The doctor put a small recording device on the desk...

My husband went to see the doctor yesterday; he sat down in her surgery. The doctor put an recording device on the desk, between them, and switched it to record.

The device recorded the consultation; AI selected the relevant information and created a record. Appropriate consent was obtained and the doctor shared how the technology worked and how it would save her so much time at the end of the day checking her notes.

The software will learn as it goes. It will learn how the doctor adjusts her notes and will get better at note taking.

How amazing is that?

Coincidentally, this week, I noted the Dental Board promoting our responsibilities when implementing AI in our practices.

There is a need for appropriate consent from the patient about the AI being used and how the data is being managed.

These are such exciting times to be a clinician.

The software was called Heidi

You can read AHPRA’s advice here.

There’s increasing chatter about non fluoride containing toothpastes that use Hydroxyapatite (HA) to effect remineralisation. 

I feel I need to get up to speed about this.

I’m ashamed to say that I’m not the best at assessing the robustness of research protocols.

What about you?

Certainly we need to be aware and up to date with this discourse because I think it's a bigger issue for our patients who are spending time on TikTok, Twitter and Instagram rather than us dental professionals.

I think we need to be ready for questions and have answers for our patients when they report using non fluoride containing toothpastes. Or ask how it might help them.

It's early days but it could be one of those areas of health that becomes driven by the consumer rather than the provider.

Is that in people's best interests?

Have a great week

Rosie