Artificial Intelligence in the Operatory: Tools for Today

Melia Lewis, RDH, joins the Alta Learning Series to share her real-world take on how AI is showing up in daily hygiene workflows — and how it can actually help prevent burnout rather than cause it. From diagnostic imaging to perio charting and patient communication, Melia breaks down where AI fits in today's operatory and what dental teams should be thinking about now.

What you'll learn

• AI as a second set of eyes: confirming, clarifying, or flagging findings without replacing clinical judgment
• Voice-powered perio and clinical charting to save time and reduce end-of-day burnout
• Better patient education through visual highlighting of bone loss, caries, and treatment plans
• Smarter communication with automated reminders, messages, and follow-ups
• Ethical and practical considerations for adopting AI while maintaining care standards
• Real-life workflow tips: starting small, evaluating regularly, and building effective systems