Aipedia: Dentists

AI translation in dental consultations

Aipedia, by the Apex broking team · Last reviewed 2026-10-27

AI translation can help with simple exchanges, but for consent, risks and aftercare a dentist must be confident the patient has understood, which often means using a professional interpreter. A mistranslated warning can undermine consent and lead to a claim.

Part of: AI in Dentists

In short

Real-time translation apps and devices let dental teams talk to patients with limited English without waiting for an interpreter. GDC standard 2.3 requires information in a way patients can understand, guidance 2.3.3 gives using an interpreter as an example for patients whose first language is not English, and Principle 3 requires valid consent that the patient understands. Machine translation can miss or soften risks, numbers and negatives, and the patient cannot tell. Consent obtained through a faulty translation may be challenged. Indemnity usually responds to the resulting claim, but the record needs to show how understanding was checked.

How dental teams use AI translation

Practices use translation apps on phones or tablets, built-in translation in messaging systems, and dedicated devices that translate speech in both directions. They are used at reception, during examinations, when explaining treatment options and costs, and for written aftercare instructions. They are fast and always available, which is why they get used for conversations that would previously have waited for a booked interpreter.

The difficulty is that neither the dentist nor the patient can check the translation. The dentist hears a fluent response and assumes the message landed; the patient hears a fluent sentence and assumes it is what the dentist said.

The duties that apply

Communication: standard 2.3 requires you to give patients the information they need in a way they can understand. Guidance 2.3.3 gives using an interpreter for patients whose first language is not English as an example, and 2.3.4 says you should satisfy yourself that patients have understood.
Consent: standard 3.1 requires valid consent explaining all relevant options and possible costs; 3.2 requires that patients understand the decisions they are asked to make; and 3.3 requires consent to remain valid at each stage.
Confidentiality: under the Standards for the Dental Team, 4.2 and 4.5 apply to the conversation, which may be processed by an external service.
Records: 4.1 requires accurate records, including how you communicated and checked understanding.

What can go wrong

Illustrative scenario: a dentist uses a translation app to explain a lower wisdom tooth extraction, including a small risk of lasting numbness. The translation renders "lasting" as "temporary", and "do not rinse for 24 hours" comes out as an instruction to rinse. The patient agrees, the extraction goes ahead, and afterwards the patient has altered sensation and a painful socket. They say they were told numbness would pass and were told to rinse. The notes say only "consent obtained via translation app".

Numbers, negatives, medical history questions and drug allergies are where translation errors can matter most. Errors in a medical history can be as serious as errors in consent.

How indemnity usually responds

A claim alleging that the patient was not properly warned is usually handled under the dentist's compulsory indemnity as a consent or negligence claim, subject to its terms. The defence depends on showing the patient understood. If the only evidence is that a machine translated the conversation, that may be difficult. One defence organisation's published position on AI says help is available only where a human remains the decision maker; choosing the means of communication and checking understanding are human decisions. A confidentiality complaint about a translation service processing health information may fall outside clinical indemnity, since the same position excludes data breaches.

When to use a professional interpreter

For consent to treatment with material risks, such as extractions, implants, endodontics or sedation.
When taking or updating a medical history.
When the patient seems uncertain, or answers do not match questions.
For complaints and difficult conversations.
When the patient asks for one.

For simple exchanges, such as appointment times or directions, an approved translation tool may be enough.

Practical controls

Decide which conversations may use AI translation and which need an interpreter.
Use short, simple sentences and avoid idioms.
Check understanding by asking the patient to explain the plan and risks back.
Give written aftercare in the patient's language, checked where possible.
Record the method used, how understanding was checked and why an interpreter was or was not used.
Use only tools approved for health information.

How Apex helps

Apex arranges indemnity for dentists and practices. A broker reviews how your cover treats consent obtained across a language barrier with AI tools and data issues with translation services.

Sources

Frequently asked

Is consent valid if I used a translation app?

It can be, if the patient genuinely understood the options, risks and costs. GDC standard 3.2 requires that understanding, and 2.3.4 says to satisfy yourself the patient has understood. For treatment with material risks, a professional interpreter is often the safer route.

Can a family member translate instead?

Sometimes, but they may filter or soften information, and confidentiality and safeguarding issues can arise. GDC guidance 2.3.3 gives using an interpreter as an example. Record who translated and how you checked the patient understood.

What should the notes say?

Record the language, the method used, why it was suitable, the key information given, how you checked understanding, and any written material provided. If the patient declined an interpreter, record that too.

Can I use AI to translate written aftercare instructions?

It can help, but errors in numbers, timings and negatives can occur and the patient cannot spot them. Where possible, use instructions that have been checked by a qualified translator, and keep the version given in the record.

Check your indemnity covers how you use AI

Tell us about your practice and the work you do. A broker will review how your current cover treats AI-assisted work, or arrange new cover. No fee for a quote. Or call 0117 325 0027.

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Apex Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales, company number 07014570. This page is general information about how AI is used in the profession and how insurance may respond. It is not legal, regulatory or insurance advice on your circumstances, and it does not guarantee that cover will be available or on what terms.