Leading the AI wave: How Dr. Salloum redefines patient care on Sydney’s Northern Beaches

In the heart of Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Smile Doctor has been transforming smiles for over 20 years. Nestled within this picturesque community, it’s more than a dental clinic—it’s become a leader in innovation and modern dentistry.

As the first practice in the area to adopt Pearl’s Second Opinion® AI, Dr. Salloum and his team are pioneering a new era of patient-focused care, where oral health education becomes engaging, diagnostics are more precise, and trust is inevitable.

A vision turned reality

Dr. Salloum first encountered Pearl in 2019 at a conference in Los Angeles. “They showcased these beautiful, colour-coded visuals, and I thought, this could really transform how we communicate with patients,” he recalls. Years later, after taking ownership of Smile Doctor, the memory of this technology lingered on the back burner—until an Instagram ad for Pearl reignited that inspiring experience.

Since implementing the software, Dr. Salloum has been amazed by the difference it’s made. “It's a game changer in patient communication and education,” he says. “Patients are pointing at the screen, asking about the highlighted areas. They’re not just nodding along anymore; they’re actively engaging in their care.

Pearl has proven to be a game-changer in patient communication and education.

Empowering patients with visual clarity

For Dr. Salloum’s patients, Pearl turned once-perplexing radiographs into intuitive, colour-coded insights. It automatically detects pathologies and conditions, presenting them with AI annotations and a vibrant tooth segmentation feature— while the patient is still in the chair.

These visuals help patients better understand their oral health. As Dr. Salloum puts it, “Before Pearl, I’d say, ‘Do you see that little grey spot?’ and they’d respond, ‘Not really, but I trust you.’ Now, with the colourful highlights, they instantly get it.”

This newfound clarity has made treatment acceptance effortless. “Fortunately, most patients have accepted treatment when I’ve presented it,” he explains. “But now, when they see an area needing attention—such as a pink spot indicating decay—they don’t need convincing. They understand the urgency and trust the diagnosis.”

By integrating Pearl AI, Smile Doctor is pioneering a new standard in patient care

Leading the Northern Beaches

By embracing AI, Smile Doctor is setting a new standard for practices in the Northern Beaches. “We’ve had patients move to our practice and comment on how advanced the technology is compared to what they’ve seen elsewhere,” Dr. Salloum expresses.

His approach to innovation underscores his commitment to offering the best possible care. Whether it’s enhancing patient understanding, fostering trust, or ensuring diagnostic precision, Pearl’s Second Opinion® is helping him achieve it all.

Pearl’s Second Opinion® is the first real-time dental AI platform that automatically detects numerous conditions in dental x-rays to give dentists a second set of eyes for superior radiologic accuracy.

The future is here

Dr. Salloum shares the widely held belief that radiologic AI will soon become a staple in dental practices worldwide. His advice to colleagues considering this leap?

“Think of it as a tool to enhance your skills, not replace them. It’s about complementing what you already do and making it better for your patients. It helps them visualise, improves their trust, and ultimately ensures they get the treatment they require. It’s a win for both the patient and the practice.”

Curious about how AI can benefit your practice? Click here to schedule a free demo with our team at Gamma Tech, Pearl’s official distributor in the ANZ region.

Schedule your free Pearl demo today!