In this conversation, recorded at the recent Dental Trade Alliance (DTA) annual meeting in Napa, CA, Dr. Brett Kessler, president of the ADA, joins "The DrBicuspid.com Podcast" to discuss the current state and future of dentistry.
In our conversation, Kessler emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the ADA and the dental trade, the need for clinician wellness, diversity, and the reconnection of oral health to overall health. Dr. Kessler also addresses challenges such as insurance reimbursement and staffing, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing patient care, and the necessity for evolving practice models to adapt to changing demographics and needs in dentistry.
This podcast is part of the DTA podcast sponsored by Keystone Industries, helping dentists and dental team members with their preventive and laboratory needs since 1908. Learn more at dental.keystoneindustries.com.
Podcast takeaways
- Dr. Kessler believes the dental profession is entering a golden age with new opportunities.
- Clinician wellness is a priority due to rising mental health issues.
- Diversity in dentistry is essential for a welcoming environment.
- Oral health must be integrated with overall health for better patient outcomes.
- Insurance reimbursement issues are impacting workforce stability in dentistry.
- Younger generations view organized dentistry differently than older generations.
- AI can enhance the doctor-patient relationship and improve efficiency.
- The current dental benefit model needs significant reform.
- Future dental practices must evolve to meet changing patient needs.
Podcast chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(00:57) The "golden age" of dentistry
(03:04) The pillars of leadership: Wellness, diversity, and oral health
(06:09) Challenges in dentistry: Insurance and staffing
(09:11) Engaging the next generation in organized dentistry
(11:10) The role of AI in dentistry
(12:58) Connecting oral health to overall health
(17:05) The future of dentistry: Evolving practices and payment models