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. I have worked in private practices and large DSOs. I have managed dental practices, supported dental lab operations, and spent years training, coaching, and mentoring teams.
"I was not lacking ability. I was lacking guidance and access."
Years as Practicing Hygienist
Practices Trained
Clinicians Mentored
AI & Business Analytics
Total Years in Dentistry
From clinical to AI.
Built a Career in Dentistry
I worked in private practices and large DSOs. I managed dental practices, supported dental lab operations, and spent years training, coaching, and mentoring teams.
Carpal Tunnel Changed Everything
During pregnancy, severe carpal tunnel syndrome forced me to pause. It became a moment to think about my future — flexibility, presence, and longevity in the profession.
Months of Applying with No Results
I spent months applying and interviewing but couldn't break in. I didn't understand the industry, how roles worked, or how to position my clinical experience for tech.
Went Back to School
I pursued a Master's in Applied Digital Technology with a concentration in Business Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, while continuing to apply and interview nonstop.
Landed a Role in AI
After completing the Master's, I landed my first role in AI and stepped away from clinical hygiene. The realization: it was never about lacking ability. It was about lacking guidance and access.
Helping Others Make the Transition
Now I'm dedicated to helping dental professionals recognize their value in the technology space and navigate the transition with clarity and confidence.
No Dental Professional Should Have to Figure This Out Alone.
What I realized is this: I was not lacking ability. I was lacking guidance and access. This is why I built Dental AI Solutions and wrote the From Chairside to AI manual.
You are not starting over. You are building on everything you already know. Dentists, hygienists, assistants, office managers, and billing teams all bring real-world knowledge that AI cannot replace. AI depends on that. You are not leaving dentistry behind. You are expanding it.