DENTAL PROFILE
Using methods like cross triangulating and machine learning, different data sets like patients distribution and preferences can reliably predict consumer behaviour to inform the business operation of a clinic and ways to optimise its processes
While the adoption of AI- and data- assisted tools gather
momentum, Lee sees numerous
opportunities and uses of Medtrik’s analytics capabilities
automated, professional-looking, and efficient treatment plans and proposals for their patients. Another such tool is the AI schedule recommender. Described as a “nightmare” by Lee, the CMS appointment scheduling process is dependent on patients' and doctors’ availability causing a high level of randomness. Using an algorithm developed by Medtrik, the probability of a no-show for patients can be predicted with a 85% accuracy rate. With basic questions that patients ask at the front desk staff used as input into the algorithm, the AI schedule recommender which is linked to the CMS can provide staff with recommended time slots with the lowest probability of a no-show. However, Lee noted that adoption of such technologies by the wider market is still in a nascent stage. While developing Medtrik in 2022, he remarked that the appreciation of the value of data and AI was low where such tools were seen as “a good to have rather than a must have”. Moreover, Lee highlighted a certain “resistance” towards such technologies faced by staff. “Employees who are involved in generating analytics or reports for management to review and make decisions have a fear of embracing new technology, which potentially could make them redundant,” he said. Today, Lee noted that its awareness is broader in the industry. The “fear factor” of employees are dispelled as the understanding of how data and AI can be used to their advantages to aid their work rather than replace them grows.
“I think the whole generative AI trend has really helped to escalate the awareness of the industries. When we outreach through our business development, we find that the practice owners are curious. They want to know how AI and data analytics can be adopted into their business,” said Lee. He explained that the value which professionals see in such tools is how it automates and accelerates tasks like data compiling, visualisation and interpretation, into a matter of seconds, freeing up time and energy to focus on more strategic business imperatives. Lee added that Medtrik has received interest abroad from dental health authorities in Malaysia and Australia where the platform’s diagnostics tools can optimise labour to reach patients in geographically remote areas. He also sees the opportunity for Medtrik to partner with independent practice consultants, a large market abroad in countries like Australia and the US, to provide a holistic solution for the market. Assured of the platform’s capabilities and where the market is headed, Lee highlighted trends that will impact the industry in the coming years. First, he noted that the value of and education in new tools needs to penetrate the community deeper to convince dentists to be willing to change their behaviours and workflows to invest and adopt these tools. From market tests conducted by Medtrik, tools like AI-assisted x-ray diagnostics, automated dental charting and treatment planning remain low. Much like how it took time for the industry to recognise the value of data, Lee believes that adoption of
AI diagnostic tools will only increase in the next few years.
Second, Lee highlighted the expiration of Invisalign’s patent which has spurred new clear aligner players to enter the market with similar products. With this climate, it presents the opportunity for a computer vision app to serve as a lead generation tool for these companies and their dental clinic partners. Last, Lee brought up the strong growth ambition of dental chain that are backed by private equity groups. He explained that mergers and acquisitions of smaller dental clinics are seen as an avenue of growth in this market. With the performances and analytics created by Medtrik, information on operational data can be a valuable useful tool used as part of the due diligence processes. Lee concluded emphasising that with Medtrik, its offerings are not merely about maximising profits, but helping clinics find its optimal course for all its stakeholders. “Dentists are not in the business of maximising profits, there is a big focus on patient experience and patient care. While this might feel contradictory, it is about ensuring that a business and its stakeholders has the visibility of the business to be able to find a sweet spot.” He continued: “That sweet spot is where you can provide optimal patient care, patient experience, without compromising business growth. Moreover, it is not about using gut feel but about using a platform backed by indisputable data insights. That is what forms a sustainable business, not leaving it to chance.” DA
31 DENTAL ASIA SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2024
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