Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere these days, from writing your social media captions to helping you find your next binge-worthy Netflix show. It’s even creeping into areas like tax preparation and financial planning. And while it might seem tempting to let a clever chatbot or algorithm handle your dental practice’s finances, the truth is: AI doesn’t know you. And when it comes to the long-term health of your dental practice, that matters.

The Promise (and Pitfalls) of AI

We get it, AI is fast, accessible, and sometimes pretty impressive. You can type in a tax question or search for financial strategies and instantly get an answer. Sounds like a time-saver, right?

Well, yes… and no.

While AI tools can help with general education or offer a good starting point for basic research, it doesn’t have access to your full financial picture. It doesn’t understand your business goals, your risk tolerance, or how you’ve structured your practice. And it certainly doesn’t have the foresight to help you understand how today’s decision will impact your practice five or ten years from now.

That’s where things get risky.

What AI Can Help With

There’s a time and place for AI, and when used wisely, it can actually make life easier. Some good examples include:

• Summarizing articles or industry trends
• Learning general definitions (what is bonus depreciation, anyway?)
• Exploring pros and cons of high-level tax strategies
• Drafting questions to bring to your CPA
• Automating repetitive admin tasks or creating templates

Think of AI as a research assistant, not a trusted advisor.

What AI Shouldn’t Be Doing

When it comes to financial decision-making, AI can miss the mark badly. Here are just a few areas where relying on AI can steer dental professionals in the wrong direction:

• Entity selection: Choosing the wrong structure could create long-term tax headaches.
• Tax planning: AI may suggest a deduction that applies in theory but doesn’t hold up under audit or isn’t worth it based on your revenue.
• Cash flow management: AI can’t factor in upcoming expansions, changes to insurance contracts, or staffing changes.
• Practice transitions: Buying or selling a practice is nuanced. AI can’t assess deal terms, negotiate, or ensure you’re building the right legacy.
• Personal vs. business deductions: AI doesn’t know if that trip to a dental conference is deductible, or if it’s going to raise a red flag.

In short: AI might save you money today, but it could cost you much more in the long run.

Real Expertise > Artificial Intelligence

Tax codes change. Markets shift. And your dental practice will grow, evolve, and face its own unique challenges. AI doesn’t understand the context of your business, and it certainly doesn’t care if you make a mistake. But we do.

We get to know how your business operates, what financial red flags to watch for, and how to help you plan for long-term success, not just short-term savings. Our team keeps up with the regulations, gets to know you personally, and helps you make smart decisions based on your actual circumstances, not just what the internet says.

The Bottom Line

AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a financial advisor, tax strategist, or business coach. It’s not going to lose sleep if you underpay taxes or overextend your practice. That’s why the smartest move is to use AI as a supplement – not a substitute – for real guidance.