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Transforming Dentistry: The Innovative Approach of HAMIGAKI

In today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the dental industry must adapt to meet new challenges. Japan boasts approximately 68,000 dental clinics, as reported by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. With ongoing issues such as workforce shortages and the need for enhanced operational efficiency, the industry faces an imperative to embrace digital transformation, as emphasized by the government's "Medical DX Vision 2030" initiative.

Introduction to HAMIGAKI

Founded in 2019 and based in Tokyo, HAMIGAKI is leading the charge towards a digitized dental future. The company is helmed by Dr. Yasuaki Sano, a practicing dentist and MBA graduate, who is combining clinical insights with business acumen to create innovative AI solutions for the dental sector. HAMIGAKI's philosophy promotes a healthier society through interconnected medical services, aiming to initiate change in how dental care is delivered.

Mission and Vision

HAMIGAKI's vision centers around creating a society where individuals lead healthy lives, defined by three key pillars:

• - Philosophy: Fostering a community where everyone can live in good health.
• - Mission: Realizing collaborative medical practices that connect healthcare providers, patients, and communities.
• - Value: Building connections, embracing innovation, and developing a shared future.

By advancing dental care's digital transition, HAMIGAKI aims to not only tackle industry challenges but also enrich the overall healthcare experience.

Service Overview

HAMIGAKI offers a range of innovative services designed to propel dental practices forward:
1. AI Training and In-House AI Advocate Development: Through a structured three-month program, HAMIGAKI equips dental practices with personnel skilled in implementing AI solutions. The training combines hands-on experience with ongoing support via platforms like Slack, ensuring immediate applicability in clinical settings.

2. Development of AI Applications: The company focuses on creating tailor-made AI applications that address the unique needs of the dental field. Solutions are informed directly by experiences and challenges faced by practicing dentists, optimizing workflows and improving doctor-patient communication.

3. Dental AI Consulting: Providing comprehensive strategies for opening and improving practices, HAMIGAKI utilizes AI to enhance financial and operational performance, ensuring sustainability in an ever-challenging market.

4. Dental Management School for Associates: As Japan’s first MBA-style management education tailored for associate dentists, this initiative offers practical training methods that prepare future dental leaders for opening their own practices.

Addressing Social Issues

HAMIGAKI's approach to integrating AI and specialized consulting addresses critical social issues in healthcare:

• - Alleviating Workforce Shortages: By streamlining processes through AI, practices can maintain high-quality care with limited staff.
• - Improving Access to Care: Utilizing digital tools enhances access to quality dental care, transcending regional and economic barriers.
• - Promoting Sustainable Business Practices: Strategies focused on efficiency and sustainability allow practices to pivot towards growth sectors such as preventive and aesthetic dentistry.
• - Encouraging Preventive Care: By leveraging AI and data to educate patients, the company fosters habits for self-care and early treatment.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, HAMIGAKI aspires to build an infrastructure for health co-creation beginning with dental care. The company is set to launch the "Schraiber.AI"—an AI voice recognition and documentation assistance system specially tailored for dentistry. This tool enables real-time transcription of conversations between dentists and patients, ensuring accurate use of dental terminology—a difficult task for conventional voice recognition systems.

Offering robust management features that allow supervision of patient interactions and quick access to historical records, Schraiber.AI itself embodies HAMIGAKI's commitment to enhancing industry efficiency from day one.

Conclusion

Dr. Sano emphasizes the importance of creating a healthcare environment where medical practitioners, patients, and local communities support each other equally. By bridging AI technology with human connection, HAMIGAKI is dedicated to co-creating a sustainable society where health thrives.

In the coming years, the collaboration between AI solutions and the practical realities of dental practices will continue to transform the landscape, addressing both industry challenges and societal health concerns. HAMIGAKI remains at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of dental health in an increasingly digital world.