In a recent podcast, Kiroku Co-Founder Hannah joined BAPD Board Members Simon Thackeray and Rachel Derby to discuss the evolving landscape of dental note-taking and how Kiroku started.
They spoke about the crucial role that AI-powered tools like Kiroku play in streamlining workflows for dental professionals. Also covered were the ethical considerations of automation in dentistry to the future of AI-driven clinical documentation.
You can listen to the podcast below or keep reading for a summary of these topics and some insightful quotes from the discussion.
How Kiroku Started
After graduating from dental school and working in London, Hannah started looking at ways to streamline dental note-taking, as she shouldn't believe how much of her time was spent writing notes. She met Co-Founder Jay, with a background in AI and machine learning, and they started Kiroku.
The thing that I really found stressful was when a patient was talking to me about their oral hygiene routine and I'm typing something else at the same time. So I'm kind of half listening to what they were saying. That distraction from being able to interact with a patient really stressed me out. So I wanted to explore if there was technology that could be created to make the process better for the dentist but also hopefully for the patient as well.
Hannah Burrow
As Simon pointed out, templated notes are not new, but Kiroku is different in the way templates are used to help write your notes. However, now if it's not written down, it's assumed it's not been done. He's been using it for a few months and discussed how much he and his nurse Ellie liked using Kiroku.
The Role of Kiroku in Dental Practices
At its core, Kiroku is designed to work seamlessly alongside existing practice management systems, helping dentists efficiently document their clinical notes without compromising accuracy or compliance.
The platform offers dynamic, intelligent templates that adapt in real time based on the input provided by the user.
“So it works alongside whatever your practice management system is in the practice. It just runs in Google Chrome. You log in to your account, and then dynamic, really intelligent templates allow you to fill in your notes there, and then insert them into your practice management system.”
Hannah Burrow
Kiroku’s AI-powered automation significantly reduces the time spent on documentation, allowing dentists to focus on patient care instead of being burdened with administrative tasks. The ability to tailor templates ensures that notes remain relevant, concise, and clinically robust.
The Ethical and Legal Considerations of AI in Dentistry
A major talking point in the discussion was the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in clinical settings. Dentistry, as a highly regulated industry, requires professionals to maintain precise, legally defensible records.
However, AI-driven tools can sometimes raise concerns regarding over-reliance and the potential for inaccuracies if used improperly.
“We have done this very intentionally. When you go from being a dentist to running a business, you realise that as a clinician, you’re trained to be risk-averse and to work within strict guidelines. But when you're developing technology for dentistry, you have to ensure that it aligns with those same principles, even while innovating.”
Hannah Burrow
The importance of individual responsibility was also emphasised. While tools like Kiroku provide a structured approach to note-taking, the onus remains on the clinician to ensure their documentation is accurate and reflective of the actual consultation.
“Your notes are only going to be as good as what you put into them. If you don’t edit and personalise your templates, you run the risk of having irrelevant or inaccurate information.”
Simon Thackeray
The Dangers of Copy-Paste Note-Taking
One of the most thought-provoking discussions revolved around the dangers of templated note-taking when used irresponsibly. Some clinicians rely too heavily on copy-pasting previous notes, leading to inconsistencies and even legal vulnerabilities.
“One of the things I hate seeing in medico-legal cases is when a clinician’s templated notes haven’t been properly edited. It’s obvious when the same spelling mistake appears across multiple patient records. Or when a male patient has been asked if he’s pregnant three times in a row.”
Simon Thackeray
Kiroku helps mitigate these risks by ensuring that templates dynamically adjust based on input, preventing redundant or irrelevant details from making their way into records.
The Burden of Administrative Work on Dentists
A recurring theme in the discussion was the sheer volume of administrative work dentists face, often extending their working hours long after the last patient has left. Many clinicians report staying back for hours just to complete their notes.
“I know one young dentist colleague who was finishing work at 5pm but wasn’t leaving the practice until 8pm because she was still writing up notes. That’s simply not sustainable.”
Simon Thackeray
By implementing an AI-driven system like Kiroku, dentists can reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and maintain a healthier work-life balance.
Kiroku for Individual Dentists vs. Practices
The discussion also covered the different ways in which Kiroku can be implemented, whether as an individual tool for dentists or as a practice-wide solution.
“If you’re a single clinician spending hours on notes every evening, you can sign up for a 14-day free trial and see how much time it saves you. But if you’re a practice principal or manager, implementing Kiroku across the entire team can improve efficiency on a larger scale and bring additional benefits like automated auditing.”
Hannah Burrow
For members of the British Association of Private Dentistry (BAPD), Kiroku offers exclusive discounts and templates, making it even more accessible for practices looking to streamline their workflows.
The Future of AI in Dentistry
Looking ahead, the potential for AI in dentistry extends far beyond documentation. The discussion touched on the exciting possibilities of integrating voice AI, predictive analytics, and real-time feedback to enhance clinical decision-making.
“We’re constantly iterating based on our customers’ feedback. But what excites me most is how we can use AI not just to make note-taking easier, but to provide deeper insights. Helping clinicians improve communication, treatment planning, and even practice revenue.”
Hannah Burrow
The trio also reflected on the importance of striking a balance between technological advancement and ethical responsibility. While AI can be an invaluable tool, it should never replace the clinician’s judgment or commitment to patient care.
Kiroku represents a significant step forward in making dental workflows more efficient, but like any tool, its success depends on how it is used. As the industry moves toward greater AI integration, clinicians must remain engaged, ensuring that technology enhances rather than compromises the quality of care.
If you’re a dentist looking to reduce your administrative workload while maintaining high-quality records, Kiroku offers a game-changing solution. Sign up for a free 14-day trial and experience the future of dental note-taking firsthand.
If you’re a BAPD member, log in to the BAPD Member Portal to access your special sign-up code to get a discount on the first 12 months of your Kiroku subscription. You’ll also get access to clinical templates created with the BAPD’s clinical team.
