Following one of dentistry’s largest AI rollouts in record time, Aspen Dental brings AI-assisted x-ray visualizations to more than 1,100 supported practices nationwide
Always on the cutting edge of technology, the Aspen Dental network has been evaluating AI for several years, piloting platforms to ensure the right fit for its providers both today and as dentistry evolves.
With the rollout of VideaAI's Clinical Assist platform—which highlights early decay in color directly on the x-ray—dentists across the Aspen Dental network can identify issues sooner, helping patients avoid more invasive procedures down the line.
Looking Through the Same Lens
"Building trust with patients is so critical. Using AI to get earlier detections and with easier-to-understand visuals really helps patients address issues while they are small, avoiding discomfort and higher costs later," said Dr. Lauren McDonough, VP of Practice Owner Development at The Aspen Group.
"AI is embedded in so many areas of our lives," she continued, "and people are becoming more comfortable with it supporting their daily decisions. I think that patients, more than dentists, are soon going to be demanding the use of AI."
The right technology also can remove guesswork. When each provider uses the same visualization and early-detection tools, they’re aligned in what they see and how they explain it to patients, creating a more predictable, cohesive experience.
Do What You Do Best
How dental professionals view AI, Dr. McDonough said, often depends on their career stage. More experienced clinicians tend to value its ability to make patient conversations clearer and more visual, while newer dentists see it as an added layer of confidence.
“What I'm hearing more and more is that dentists just really want to focus on dentistry,” Dr. McDonough said. “AI is never going to take away the dentist. When providers don't have to focus on researching and strategy and the business side of things, they can just focus on bringing better care to patients.”
Built-In Support
Hands-on training and support for Clinical Assist are embedded into the learning journeys of every role within the Aspen Dental network, ensuring clinicians and their team members receive tailored education to support their specific role in the workflow.
"There's understanding the utility of the technology and its features, and then there's the more important aspect, which is engaging the patient with the software in a way that is patient-centric. This is where the true power lies—in helping patients build trust in their needed treatment,” Dr. McDonough said.
“Ultimately, dentists want reliable systems, technology, defi ned workflows, and to have predictable success. And that's exactly what VideaAI is helping dentists in the Aspen Dental network achieve.”
