Everyday AI in Your Practice: Convenience or Cyber Risk?
From appointment scheduling to insurance pre-authorizations, artificial intelligence is already changing how dental practices operate—and not just in the future, but today.
Many dental teams are adopting AI-driven tools that promise to improve efficiency, speed up processes, and reduce human error. But with every new tech shortcut comes a question: how secure is it?
At Sunset Technologies, we believe innovation should never come at the cost of risk. That’s why we’re seeing more and more of our clients asking the right questions about the AI tools they’re using—and how to ensure those tools are safe, compliant, and actually support long-term success.
AI is Already in Your Office
From third-party imaging platforms to AI-generated billing assistance, artificial intelligence is likely already woven into your workflow—even if you didn’t know it. You may be using software that automates:
- Eligibility verification
- Scheduling and recall systems
- Chart notes and treatment planning
- Image interpretation
- Marketing communications
Many of these tools live in the cloud and rely on outside vendors, which introduces real questions around data access, security, and compliance.
The Convenience Trap
AI is designed to make life easier, and in many ways it does. But it can also open hidden doors for:
- Unverified third-party access to patient data
- Misuse of PHI in training datasets or cloud storage
- Increased phishing and impersonation attacks (AI makes it easier than ever to fake legitimacy)
That “quick win” software may be bypassing your carefully crafted cybersecurity protocols, and in the worst-case scenario, may lead to a HIPAA violation or data breach.
Why It Matters for Compliance
HIPAA doesn’t directly address AI (yet), but it does require that all third-party vendors be properly vetted, and that patient data is secured at every level of your technology stack. If your practice is using AI tools without reviewing Business Associate Agreements (BAAs), access controls, or data storage policies, you’re taking on more risk than you may realize.
And when something goes wrong, the responsibility doesn’t fall on the vendor—it falls on the practice.
How Sunset Helps
As your trusted technology partner, Sunset Technologies proactively reviews and evaluates your environment for these exact scenarios. Our Client Advisory Team (CAT) helps you:
- Review new software before implementation
- Vet vendors for security and compliance
- Understand what tools are safe—and what might expose your practice
- Stay compliant as technology evolves
We don’t just respond to risk—we help prevent it.
Rest Assured knowing your systems, software, and vendors are working together safely, securely, and strategically.
📞 Want to talk AI readiness? Reach out to your Advisor to set up a review and make sure the tools you’re using are supporting your uptime, performance, and security—not putting it at risk.
