AI in Pediatric Dentistry: Insights from Dr. Yasmin Kottait

Summary of Most Important:

• Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a renowned pediatric dentist, emphasizes the importance of empathy, emotional connection, and tailored care for children.
• AI is increasingly influencing pediatric dentistry, offering tools for diagnosis, patient management, and predictive modeling, but it cannot replace human connection.
• The balance between leveraging AI as a diagnostic and administrative tool while maintaining a hands-on, empathetic approach is essential for modern dental clinics.

Introduction

In the world of pediatric dentistry, no two patients are alike. Dr. Yasmin Kottait, affectionately known as “Dubai’s Tooth Fairy”, has spent nearly two decades transforming pediatric dental care in the UAE. In a recent discussion, she shared her insights on integrating AI into her practice, dealing with the complexities of child patients, and the evolving landscape of dental care. For clinic owners and decision-makers in the MENA region, her lessons highlight how technology and human connection can work hand-in-hand to deliver exceptional care.

Who is Dr. Yasmin Kottait?

Dr. Yasmin Kottait is a leading pediatric dentist based in the UAE, with over 15 years of experience. She holds an MSc in Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Known for her expertise in sensory-aware care for neurodiverse children, she has built a reputation for making even the most anxious young patients feel comfortable. Dr. Kottait’s approach combines clinical precision, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by children and their families.

Her practice doesn’t just focus on treating teeth; it’s about creating positive dental experiences that shape lifelong oral health habits. Her philosophy centers on empathy, storytelling, and tailored behavior management techniques, which she believes are vital in pediatric care.

Key Insights from Dr. Yasmin Kottait

Emotional Dentistry: The Core of Pediatric Care

For Dr. Kottait, understanding a child’s emotions is the starting point for effective treatment. “From ages 0–3, emotional connection is the key”, she explains. Children at this stage need to feel safe and secure, which she achieves through physical touch, friendly communication, and playful distractions like cartoons.

From ages 3–6, imagination becomes an essential tool. Dr. Kottait uses storytelling methods, such as a “lion who lost his teeth”, to teach children about oral hygiene in a relatable way. This approach helps mitigate fear and builds trust, a crucial factor in pediatric dentistry.

Her emphasis on emotional connection extends to parents as well, who often need reassurance and guidance. “It’s not just about the child; you’re also parenting the parents”, she notes, highlighting the dual-layered complexity of pediatric care.

The Role of AI in Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Kottait views AI as a game-changer but stresses the importance of balance. “AI is the future, but it’s a tool, not a substitute for human intelligence”, she asserts. In her practice, AI is used for:

• Diagnostics: Tools like AI-powered radiograph detection help identify early-stage cavities or structural issues with precision.
• Predictive Modeling: AI can forecast a child’s risk for future dental issues by analyzing factors like parental habits, social environment, and genetic predispositions.
• Patient Management: Automated systems streamline appointment scheduling, reminders, and patient follow-ups, improving efficiency.

However, Dr. Kottait warns against over-reliance on AI. “If we become too dependent, we lose our ability to think critically and creatively”, she cautions, citing studies that show reduced neural activity in individuals who rely heavily on AI for problem-solving.

What Most Clinics Miss About Patient Retention

Dr. Kottait underscores that patient retention in pediatric dentistry is about more than clinical outcomes. “Kids come back to me because of the love and trust we build”, she says. A child’s positive experience, shaped by empathy and understanding, is what fosters loyalty.

She also highlights the importance of educating parents about the significance of baby teeth. While many still believe primary teeth are “worthless”, Dr. Kottait emphasizes that neglecting them can lead to pain, infections, and long-term developmental issues. Clinics that proactively educate and guide parents set themselves apart in competitive markets.

Lessons for Growing a Modern Pediatric Clinic

1. Invest in Both People and Technology: While AI can enhance diagnostics and streamline operations, staff training in empathy and behavior management is irreplaceable.
2. Understand Your Unique Patient Base: Categorizing children by age and personality type can help tailor treatment approaches. For example, social children may need more interaction, while anxious ones may require extra comfort.
3. Embrace Preventative Care: Educate parents to bring in their children as early as six months old to establish a foundation for lifelong oral health.
4. Balance Digital and Human Interaction: Use AI for administrative tasks, but ensure human connection remains at the forefront of patient care.
5. Continuous Education: Encourage team members to attend courses on sedation, diagnosis, and behavior management to improve clinic-wide expertise.

Key Takeaways

• Empathy Drives Retention: Building trust with children and their parents is more impactful than technical skill alone.
• AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement: Use AI to enhance diagnostics and patient management but maintain critical thinking and personal connection.
• Start Early: Encourage parents to bring their children for dental visits during the first year of life.
• Tailor Approaches by Age: Understand the emotional and psychological needs of each age group to deliver effective care.
• Invest in Staff Training: Equip your team with the skills to handle diverse patient needs, from neurodiverse children to anxious parents.

FAQs

1. How can AI help manage pediatric patients?

AI can assist with diagnostics, predictive modeling for dental issues, and automating patient management tasks like scheduling and follow-ups.

2. What are the challenges of integrating AI in pediatric dentistry?

The primary challenges are building trust with parents, ensuring data privacy, and avoiding over-reliance on AI for critical decision-making.

3. How does Dr. Yasmin Kottait approach behavior management?

She emphasizes emotional connection, storytelling, and understanding each child’s unique personality to create a positive experience.

4. Are parents in the UAE aware of the importance of baby teeth?

Awareness is improving, but many still underestimate the importance of primary teeth. Dr. Kottait advises educating parents to adopt a preventative mindset.

5. What training should general dentists pursue to improve pediatric care?

Courses on conscious sedation, behavior management, and advanced diagnostics are highly recommended for general practitioners treating children.

For dental clinic owners, Dr. Yasmin Kottait’s approach is a masterclass in blending cutting-edge technology with timeless human empathy. By leveraging AI strategically and maintaining a patient-first mindset, clinics can not only enhance care but also build lasting trust and loyalty.

Source: “The Tooth Fairy Meets AI - with Dr. Yasmin Kottait (Next Dental – S1, E5)” - Remedico•app, YouTube, Aug 15, 2025 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_a69hung4Uc

Use: Embedded for reference. Brief quotes used for commentary/review.