-consuming tasks, the work that requires judgment, empathy, and expertise remains firmly human. AI acts as a digital assistant, removing friction from workflows, speeding up execution, and helping teams do more without adding to their workload. 

“The true benefit of AI is that team members can focus on patient care and outcomes, rather than being stuck on the phone with a payor for an hour. AI isn’t so much replacing a role as it’s allowing the team member to do the work they’re actually meant to do.”  

-- April Lowry, Executive Director & Clinical Manager, Clinical & AI, Henry Schein One.  

What does this look like in your office 

AI can help your practice manage staffing challenges while increasing revenue streams — without adding extra work: 

Cleaner claims 
AI-powered image auto-coding ensures the correct CDT codes are attached to every image—automatically linking them to both the claim and the patient record before submission. That accuracy significantly reduces denials and rework. A Shop for Smiles saw an 80% decrease in claim denials because Dentrix Imaging automatically codes all images with CDT codes, speeding up insurance processing. 

Higher case acceptance 
AI-driven imaging and diagnostic tools help clinicians clearly explain  treatment needs, building patient understanding and trust. With Dentrix Ascend’s integrated, AI-powered imaging, Elevation Dentistry increased case acceptance by 20% by giving patients greater clarity and confidence in their care decisions. 

Faster documentation and charting 
AI voice tools dramatically reduce the time clinicians spend on perio charting and patient notes—while improving accuracy. Kare Mobile uses Dentrix voice tools to reduce time spent charting with voice-recognition note dictation. Even with the number of daily appointments, clinical teams are still able to complete charts effectively and efficiently. 

Faster intake and insurance verification 
Digital forms completed pre-visit accelerate check-in and eliminate the scan pile. AI extracts insurance details and automatically verifies eligibility, writing everything directly into the patient record before the patient is even seated. Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry saves three hours each week by eliminating manual data entry in Dentrix Ascend. 

Fewer missed calls 
AI-powered phone systems answer and route calls 24/7, ensuring fewer opportunities are missed. Beam Dental has reduced missed calls by 30% and saves an average of $900 per month since adopting Ascend Phones. 

AI frees clinicians from manual, time-consuming tasks like documentation—giving them more time with patients. Front-office teams benefit as well, spending less time on data entry and corrections and more time delivering great experiences. At the same time, practices unlock meaningful revenue growth through higher case acceptance and fewer operational leaks. 

Learn more about the trends that will define this year in the 2026 Trends Outlook.