Dr George Wright, Dental Protection’s recently appointed Dental Director, has said that supporting dental professionals’ wellbeing, and helping them to manage advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) safely, are both key priorities in his new role.
In an in-depth interview in the latest issue of Dental Protection’s journal Riskwise, Dr Wright said dental professionals all over the world are grappling with a range of pressures that can affect their wellbeing, and stressed the need for tailored support. He also highlights the need for the profession to remain responsive to the rapid evolution of AI and its implications for clinical practice, patient expectations, and the safe adoption of new technologies.
He comments: “Wellbeing and AI are key areas of focus for me. As AI develops, we need to stay ahead of it, continue evolving our knowledge, and ensure members are supported in terms of how it affects both clinical work and complaints.
“Healthcare professionals are using AI in their practice and patients are also using it to draft often long and detailed complaints. We need to stay alive to how AI is shaping expectations and how we respond.
“With regards to wellbeing – at Dental Protection, there is so much we already do, and must continue to do, to support dental professionals’ wellbeing, particularly in preventing burnout.
“Dentolegal issues can have a profound impact on wellbeing too. Our members all over the world deal with complaints at some point in their careers – complaints that affect relationships, confidence, enjoyment of dentistry, and how they practise afterwards. No matter where they are in the world, our members are driven, capable clinicians who want to do right by their patients, and the emotional cost of a complaint is felt universally. A key element of my work is recognising how differently members experience complaints and ensuring we flex our support accordingly.
“I have personally experienced the transformative power of education throughout my career. It not only develops knowledge and skills, but also restores confidence, and provides fresh perspectives on practice. I am firmly convinced of the vital role education also plays in supporting wellbeing, fostering professional growth, and ultimately improving patient care.”
Last year, Dental Protection launched the AI Safer Practice Framework to help dental professionals integrate AI safely and responsibly into practice.
The 69th edition of Riskwise is available in a new, interactive digital format. This edition comprises various articles on AI in dentistry, including concerns from dental practitioners, patient complaints, record keeping, and the safe use of AI.
The latest edition of Riskwise can be read here.
