Five rules an AI receptionist must follow in a dental practice

An AI receptionist can answer every call and book every visit — and it can also create a complaint if it is set up carelessly. These are the five rules we build into every Dental Agentic module, and the questions worth asking anyone who offers you something similar.

1. It says it is automated

On every call and every chat, early. Patients are fine with an assistant; they are not fine with discovering it later.

2. It gets consent before it texts

Express consent for messages, a working opt-out on every one, and a record of both. In Canada that is CASL; in the US it is TCPA. Either way, it is also just good manners.

3. It hands off when asked

“Can I speak to a person?” must work — to a live transfer in hours, to a guaranteed call-back window after them. An assistant that argues is worse than voicemail.

4. It gives no clinical advice

Hours, openings, directions, insurance accepted, what to bring — yes. Whether a tooth needs a crown — never. The assistant books the consult; the dentist gives the advice.

5. You know where the data lives

Call recordings, transcripts, contact details: which country, how long, who can see them. A PHIPA or HIPAA agreement should be signed before go-live, not after, and clinical notes should never leave your practice software.

If a vendor can answer all five clearly, you are in good hands. If they can’t, keep looking.