Heartland Dental offers the opportunity to integrate state-of-the-art advancements so supported doctors are well-equipped to deliver world-class dental care. This includes investing in advanced imaging, artificial intelligence, and minimally invasive treatments that improve outcomes and create more confident patient decisions. From iTero Lumina Wands and (Videa)AI powered by VideaHealth to enamel-regenerating solutions like Curodont™ from vVardis, these innovations are transforming how supported doctors communicate, diagnose, and care for patients.
Anna Singh, DMD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, Timothy Quirt, DDS, MBA, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, Seth A. Gibree, DMD, FAGD, Senior Director of Clinical AI and Innovation, Todd Davis, DMD, FICOI, FAGD, Clinical Director of Technology Integration, Michael Badger, DDS, FAGD, FACD, DICOI, Rebecca Pounds, DDS, FAGD, and David Foster, DDS, shared how dental technology is reshaping their approach to dentistry and deepening patient trust.
How have innovations like the iTero Lumina Wand, (Videa)AI, or Curodont™ changed the way you communicate with patients or present treatment plans?
Dr. Badger: The three biggest words for me are efficiency, confidence, and clarity. With the Lumina Wand, patients can see in real time what I’m seeing. The images are so clear that there’s no confusion. AI lets me communicate in a language patients understand. They can see it, believe it, and take action.
Dr. Davis: VideaAI has become like an. It alerts me to possible decay and helps me visually explain it to patients. When they see it for themselves, they trust what they’re seeing, not just what I’m saying.
Dr. Pounds: AI has revolutionized how I educate patients. I use intraoral photos alongside AI to show areas of concern and explain why I’m recommending Curodont™. I find that when I tell patients, “We can fix this without a drill,” they are ready to get the treatment today.
Dr. Foster: Technology is one of the five pillars of my practice’s mission. We scan every new patient, review AI findings together, and talk about prevention using Curodont™ as a first line of defense. The result is a much more informed and trusting patient conversation.
Dr. Quirt: These tools have reshaped how we connect with patients. The Lumina Wand gives instant visual clarity, and paired with AI and Curodont™, it shifts conversations from “what’s wrong” to “what’s possible.” That builds trust, accelerates acceptance, and empowers patients to own their oral health.
Dr. Singh: The Lumina Wand has completely changed how we communicate. When patients see a high-quality image, they instantly understand. It sparks stronger conversations and leads to higher case acceptance. A picture really is worth a thousand words.
Dr. Gibree: For years, dentistry wasn’t great at visual communication. AI now translates complex data into images patients understand. Color-coded visuals help them see what’s happening in their own mouths, making discussions easier and more effective.
Can you share a specific example where one of these technologies helped you achieve a breakthrough moment with a patient?
Dr. Badger: Just recently, I had a patient who’s a neurologist. We’d been monitoring his oral health for years, and with Lumina and AI, I was finally able to show him a clear, undeniable progression of wear and decay. It clicked for him, and we moved forward with 20 Curodont™ treatments that prevented future crowns.
Dr. Davis: For me, the breakthrough was in dentures. Scanning dentures used to be incredibly technique-sensitive, but the first time I used the Lumina, I realized it just works. That moment opened the door to digital dentures across my practice, two-visit dentures are now possible for more patients. It’s a major leap forward in efficiency and comfort.
Dr. Pounds: One of my most powerful examples is personal, I have treated myself with Curodont™. Being able to tell my patients that I’ve used it and believe in it firsthand builds trust instantly. They know I wouldn’t recommend something I don’t believe in.
Dr. Foster: When we started scanning every new patient, I was hesitant. Now, with the Lumina Wand, I couldn’t imagine working without it. The quality of the images is unbelievable, and patients finally get to see their teeth in detail. It’s changed how we educate and involve them in their care.
How have your teams responded to these new tools, and what have you done as a leader to help them adopt and integrate these innovations into everyday practice?
Dr. Badger: I tell my team this is the direction we’re going, it’s about making their lives easier. Once they see how patients react, the belief window goes up. My team’s confidence in presenting treatment has grown tremendously because of these tools.
Dr. Davis: Change can be hard, but leadership means following through. I remind my team that technology is for the patient. My hygienist recently scanned a four-year-old using the Lumina and said it was the easiest scan of the day. Those moments show the team how tech can make their jobs easier and improve outcomes at the same time.
Dr. Pounds: Our team loves the technology and learning. Even when we hire new team members, we set the expectation that these tools are part of how we deliver care. When patients see teamwork and commitment, they feel they’re in the right place.
Dr. Foster: Change is never easy, but it starts with vision and passion. As doctors, we must believe in the tools first. When our energy and belief are strong, the team follows. That’s how innovation becomes culture
With technology how does Heartland Dental supported practices help ensure it is putting supported doctors in the best possible position to succeed and provide their patients the best care?
Dr. Singh: At Heartland Dental, we never roll out technology without a full support plan for supported offices. We pilot, gather feedback, measure KPIs, and train not just doctors but DAs, hygienists, and front office teams. Everyone who interacts with patients needs to understand the technology to communicate effectively. That’s how we create a seamless, confident experience across every role.
Dr. Quirt: We don’t chase technology, we integrate it with purpose in Heartland Dental supported practices. Every innovation we implement is designed to remove friction and amplify confidence so supported doctors can deliver care they’re proud of and experiences patients remember.
Dr. Gibree: We’re intentional about listening to our supported doctors. Their feedback helps shape how we innovate and implement technology. The goal is always to make care delivery easier and more effective, so doctors can spend more time patient-facing that’s where the real impact happens.
What excites you most about where dental innovation is heading?
Dr. Badger: AI is evolving so quickly that it feels like I’m learning something new every few weeks. These tools make us better clinicians and help us treat underlying conditions instead of just reacting to symptoms. They’re making dentistry more analytical, consistent, and trustworthy.
Dr. Singh: We’re just scratching the surface with AI. Clinical documentation, note-taking, and even patient financing could all be automated soon, freeing doctors and teams to spend more time caring for patients. AI will help doctors connect and communicate on an entirely new level.
Dr. Gibree: I’m excited about how automation will simplify everything – from insurance verification to treatment presentation. The more we streamline those processes, the more time teams can spend face-to-face with patients. Dentistry is moving toward smarter, faster, more personalized care, and that’s thrilling.
Dr. Pounds: AI will do so much more in our offices in the near future, note taking, periodontal charting, and beyond. It’s going to help to improve the work flow, efficiencies, and allow us to be more focused on patient care.
Dr. Quirt: The future is about connection, linking data, insights, and people. AI will become the quiet partner in every operatory, helping predict needs, document care, and personalize prevention before issues even start. The next leap will be technology that goes beyond efficiency to empathy. That’s where the real magic happens.
Dr. Foster: As a supported doctor, I’m grateful to help test new technology that improves both patient care and team experience. It’s exciting to know we’re shaping the future of dentistry together.
As technology continues to evolve, Heartland Dental remains committed to purposeful innovation that empowers supported doctors to enhance patient care. From AI-driven diagnostics to minimally invasive treatments, these tools are reshaping the way dentistry is delivered – making it more precise, more personal, and more trusted. With a strong foundation of clinical leadership and a future-focused mindset, Heartland Dental is helping supported doctors rise to new standards of excellence – one breakthrough at a time.