First edition · Maria Jackson, MS, CRDH

From Chairside to AI™

A guided planner and workbook for dental professionals transitioning into AI and technology. Your reflections, checklists, and 90-day plan save automatically in this browser.

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Welcome

"I was not lacking ability. I was lacking guidance and access." — Maria Jackson

I'm a dental hygienist by trade, but dentistry has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My father is a retired oral and maxillofacial surgeon, so I grew up in this industry. Over the past 20 years, I've built my career inside dentistry, with more than 15 years as a practicing hygienist.

Throughout my career, I have worked in private practices and large DSOs — Dental Support Organizations. I have managed dental practices, supported dental lab operations, and spent years training, coaching, and mentoring teams.

Like many of you, I didn't just grow from success. I grew from mistakes, challenges, and moments where I had to figure things out the hard way. Those experiences shaped how I lead and how I support others today.

For most of my career, I never felt burnt out. I loved working with patients. I loved dentistry. I would have continued doing it long term if life did not force me to pause.

During my pregnancy with my now three-year-old son, I developed severe carpal tunnel syndrome. That moment changed everything. It made me think about my future, my longevity in this profession, and the kind of life I wanted to live. I wanted flexibility. I wanted to be present. I did not want to be tied to long clinical hours, late nights, or constantly changing schedules.

That is when I started exploring AI and technology.

At first, I spent months applying and interviewing, but I could not break in. I did not understand the industry, how roles worked, or how to position myself. So I made a decision to go back to school. While pursuing my Master's in Applied Digital Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, I continued applying and interviewing nonstop. It was not until I completed my Master's that I landed my first role in AI and stepped away from clinical hygiene.

What I realized is this. I was not lacking ability. I was lacking guidance and access.

This course is what I wish I had. You are not starting over. You are building on everything you already know.

Quick start — where to begin

Not everyone reads a workbook front to back. That is okay. Pick the path that matches where you are right now.

Just thinking about it Start with Mindset Sections 1 → 2 → 12. Ground yourself first. Then learn how to build a bridge without burning one. Don't know what roles exist Map the pathways Sections 5 + 10, then Appendix E (Company Research Tracker). Map opportunities to your skills. Actively applying Interview & positioning Section 11 + Appendix B (Resume) + Appendix C (LinkedIn) + Appendix D (Pitch). Have an offer Evaluate the offer Section 8 (Compensation and Contracts) + Appendix F (Red Flags & Green Flags). Want to learn the language first Lingo & ecosystem Sections 3, 4, 9, then Appendix A (Complete Glossary) — searchable and linked across every page. Ready to commit Your 90-day plan Section 14. Week-by-week tracker. Mark progress, set goals, journal monthly. Saved automatically.

Full contents

The Journey

14 sections

Tools & Appendices

8 references