In this episode of Dentistry Inspired, Dr. Sean Robertson is joined by Dr. Robert Salvati for a thoughtful conversation on technology, leadership, and the evolving role of the dentist in an increasingly digital profession. Together, they explore the concept of “The Human In The Loop” and what it means to balance innovation with human connection in modern dentistry. Through stories, reflections, and lessons drawn from experience, the conversation examines how dentists can embrace advancements in technology and artificial intelligence without losing the empathy, judgment, and trust that sit at the heart of patient care. This episode is about more than technology. It’s about staying grounded in your values while navigating change, understanding where human insight still matters most, and recognizing the responsibility that comes with leading in a rapidly evolving profession. Whether you’re excited by the future of dentistry or uncertain about where it’s headed, this conversation offers perspective, clarity, and a reminder of the role only humans can play. Be sure to subscribe to Dr. Salvati's publication, 'The Human in the Loop', which explores adopting AI and technology thoughtfully in clinical dentistry while preserving the clinical judgement that is at the heart of dentistry. You can subscribe at AIdentistry.ca. – Dr. Sean Robertson is the Lead Strategist and founder of Practice Advocate (www.practiceadvocate.ca). Practice Advocate provides freelance strategy services for dentists and private practice owners that includes practice valuations, practice sale facilitation, and concierge practice management coaching that focuses on sustainability, profitability, and fulfilment. Sean is also the Director of Integration, Partnerships, & Business Education at The Confident Clinician, a global evidence-based knowledge research base that integrates artificial intelligence capability to save medical practitioners time in the delivery of the highest level of care (www.theconfidentclinicianclub.com). Sean has performed more than $300M in Canadian dental practice valuation work and supported practice ownership transfer since 2018. Sean teaches Practice Management for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Toronto and has guest lectured for the Faculty of Dentistry at McGill University. He writes regularly for Ontario Dentist, The Journal of the Ontario Dental Association and has authored articles for Oral Health, a national journal for the profession of dentistry in Canada. Dr. Robertson is regularly called upon by the major Canadian banks, dental associations, and dental support organizations to consult on trends, predictions, and perspectives in the Ontario and Canadian dental practice marketplace. He has completed in-person training in communication and the art of negotiation with The Black Swan Group and Chris Voss, former FBI hostage negotiator and author of Never Split The Difference. Sean has lectured at the Ontario Dental Association’s Annual Spring Meeting and the Canadian Dental Association on the topics of practice valuations, acquisitions, sales, and practice management. He contributed to the development of the Career Options Initiative with the Canadian Dental Association. Sean is the author of two books: One, written for dentists is titled From DEBTistry to Dentistry: A buyer’s guide to successful transitions (2016) and the other, written for Integrative and Functional Medical Practitioners is titled, The Profitable Clinician: Why Clinician Fulfilment is Mandatory For Optimal Patient Care (2025). – Thank you for listening.
