dentist and patient

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a time to spotlight the importance of early dental care and preventive treatments. Cavities are the most common chronic disease in children, yet many go undetected until they cause pain or more serious issues. This is where AI is changing the game, or as we call it, Affinity Intelligence. 

Detect AI (powered by VideaHealth) is the first and only FDA-cleared AI tool capable of detecting cavities in children as young as 3. That’s not just a breakthrough in technology; it’s a major step toward ensuring kids get the care they need before problems arise. If it’s that precise for young patients, imagine the confidence it gives adults.  

For many families, the dentist is the first stop for navigating not only oral health but also trust in healthcare. Regular childhood dental visits are, in fact, closely linked to improved long-term health and a higher quality of life in later adulthood (1).

As dental professionals, embracing advanced technology is one way to ensure we’re delivering the care every patient deserves, starting with our youngest. 

The Right Connections for Better Patient Care  

Modern dental practices are evolving into smarter ecosystems, where tools and technologies communicate seamlessly to streamline clinical workflows and enhance patient experiences. Efficiency is just one piece of the puzzle; patients also need confidence. AI-driven diagnostics make a difference, transforming routine visits into transparent, trust-building experiences. 

Imagine diagnosing early-stage cavities in a wiggly six-year-old or reassuring a parent about treatment options for their teen’s gum health. Parents often worry about overtreatment or unnecessary procedures. These moments rely on accurate diagnostics and clear communication, supported by tools like Dentrix Smart Image and Dentrix Detect AI. It automatically highlights areas of concern, helping dental teams catch issues like caries early. 

How AI Builds Trust and Drives Better Decisions 

While these tools excel in pediatric care, this isn’t just about kids—AI-powered tools support patients of all ages. The annotations in Dentrix Detect AI are color-coded and easy to understand. This combination of transparency and precision transforms potentially overwhelming situations into collaborative conversations, leading to higher treatment acceptance rates. 

59% of patients are more likely to accept treatment recommendations backed by AI (2).

The Smarter Way to Stay Ahead 

When systems work together—like imaging, AI, and patient records—your team spends less time switching between tools and more time connecting with patients. In today’s competitive dental landscape, connected clinical tools like Dentrix Detect AI help practices: 

  1. Catch issues earlier, improving outcomes for patients 
  2. Build trust with clear, AI-backed recommendations 
  3. Streamline workflows to reduce errors and improve efficiency 

As we celebrate Children's Dental Health Month, let’s celebrate the innovation changing our industry. Whether you’re caring for tiny teeth or the seasoned smiles of adults, smarter technology is the key to delivering the most connected care—for every patient, every time. 

Help More Patients of All Ages Say ‘Yes’ to Treatment 

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Footnotes: 

(1). Regular childhood dental visits, health-related factors and quality of life in later life 

(2). Six in 10 Patients More Likely to Trust Their Dentist If They Use AI, Survey Says; Dentistry 

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