April 2026 Branch Meeting - Dr AJ Salman - Digital Dentistry and AI in Action

WEBINAR OF MEETING:

Digital dentistry is no longer the future - it is the past. The present and future are powered by AI.
In this engaging and clinically focused lecture, Dr AJ Salman explores how the next evolution of dentistry is being shaped by artificial intelligence.  While digital workflows have become the standard, AI is now transforming how we plan, diagnose, and deliver care.

From intraoral scanning to guided implant placement and automated design, this session will highlight how modern tools can enhance precision, streamline workflows, and improve patient outcomes.
Through real clinical cases and practical insights, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how to move beyond digital dentistry and adapt AI-driven technologies into their practice.

Lecture Synopsis

Dentistry has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Since I graduated in 2012, the profession has transitioned from analogue workflows - such as developing radiographs in darkrooms - to digital systems that have now become standard practice. 

Digital dentistry is no longer the future - it is the past. The true shift we are now experiencing is the rise of AI-driven technology, which is redefining how we diagnose, plan, and execute treatment.

Over the last five years, advancements in intraoral scanners, AI-powered transcription tools, CAD/CAM systems, milling units, and 3D printing have significantly improved both the predictability and efficiency of treatment outcomes.

This lecture will explore key treatment modalities including guided implant surgery, digital prosthodontics, and workflow automation, supported by real-world clinical cases. It will also examine how AI is beginning to influence treatment planning and decision-making, offering a glimpse into the next phase of dentistry.

Attendees will leave with practical strategies to integrate both digital and AI-driven workflows into everyday clinical practice.

Learning outcomes:  By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:

• Understand recent advancements in digital dentistry.
• Evaluate their impact on clinical predictability and efficiency.
• Identify key digital treatment modalities and their benefits.
• Discuss practical strategies for integrating digital workflows into daily practice.
• Analyse clinical case studies for deeper understanding.
• Develop personalised plans for implementing digital technologies in practice.

About our speaker:

I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Otago in 2012, where I also served as President of the New Zealand Dental Students Association. During my training, I was recognised by the New Zealand Institute of Minimal Intervention Dentistry for my work, “The Role of Dentists in Society,” receiving an award for this. I also received an award from the Pierre Fauchard Academy for excellence in clinical skills and leadership.

I have continued to pursue advanced education earning a Fellowship with the International College of Continuing Dental Education (FICCDE) and obtaining a Diploma in Primary Care Dentistry from the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ireland in 2022.

Over the past 13 years in clinical practice, I have witnessed what I believe to be one of the most significant technological transformations in the history of dentistry. This has driven a strong personal commitment to embracing and implementing emerging technologies that improve patient outcomes and clinical efficiency.

My focus is on staying at the forefront of digital and AI-driven advancements, and I am passionate about sharing practical insights that help other clinicians integrate these tools into everyday practice—so that, together, we can continue to raise the standard of care across the profession.

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