554 AI in Dental Hygiene: Tool, Threat, or Teammate?

In this episode of A Tale of Two Hygienists, Jessica and Dave explore the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in dentistry and dental hygiene. From clinical decision-making to education and patient care, the conversation examines where AI can help, where it creates new challenges, and why human judgment remains essential. In this episode we talked about: How AI is currently being used in dentistry and dental hygiene Opportunities AI may create for clinicians, educators, students, and patients Concerns surrounding ethics, overreliance, accuracy, privacy, and critical thinking Whether AI should be viewed as a tool, a threat, or a collaborative teammate The importance of human judgment, empathy, and patient connection in an increasingly digital environment How educators can prepare students for AI-integrated practice settings Practical ways clinicians can use AI responsibly and effectively What the future of AI in dental hygiene might realistically look like Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiebayle/ Instagram: @saltcityhygi Pearl: www.hellopearl.com Pearl Case Studies and Guides: https://hellopearl.com/case-studies-guides Contact the Hosts: Jessica Atkinson: [email protected] Dave Torres: [email protected]