From Classroom to Claims: AI Across the Dental Continuum
Wednesday, September 17
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (PT)
Artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of the dental industry, from how students are trained to how care is delivered, reimbursed and improved. This session will explore how dental schools are adopting AI to prepare future dentists with the clinical and technological skills needed to thrive, and how those same technologies are being used by dental support organizations (DSOs) and payers to improve operations, care delivery and cross-sector collaboration.
Topics will include:
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How AI is being integrated into dental education and the early impact on student learning and clinical decision-making
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How DSOs are partnering with dental schools to recruit the next generation of AI-proficient dentists
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Real-world examples of AI improving provider workflows, such as radiograph analysis and real-time claims processing
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Payer and provider perspectives on the challenges they face and how they are working together to enhance the patient experience
Join us for a candid discussion on the current and future impact of AI across the dental ecosystem.
Dr. Clara Kim
Assistant Dean for Curriculum Integration and Specialty Care
Western University College of Dental Medicine
Dr. Clara Kim is the assistant dean for curriculum integration and specialty care at Western University College of Dental Medicine. A Southern California native, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in molecular and cell biology with an emphasis in neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley.
She received her dental degree from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston, where she was active in student leadership and served as president of several student organizations. She was recognized by the American Academy of Periodontology with the Outstanding Student in Periodontology Award.
Dr. Kim completed her specialty training in periodontology at the University of Southern California, earning both a certificate in periodontology and a Master of Science in craniofacial biology. During her residency, she conducted research on teeth with periodontal involvement and presented her findings at the USC Research Symposium and the California Society of Periodontists annual meeting. She became board-certified in periodontology in 2011.
Dr. Parag Kachalia (Moderator)
Head of Clinical Practice
Overjet
Dr. Parag Kachalia is the head of clinical practice at Overjet, where he works with clinicians to anticipate the future needs of dental care and support product innovation. He previously served as chief clinical officer at the Seattle Study Club, a role he found especially meaningful. He also maintains a private restorative dentistry practice in San Ramon, California.
Earlier in his career, Kachalia was a tenured associate professor and vice chair of simulation, technology, and research at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He was named one of the 32 most influential people in dentistry from 2021 to 2023.
A published author and international lecturer, Kachalia shares expertise on adhesive and cosmetic dentistry, dental photography, CAD/CAM technology, fixed prosthodontics, erosion, digital diagnostics and enhancing the patient experience. He also consults with dental technology and materials companies, contributing to product development with a focus on innovation. He is frequently interviewed about the future of dentistry, a subject he is passionate about.
Dr. Pete Fuentes
Chief Dental Officer, Metlife
Dr. Peter Fuentes is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University (BS, Neuroscience) and Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (DMD). He spent 15 years in private practice owning and operating 7 multi-specialty dental offices in New Jersey. Before joining MetLife, Dr. Fuentes served as the chief dental officer for LIBERTY Dental Plans. He has nearly 10 years in the dental benefits industry. He has created multiple value-based programs and plan designs recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Dental Quality Alliance (DQA). Dr. Fuentes has been asked to lecture on value-based programs nationwide for multiple organizations, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As the chief dental officer for MetLife, Dr. Fuentes has direct oversight of the Network Development team, the Quality Initiative programs, and clinical policy at MetLife. He is a member of multiple dental organizations, including the American Association of Dental Consultants (AADC), the American Dental Association (ADA), and the National Association of Dental Plans (NADP).
Victoria Johnson
VP of Revenue Cycle and Payer Relations
Dental Care Alliance
Bio coming soon
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