I hope not, because artificial intelligence will remain a topic at the forefront of healthcare and business for the foreseeable future. If you’re not exploring how AI strategies could integrate into your practice today, you may find yourself behind sooner than you think.

AI goes far beyond simply automating tasks—although automation is often the best place to start. The real value lies in using AI to help scale operations, improve efficiency, and give your team back time to focus on the patient experience.

At Lone Peak, we assembled a cross-department group of leaders known as the Tech Team. Their role is to explore new technology, test solutions, and determine whether those tools should be rolled out companywide.

The process always begins the same way:
First, the team identifies a major operational problem or opportunity for improvement. From there, they build a decision matrix outlining required capabilities versus “nice-to-have” features before evaluating potential vendors.

After multiple demonstrations and internal discussions, the Tech Team selects two potential solutions and launches side-by-side pilot programs. Results are carefully measured, documented, and reviewed before presenting recommendations to the broader leadership team.

Pilots are incredibly valuable—but only when they are paired with strong management oversight and clear scorecards. Without defined metrics and stakeholder involvement, it’s difficult to fully understand the impact or earn team buy-in.

Our First Major AI Initiative: Phone Systems

In August 2025, the Tech Team focused on one of the biggest operational opportunities across our practices: Call Answer Rate.

While it’s great to have phones ringing with patients eager to schedule appointments, it becomes a challenge when staffing capacity makes it difficult to answer every call.

To address this, the team piloted two AI-powered phone vendors. Success depended heavily on internal alignment and communication. Weekly vendor meetings, internal team check-ins, and an open Microsoft Teams channel helped gather feedback quickly and keep everyone informed.

One important lesson from the process: AI tools are not turnkey solutions.

While sandbox testing is helpful, true learning happens once systems are live. Lone Peak intentionally moved quickly into real-world implementation, knowing there might be a short adjustment period.

That decision paid off.

Within four months of implementation across 13 practices, AI phones reduced incoming call volume by 60% for scheduling-related calls alone.

Like any new technology, there is an adoption curve as patients become comfortable interacting with AI systems. As additional use cases are added, the system becomes even more valuable.

We started with hygiene scheduling, then expanded to additional procedure types, orthodontic appointments, and are currently testing outbound reminders for unconfirmed patients.

The results continue to speak for themselves. Most importantly, these tools allow our front desk teams to spend less time answering repetitive calls and more time focusing on delivering an exceptional patient experience.

Key Takeaways from Lone Peak’s Tech Team

If there is one thing to remember about implementing AI in your practice, it’s this:

1. AI is not a turnkey solution.
Successful implementation requires planning, testing, and ongoing refinement.
2. Sandbox testing is helpful—but real learning happens live.
Don’t be afraid of early adjustments. Real-world data drives better results.
3. Involve your team early and often.
Open communication channels and regular feedback loops build trust and adoption.

As Lone Peak continues to explore emerging technologies, our Tech Team will keep identifying opportunities where AI can help practices operate more efficiently while improving the patient experience.

The goal isn’t simply to add new technology.

It’s to implement the right technology, in the right way, to support our teams and the communities we serve.

February is Children’s Dental Health Month, a national moment dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of early oral health. 

But behind every statistic is something more personal. A story. A moment. A reason this work became meaningful. 

On a recent call, several of our pediatric dentists shared how they found their way into children’s dentistry and what continues to make it so rewarding. 

Here’s what they shared.

Dr. Jeremy Hodge: From “Never Again” to “Best Kept Secret” 

Dr. Hodge did not plan on becoming a pediatric dentist.

In dental school, he had what he describes as a horrific pediatric rotation. He left convinced he never wanted to see another child in his chair.

Then real practice began.

Working with kids changed everything. He saw how rewarding it was to help a child have a positive experience. He also realized how many adults carry dental fear that began in childhood, often from negative experiences.

If we get childhood dentistry right, we change a lifetime.

Today, he calls pediatric dentistry the best kept secret in dentistry. When done well, it is purposeful, efficient, and deeply rewarding. Serving lower income Medicaid communities only amplifies that impact. 

Dr. Pushpa Patel: Decades of Commitment 

Dr. Patel has been treating children full time for 23 years. Her longevity speaks volumes.

Her message was simple. Pediatric dentistry is fulfilling enough to build a career on. She continues to be a resource for colleagues who want to grow in this space and is always willing to share insight and experience.

There is something powerful about hearing from someone who has chosen this path year after year and still believes in it.
 

Dr. Brendan Hay: The Education Connection 

Dr. Hay never expected to work with kids. Once immersed in the system, something clicked.

He described pediatric dentistry as an ecosystem with clear parameters and efficient systems. What truly resonated with him was the education component.

With family members in education, he found that teaching and guiding children toward healthier habits felt natural. Pediatric dentistry is not just procedures. It is communication, coaching, and building lifelong health literacy.

For him, it became the perfect intersection of dentistry and education.
 

Dr. Jeremy Bondurant: Kids Are the Easy Part 

Dr. Bondurant’s interest was sparked during outreach rotations in dental school. Working in pediatric clinics exposed him to the pace and energy of treating children.

After graduation, he tried working with adults and quickly realized it was not for him.

The kids are the easy part. The hard part is the adults.

Behind the humor is truth. Pediatric dentistry requires clinical skill and strong communication with parents. Building trust and managing expectations are part of the craft.

After years in practice, he continues to choose kids.
 

Dr. Jose Garcia: Mentorship and Momentum 

Dr. Garcia’s path climbed every rung of dentistry. He worked as a dental assistant, then a hygienist, then a general dentist before completing a pediatric residency.

He did not initially plan to specialize in kids. Early mentorship changed his trajectory. Supportive leaders encouraged him to explore pediatric dentistry.

What keeps him passionate is the opportunity to create a positive experience that a child can carry for a lifetime.

Serving one of our busiest and highest need communities makes that impact even more meaningful. Each appointment is more than treatment. It is memory shaping.
 

Dr. Thomas Bingham: Choosing Kids and Staying 

Dr. Bingham began in adult dentistry before gradually incorporating pediatric care. The more he worked with kids, the more he realized it was where he belonged.

After years serving Medicaid populations in Texas, he brought that same commitment to his current community, where pediatric options are limited.

In communities with few providers, showing up consistently matters. For some families, there are only one or two choices. Being one of them carries responsibility and opportunity.
 

A Month to Celebrate and Say Thank You 

Children’s Dental Health Month gives us a national opportunity to shine a light on something our teams prioritize every single day. 

Behind every healthy smile is a doctor who chose patience over pressure.
Behind every positive visit is a clinician who chose connection over convenience.
Behind every growing practice in an underserved community is a provider who chose access over avoidance. 

Our pediatric dentists carry a unique responsibility. They shape first experiences. They influence lifelong habits. They often serve families who have limited options and high need. 

This month, we pause to say thank you. 

Thank you to the doctors who make children’s oral health a priority not just in February, but in every operatory, every day.
And thank you to the teams who support that mission and make it possible. 

Children’s Dental Health Month is a celebration of smiles. More importantly, it is a celebration of the people who protect them.