Inês Guerra Pereira
Optimizing clinical management and patient communication: how can AI be an ally for dental assistants? | Patient communication – developing essential skills for effective patient care
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
- PhD in Dental Medicine, University of Porto, Portugal.
- Specialist in Oral Surgery, Portuguese Dental Association (Ordem dos Médicos Dentistas).
- Invited Assistant Professor of Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Porto (2009–2020).
- Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Pediatric Dentistry, Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde do Norte (CESPU), Portugal.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Interceptive Orthodontics in Pediatric Dentistry, Instituto Superior de Ciências da Saúde do Norte (CESPU), Portugal.
- Online Diploma in Pediatric Dentistry, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona), Spain.
- Advanced Digital Marketing Course, Portuguese National Association of Young Entrepreneurs (ANJE), Portugal.
Nationality: Portugal
Scientific areas: Dental Assistant Course
Auditorium B
Conference summary
Clinical excellence begins long before the first instrument reaches the dentist’s hands. It starts with the way patients are welcomed, listened to, supported and remembered throughout their entire journey.
Today, the dental assistant plays a pivotal role in shaping this experience, helping to reduce anxiety, build trust, improve treatment adherence and strengthen the relationship between the dental practice and its patients.
Inspired by the principles of patient experience and the concept of creating memorable moments of care, this lecture will demonstrate how small gestures, consistent communication and a positive team culture can significantly improve both clinical outcomes and patient loyalty.
Throughout the session, practical communication strategies tailored to the daily work of dental assistants will be presented, providing participants with tools to enhance every stage of the patient journey.
The lecture will also highlight the importance of teamwork, emotional intelligence and fostering an organisational culture built on trust, respect and a shared sense of purpose. Creating outstanding patient experiences starts with engaged, motivated teams that communicate effectively and support one another.
In addition, the session will explore how Artificial Intelligence can become a valuable ally for dental assistants. Beyond automating routine tasks, AI can improve efficiency, streamline workflows, support patient communication, reduce administrative burden and contribute to better time management, career development and mental well-being.
Rather than replacing human interaction, AI has the potential to free up more time for what matters most: caring for people.
Through real-life clinical examples, practical demonstrations and interactive exercises, participants will leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately in their daily practice.
Creating memorable patient experiences does not require major investments; it requires intentional communication, strong teamwork and a commitment to placing people at the centre of every decision.
Today, the dental assistant plays a pivotal role in shaping this experience, helping to reduce anxiety, build trust, improve treatment adherence and strengthen the relationship between the dental practice and its patients.
Inspired by the principles of patient experience and the concept of creating memorable moments of care, this lecture will demonstrate how small gestures, consistent communication and a positive team culture can significantly improve both clinical outcomes and patient loyalty.
Throughout the session, practical communication strategies tailored to the daily work of dental assistants will be presented, providing participants with tools to enhance every stage of the patient journey.
The lecture will also highlight the importance of teamwork, emotional intelligence and fostering an organisational culture built on trust, respect and a shared sense of purpose. Creating outstanding patient experiences starts with engaged, motivated teams that communicate effectively and support one another.
In addition, the session will explore how Artificial Intelligence can become a valuable ally for dental assistants. Beyond automating routine tasks, AI can improve efficiency, streamline workflows, support patient communication, reduce administrative burden and contribute to better time management, career development and mental well-being.
Rather than replacing human interaction, AI has the potential to free up more time for what matters most: caring for people.
Through real-life clinical examples, practical demonstrations and interactive exercises, participants will leave with actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately in their daily practice.
Creating memorable patient experiences does not require major investments; it requires intentional communication, strong teamwork and a commitment to placing people at the centre of every decision.