Embracing AI in Orthodontics: What Industry Trends Are Really Saying

Introduction

On a recent episode of the Hey Docs! podcast, Jill Allen sat down with Karthik from BerryStudio for a thoughtful, practical conversation about where AI truly fits into orthodontics today. Rather than focusing on buzzwords or future promises, the discussion centered on how AI is already reshaping patient intake, search behavior, and the expectations orthodontic practices must be ready to meet.

This episode offered a clear takeaway. AI is not coming for orthodontics. It is already here, and how practices choose to use it will directly impact efficiency, growth, and the patient experience.

AI in Orthodontics: Why This Is No Longer Optional

AI adoption in healthcare is accelerating quickly, but not all tools are created with orthodontic realities in mind. Many platforms overlook HIPAA requirements, real workflows, or the nuances of how patients actually move from first contact to case start.

Jill and Karthik dug into what orthodontists should be paying attention to now, not later. Patient intake is no longer a back-office task. It is a critical conversion point. Practices that fail to modernize this step risk losing patients before they ever walk through the door.

BerryStudio: Built for the Way Orthodontic Practices Actually Work

Karthik shared the story behind BerryStudio and why the platform was built specifically for healthcare and orthodontics. What started as a response to personal frustration turned into a focused effort to solve one of the industry’s most overlooked problems: inefficient and outdated patient intake systems.

BerryStudio was designed with compliance, usability, and real practice flow in mind, which is exactly where many generic AI tools fall short.

Making Sense of AI, Compliance, and Risk

One of the most valuable parts of the conversation focused on compliance. Karthik clarified the difference between being HIPAA compliant and being HIPAA certified, a distinction that often gets misunderstood. He also shared practical vetting questions orthodontic practices should ask any third-party platform before integrating it into their systems.

This portion of the episode reinforced a consistent JA&A philosophy. Technology should support your practice, not introduce unnecessary risk or confusion.

How Patients Are Searching for Orthodontists Now

Patient behavior has changed, and AI is a big reason why. Karthik explained that more patients are turning to conversational AI, chatbots, and AI-powered search tools to find providers. This shift means practices need to think beyond traditional SEO and static websites.

Your online presence must now work with AI platforms, not just search engines. If your practice information is incomplete, outdated, or hard to interpret, AI tools will not surface you effectively to potential patients.

Rethinking Patient Intake From First Click to Consult

BerryStudio’s approach to intake reflects how modern patients actually engage with practices. Their tools focus on capturing contact information early, using mobile-friendly and intuitive forms, and reducing friction throughout the intake process. Features like AI-driven insurance verification and automated follow-ups help practices stay organized while delivering a smoother experience for patients.

The goal is not automation for automation’s sake. It is about removing barriers that slow down growth and frustrate both teams and patients.

What This Means for the Future of Orthodontics

The episode closed with a candid discussion about where the industry is headed. Karthik raised concerns about the ongoing democratization of orthodontics and how patient expectations are evolving alongside it. Convenience, speed, and clarity are becoming non-negotiables.

For practices, this means staying informed, adaptable, and intentional about which technologies they adopt and why.

Final Thoughts

This conversation made one thing clear. AI is not a trend orthodontic practices can afford to ignore. When used thoughtfully, it has the power to improve patient experiences, streamline operations, and support sustainable growth.

The key is choosing tools that understand orthodontics and align with how your practice actually runs.

Get in Touch

If you are curious how AI can enhance your patient intake process and overall practice experience, visit www.berrystudio.ai to learn more or schedule a consultation. Be sure to mention Jill Allen for personalized insights from the BerryStudio team.