How is Padstow Dental using AI to improve patient care?

How AI note-taking, an AI receptionist and digital planning give our team more time for you.

Dr Bill Kalis — Saturday 14 November 2026

We use AI and digital technology to take routine work off our team, so more of our time and attention goes to you. In practice that means three things: an AI scribe for clinical notes, an AI assistant for enquiries, and digital planning for treatment. People still make every clinical decision.

I am Dr Bill Kalis, principal dentist at Padstow Dental in Padstow, Sydney. We have always invested early in technology that makes care better, and AI is the next step. Here is exactly how we use it.

Why is a dental practice using AI?

Because typing, paperwork and phone queues take time away from patients. When that work is handled well in the background, a consultation becomes a conversation, your questions get answered sooner and your treatment is planned in more detail before it starts.

How does AI help during my appointment?

With your consent, an AI scribe called Heidi listens to the consultation and drafts the clinical notes, along with letters such as referrals. I can look at you and listen, without typing while you talk.

A clinician reviews and corrects every note before it becomes part of your record. AI drafts can contain errors or leave things out, so that check always happens. The result is notes that are more complete, written while the details are fresh.

Who answers when I contact the practice?

During practice hours, our front office team answers most calls. When they are with other patients, or when we are closed, calls and website chat enquiries are answered by Flo, our AI assistant.

Flo can answer common questions about the practice, our services and fees, and take your details. Our team receives a full record of the enquiry and follows it up, so you do not have to repeat yourself. Enquiries about complex treatment, and any concerns, are passed straight to a person.

What is digital planning?

Digital planning means your treatment is worked out on screen before it begins. We take a 3D X-ray and a digital scan of your teeth on site, then combine them in planning software. For an implant, I can check its position against your bone, nerves and final tooth, and show you the plan before you decide.

Digital scans also replace impression trays for most crowns, and the scan goes straight to the laboratory, which saves time between visits. Read more about digital dentistry at Padstow Dental.

What does AI never do at Padstow Dental?

• It never diagnoses

• It never decides or recommends your treatment

• It never gives clinical advice

• It never replaces a conversation with your dentist or oral health therapist

Examination, diagnosis and treatment decisions are made by your clinician. Technology supports those decisions and does not make them.

How is my information protected?

Your health information is handled in line with Australian privacy law and our privacy policy. If you would like to know how a particular tool uses or stores information, ask us and we will explain.

Can I say no?

Yes. Tell us if you would prefer the AI scribe is not used in your appointment, and we will take notes in the usual way. You can also ask to speak with a team member instead of the AI assistant.

What does this mean for me as a patient?

• More of your clinician's attention during appointments

• Quicker answers to simple questions, including after hours

• Fewer repeated questions, because your enquiry is recorded once

• Treatment that is planned in detail and shown to you first

• The same team, with more time for the parts of care that need a person

Common questions about AI at Padstow Dental

Is my appointment recorded?

The AI scribe is used only with your consent. Ask us how it works and what is kept.

Can AI read my X-rays?

Your X-rays and scans are read and interpreted by your clinician.

Can Flo book my appointment?

Flo takes your details and our team confirms your appointment, so it is matched to the right clinician and the right amount of time.

Will I always be able to reach a person?

Yes. You can ask for a team member at any time, and we return calls.

Does using AI change my fees?

No.

A practice that keeps moving forward

We will keep adopting technology where it gives patients a better experience, and we will keep telling you how we use it. To ask a question or book a visit, call 02 9773 4775 or send us an enquiry.

Written by Dr Bill Kalis, Principal Dentist at Padstow Dental. BDS (Hons), University of Sydney, 1994. Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry, University of Adelaide, 2007. Past State and Federal President of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry. Dr Kalis is a general dentist with a focus on implant, surgical and IV sedation dentistry.