Why Patients Say No to Dental Treatment and How AI Can Help: Insights from Dr. Cindy Roark of Sage Dental

When it comes to healthcare, dentistry stands out for a striking reason: patients often say "no" to dental treatments they need. In general medicine, patients rarely turn down essential treatments like knee replacements or heart surgeries, but over 60% of dental treatment recommendations go unaccepted. Why does this happen, and how can we turn this around? In a recent webinar with VideaHealth AI, Dr. Cindy Roark, Chief Dental Officer at Sage Dental, offered unique insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) can solve this longstanding issue in dentistry.

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Dr. Roark shared, "You would never see people rejecting treatments like hip replacements or heart surgeries, but in dentistry, the financial component makes people hesitate. It's not that they don't trust us, but sometimes they just don't see or understand the urgency." The lack of case acceptance often stems from patients' inability to visualize the problem, leaving them less motivated to follow through with recommended care.

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 The Power of AI in Dental Treatment Acceptance

Dr. Roark is an advocate for AI in dentistry and its potential to bridge the gap between patient hesitation and understanding. She described how AI dental technology can bring dental issues to life, simplifying case presentations and empowering patients to make informed decisions. Here's how AI is making a difference:

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 1. Colored X-rays: Bringing Conditions to Life

Traditional grayscale X-rays don’t resonate with patients. As Dr. Roark explained, "Patients can't read grayscale X-rays; their eyes aren't trained that way." VideaAI’s Patient View now allows clinicians to colorize X-rays*, making problem areas like cavities or bone loss visually stand out. "It's like going from night to day. Suddenly, patients see what we're seeing—making the urgency clear." This visual clarity helps convey the seriousness of dental conditions in a way that patients can immediately understand, boosting their willingness to accept treatment.

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 2. Combining Intraoral Photos and VideaAI on X-rays: Merging Science and Reality

VideaAI's integration of intraoral photos and X-rays in one platform enhances the case presentation process. By juxtaposing annotated X-rays with real images of the patient's mouth, dentists can present both the science and reality of the situation. "Patients see their own tooth alongside the problem area, and it becomes undeniable," said Dr. Roark. This not only aids in understanding but also builds trust, a critical factor in treatment acceptance.

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 3. Patient-Friendly Printouts: Taking the Message Home

Dr. Roark highlighted how VideaAI can generate patient-friendly summaries that patients can take home to discuss with loved ones. These printouts are more than just a recap of the dentist's findings; they visually explain the problem and why it matters. "Often, patients need to go home and think about it, or they want to talk to their spouse. Giving them something tangible to refer to ensures they stay informed, making it easier to say yes to treatment."

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 4. Teeth Numbering with VideaAI: Easy Access to Critical Information

Another VideaAI advancement discussed in the webinar was pinpointing specific teeth and accessing related images with just a click. This allows both dentists to easily find and view the relevant images, making communication faster, more efficient, and focused. "Patients don't want to be overwhelmed with too much information at once. With AI, we can narrow in on the exact tooth in question, making the process smoother for everyone involved," said Dr. Roark.

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 The Bottom Line: AI Is the Key to Better Patient Understanding

Ultimately, the power of AI in dentistry lies in its ability to enhance communication between dentists and patients. It's not just about providing better clinical outcomes; it's about delivering the right information in the right way. "I love everything about VideaAI because it solves the problem of patients not seeing what I see," Dr. Roark said. "With these tools, we're no longer just talking at the patient; we're showing them, which changes everything."

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AI in dentistry transforms case acceptance by eliminating confusion and building trust, making it easier for patients to say "yes" to the care they need. For clinicians like Dr. Roark, it's a game changer, and the potential for VideaAI to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiency is limitless.

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VideaHealth is leading this charge, providing clinicians with cutting-edge tools to enhance patient care and communication through AI. With VideaAI, the path to better patient care and higher case acceptance is clear—both figuratively and literally.

*Patient View is for education purposes only and is not FDA-cleared.

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