The Future of Dentistry: AI, Automation, and the End of Legacy Systems
The dental industry is in the midst of a seismic shift, with AI, automation, and modern patient access tools rapidly replacing outdated systems. In a recent webinar hosted by Overjet in partnership with Kleer and Membersy, attendees explored real-world stories and strategies from practices leading the way in innovation.
Kleer and Membersy’s Director of Partnerships, Chris Herring, chatted with Dr. Gordon Barfield, Senior Clinical Manager with Overjet, and Dr. Brad Hughes, CEO of Vision Dental Partner, who shared firsthand insights on how forward-thinking practices are using innovation to fuel growth, boost efficiency, and radically improve the patient experience. Here are four key takeaways from the webinar
1. AI is building clinical confidence
AI isn’t replacing dentists; it’s helping them level up. Dr. Hughes shared how AI tools like Overjet accelerate the confidence curve for new dentists, especially when diagnosing treatment needs. “It’s not just about being more efficient. It’s about empowering clinicians with the confidence and clarity they need to care better and communicate strongly.” He discussed how Overjet’s diagnostic AI has become a foundational tool across his nine-practice group. By identifying pathology with visual clarity and consistency, AI is helping young doctors accelerate their confidence, improve diagnosis accuracy, and drive higher case acceptance rates.
2. Data-driven treatment is closing gaps in care
Dr. Barfield emphasized that the industry is still underperforming in diagnosing and treating periodontal disease. However, the power of data and visual AI tools is changing that narrative, helping providers and patients better understand treatment needs, leading to more effective outcomes and healthier smiles. “Patients are responding differently. They’re pointing at the screen and asking about their own treatment. That’s a huge shift in trust and transparency.” When patients truly understand their treatment options, it provides financial clarity that can help instill trust between them and their provider.
3. Automation and modern memberships create operational ease
The panel also explored how automation simplifies everything from revenue cycle management to patient communication and how Kleer and Membersy enable dental practices to break free from the friction of traditional insurance. Herring highlighted the role of seamless, tech-enabled membership plans in creating predictable revenue, reducing front-desk overhead, and improving patient show-up rates. “Patients on membership plans show up more often, say yes more easily, and stay loyal. It’s the most frictionless system we have.” Membership plans like those offered by Kleer and Membersy increase visit frequency and improve retention. Patients with membership plans show up 92% more often and accept more treatment.
4. Insurance is a pain point—but it doesn’t have to be
Both providers and payers agree: the insurance experience is broken. It’s complex, expensive, and in today’s economy, it feels like a gamble. Herring shares that “Membership drives loyalty. And regardless of which side of the spectrum you're on, from heavy PPO or cash pay, you're gonna see a significant increase in patients. And so over the last few years, you'll be able to see membership patients on Kleer and Membersy visit ninety-two percent more often than your average cash pay patient.” Membership plans reduce administrative burdens and offer price transparency for patients seeking alternatives.
The end of legacy systems is now
From eliminating paper processes to modernizing patient journeys, both panelists urged dental leaders to embrace the shift and not fear it. With real-world benchmarks showing 10x–11x ROI on AI adoption and 66% growth in cash production with membership plans, the message was clear: the future isn’t coming; it’s already here. Are you curious about what a frictionless patient experience looks like? Discover how Kleer and Membersy can streamline your front office.
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