Peter Rivoli, DDS, has begun adding artificial intelligence programs to achieve practice goals without the need to hire more staff.
Dr. Rivoli is a partner and practitioner at Rivoli Orthodontics, which has locations in Webster and Spencerport, N.Y. He recently spoke with Becker's about how staffing shortages are affecting his practice.
Editor's note: These responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: How are staffing shortages currently affecting you and your practice?
Dr. Peter Rivoli: Staffing shortages are a significant factor in how we are operating. It is almost getting impossible to staff up on Saturdays. When I have a doctor to work, I can't get an assistant, and vice versa. I have found a group of doctors who are older and want limited time, so I am staffing multiple doctors at my locations and if one needs time away, the others tend to pick up time. As we progress into 2024, I expect more of the same. My only saving grace is if the economy tightens and there are layoffs, I may be able to staff up with motivated laid-off workers. As for the future, I am shifting my resources to artificial intelligence-based programs which will help me grow with a reduced need to hire more. As we have progressively integrated limited AI programs, it has seemed to motivate the staff as well. I look forward to adding additional systems to the practices and watching as they help my staff do more with less.