The Oral-Systemic Connection: The Impact of AI

Take the Accredited CE Quiz:

Learning Objectives:

• Describe advances in AI as they relate to dental-medical communication.
• Review how AI can be used to inform diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Discuss how AI and other technologies can be used to improve collaborative healthcare.

Author Qualifications:

Judith Haber, PhD, APRN, FAAN
Dr. Judith Haber is Professor Emerita at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing and Executive Director of the Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice (OHNEP) Program. An internationally recognized leader in psychiatric nursing and oral–systemic health, she is the author of award-winning textbooks and the landmark AJPH article Putting the Mouth Back in the Head. Dr. Haber has received numerous national awards for excellence in nursing, education, and practice, and serves on several national committees advancing interprofessional oral health.

Teresa Dolan, DDS, MPH
Dr. Teresa (Terri) Dolan is the Chief Dental Officer at Overjet (www.overjet.ai), the global leader in dental AI. She previously served as Dentsply Sirona’s Chief Clinical Officer, leading the global Clinical Affairs function, supporting new product development and overseeing the largest global clinical education program sponsored by the dental industry. Dr. Dolan is also professor and dean emeritus of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, where she served as dean and chief academic officer from 2003 until 2013. She is recognized for her contributions to dental public health, geriatric dentistry and as a champion for diversity and women in dentistry. Dr. Dolan is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Rutgers University; she earned a DDS degree from the University of Texas and a MPH degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. She was a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Dental Health Services Research Scholar, completed a Veterans Administration Fellowship in Geriatric Dentistry, and is board certified in Dental Public Health. As a recognized leader in the dental profession, she currently serves as past-president of the Santa Fe Group, president of the American College of Dentists, and serves on the board of directors of the ADA Forsyth (formerly the American Dental Association Science and Research Institute).
​
Parag Kachalia, DDS
Dr. Parag Kachalia brings over 20 years of dedicated, high-quality dental care to his patients, drawing from a unique blend of clinical expertise, academic experience, and leadership in dental innovation. His previous role as Chief Clinical Officer at Seattle Study Club allowed him to guide other clinicians and help shape the future of patient-centered care. Known for his engaging teaching style, Dr. Kachalia has presented over 500 times globally, sharing his expertise in esthetic and adhesive dentistry, digital diagnostics, and CAD/CAM technology. His deep commitment to patient care extends to his private practice in San Ramon, CA, where he combines these advanced techniques with a compassionate, individualized approach to ensure patients feel comfortable and confident.

​As Head of Clinical Practice at Overjet, a dental AI company focused on augmenting clinical expertise, Dr. Kachalia collaborates with clinicians to advance dental technology that enhances diagnostic precision. By identifying potential issues early, Overjet’s technology supports minimally invasive care, ultimately improving patient outcomes. His work has earned him recognition as one of the most influential leaders in dentistry for multiple years, and he continues to bring the latest innovations to his patients, ensuring they receive the best care modern dentistry has to offer. When Dr. Kachalia is not treating patients he enjoys golfing and traveling.

Mary Joy Garcia-Dia, DNP, RN, FHIMSS, FAAN
Dr. Mary Joy Garcia-Dia is the Program Director, Nursing Informatics in the Institute for Nursing Excellence and Innovation (INEI) at New York Presbyterian Health System in New York.. A critical care nurse by training, she leads enterprise-wide clinical systems implementations and integrations across healthcare organizations, including ancillary systems, physiologic monitoring, and mobile technologies. She holds a Master’s degree in Nursing Informatics from New York University, a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, and is a graduate of the Coldiron Senior Nurse Executive Fellowship at Case Western Reserve University. Her research interests include global health, mobile technology, virtual care, resilience, and structural empowerment. Dr. Garcia-Dia has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters, published Project Management in Nursing Informatics (2019), and co-edited The Informatics Guide to Healthcare: From Insight to Action (2026). She serves as adjunct faculty at Case Western Reserve University and CUNY School of Professional Studies, sits on the Nursing Management editorial board, and is co-chair of the HIMSS Nursing Informatics Community Committee (2026).