Shaping the future of pediatric dentistry
Dr. Lisa Bienstock says that technology, leadership, and commitment to prevention are redefining pediatric dentistry — now and into the future.
Pediatric dentistry stands at the forefront of a major transformation. Fueled by technological innovation, a surge of new leadership, and a renewed commitment to prevention, our field is evolving to meet the complex demands of today’s families and communities.
Artificial Intelligence: concept to clinical ally
AI is no longer theoretical — it’s transforming pediatric dentistry today. More than 60% of dental practices now use some form of AI, from diagnostic imaging to administrative automation. AI-driven caries risk assessments, digital treatment planning, insurance verification systems, and smart scheduling tools are freeing providers to focus on what truly matters: educating families and building trust with our young patients and their parents. These tools not only enhance accuracy but also enable earlier intervention, which is vital given that we all know that over 40% of children aged 2–11 still experience tooth decay.
A workforce transformed
The demographic makeup of pediatric dentistry is also shifting. Today, women account for over 85% of pediatric dental residency program applicants, and we now represent nearly 60% of active pediatric dentists. When I started dental school (more than 20 years ago), roughly only 10% of my graduation class were women. This significant change brings fresh leadership styles that emphasize collaboration, equity, empathy, and mentorship. As the profession becomes more inclusive, it is critical that our institutions, employers, and partners adapt to support work-life balance, flexible practice models, and leadership development.
Prevention and medical management of dental caries take center stage
Preventive care is the cornerstone of our specialty — and it is now being reimagined. Innovations like Cavisense and other caries lesion assessment tools, the Willo® automated toothbrush for children, Curodont™ and other remineralization solutions, salivary diagnostics, digital health education platforms, and risk-based caries management systems are allowing dentists to detect caries lesions before they become radiographically visible, recognize the disease process, treat caries lesions before cavitation without removing tooth structure, and tailor prevention with precision like never before.
These changes shift our antiquated thought processes of “waiting and watching” to identifying the disease process early before it evolves into a cavitated lesion that needs treatment. Rather than being reactive, our profession will increasingly become proactive. The focus will become on treating the disease process before it progresses, instead of fixing the damage the disease has irreversibly done. These innovative tools are also critical in addressing disparities: children from low-income families are twice as likely to have untreated cavities compared to those from higher-income households. By focusing on prevention, we can narrow this gap and elevate oral health outcomes across populations.
Integrated practices: a model for the future
Another trend gaining momentum is the rise of integrated pediatric and orthodontic group practices, which are “co-located.” These models promote continuity of care, streamlined communication, and operational efficiency. For families, they offer the convenience of one-stop dental care, and even more of an opportunity for Airway/Phase I treatment. For providers, they foster interdisciplinary alignment and support long-term practice sustainability with a competitive edge. With 75% of dental graduates now preferring group or DSO-affiliated settings, these collaborative practices are poised to become the new norm. If you are a practice owner who is not part of a DSO, you may wish to consider adding an orthodontist to your practice as a potential strategic partner.
Looking ahead
This issue of Pediatric Dental Practice explores the forces redefining our field — from technology trends to leadership transitions and practice management to patient management with prevention-first strategies. Whether you are launching your career, scaling your practice, or simply looking to stay ahead of the curve, these insights offer both inspiration and practical direction.
As pediatric dentists we are fortunate — Howard Farran’s “AI Susceptibility Ranking of the ADA Dental Specialties (over the next 10 years)” ranked pediatric dentistry last. We are here to stay. Our future is bright, data-driven, and deeply human. And it is all being shaped by all of us — today.
Lisa Bienstock, DMD, is a Board-certified Pediatric Dentist, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and currently serves as Vice President of the Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. She is the Associate Director of NYU Langone’s Advanced Education in Pediatric Dentistry program in Phoenix and the proud owner of two thriving private practices dedicated to creating positive, prevention-focused dental experiences for children.
A graduate of Columbia University/NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Center’s prestigious Pediatric Dentistry residency program, Dr. Bienstock has held hospital privileges at Phoenix Children’s Hospital since 2013. Beyond the clinic, she is a passionate educator, national speaker, and philanthropist, with a growing presence on social media where she shares oral health tips (and plenty of real-life parenting humor). Most recently, she did a commercial for Sensodyne Pronamel Toothpaste. Follow her on IG @lisabienstock and on TikTok @doctorb.thatsme.