Dentistry Today’s Editor-in-Chief, Paul Feuerstein, DMD, talks with Setareh Lavasani, DDS, MS, about the intersection of technology, diagnostics, education, prognostics, and patient care in dentistry.
Setareh Lavasani, DDS, MS
Dr. Paul Feuerstein: Setareh, it’s wonderful to finally sit down and have this conversation. Many people across dentistry know you through your lectures, leadership roles, radiology expertise, and your growing voice in AI and advanced imaging. But for those who may not know the full story, tell us a little about your journey and what drives you professionally.
Dr. Setareh Lavasani: Thank you so much. My journey has been shaped by a deep curiosity about diagnosis, education, leadership, and human connection. I’m a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist and currently serve as a full professor and director of oral radiology and advanced imaging at Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine in Pomona, Calif.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fascinated by how imaging and diagnostics can completely change patient outcomes when used thoughtfully and systematically. What has driven me most is the desire to bridge gaps between technology and clinicians; between specialties; between education and real-world practice; and even between innovation and humanity.
Dr. Feuerstein: One thing that stands out about you is that you’ve built a reputation not only academically, but nationally through continuing education. Your lectures are consistently highly attended and often sell out. Why do you think your message resonates so strongly with clinicians?
Dr. Lavasani: I think it’s because I try to make advanced concepts approachable, practical, and clinically meaningful. Many dentists feel intimidated by CBCT interpretation and emerging technologies because they were never taught in a structured, clinically relevant way. I focus heavily on creating systematic approaches that clinicians can realistically implement in everyday practice.
Whether I’m teaching implant planning, airway evaluation, incidental findings, pathology, TMJ imaging, or AI integration, I always come back to the same central question: How does this help us provide better care for patients?
I also think people appreciate honesty and balance. I’m very transparent about both the possibilities and limitations of technology, as well as the limitations of trying to independently diagnose every complex radiographic finding without advanced training or consultation.
In reality, there are cases where seeking the expertise of an oral and maxillofacial radiologist can significantly improve diagnostic confidence and patient outcomes. I truly hope it becomes more normalized and widely accepted for dentists to seek advanced oral radiology consultations when they encounter findings they are not completely certain about. Sometimes one additional expert opinion can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.
Dr. Feuerstein: You mentioned AI, which is obviously one of the hottest topics in dentistry right now. You’ve become known as a balanced and credible voice in that space. How do you personally view AI’s role in dentistry?
Dr. Lavasani: I view AI as an incredibly powerful tool, but still a tool. It has the potential to improve efficiency, enhance patient communication, support clinical decision-making, and potentially improve access to care. But I strongly believe AI should augment clinical judgment, not replace it.
One thing I worry about is both extremes: blind enthusiasm and complete fear. Neither is productive. Our responsibility in academia—and especially as radiologists—is to help clinicians critically evaluate these technologies and understand how to integrate them responsibly and ethically.
I also believe future dentists will actually need to become more skilled in radiographic interpretation and diagnostic reasoning, not less. Dentists must remain analytical and deeply grounded in foundational diagnostic principles.
I pursued additional education in AI through the Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural AI in Dentistry course to deepen my understanding of the evolving intersection of technology, diagnostics, education, and patient care. In addition to learning a lot of incredibly valuable information, I realized that the future possibilities are extraordinary, especially when integrating radiology, other clinical findings, large-scale risk assessment, and personalized care models.
At the end of the day, technology should enhance human care, not diminish it.
Dr. Feuerstein: Another thing people often say about you is that you think beyond silos. You’re constantly discussing interdisciplinary care and the relationship between radiology, pathology, surgery, medicine, airway, and systemic health. Where does that philosophy come from?
Dr. Lavasani: For me, interdisciplinary care is much more than an academic concept or professional interest; it is deeply personal and truly feels like a mission.
In many ways, my first true exposure to what a fully integrated interdisciplinary healthcare model could look like came not as a clinician, but as a patient at MD Anderson Cancer Center almost 20 years ago. Experiencing that system firsthand was incredibly eye-opening for me. That experience stayed with me deeply because it made me realize how transformative this type of integrated model could be within dentistry. I remember thinking, why can’t dentistry function more like this?
If we could better integrate radiology, pathology, oral medicine, surgery, airway evaluation, sleep medicine, systemic disease screening, and restorative care, we could potentially reduce delayed diagnoses, streamline treatment planning, reduce the cost burden, improve communication, and ultimately improve patient outcomes on a much larger scale.
I truly believe the future of dentistry lies not only in technology and innovation, but also in greater collaboration, integration, communication, and compassion across healthcare disciplines.
Dr. Feuerstein: You speak passionately about mentorship and leadership. How important has mentorship been in your own journey?
Dr. Lavasani: Mentorship has been incredibly important in my life and career. Behind every confident clinician, educator, or leader are usually people who believed in them, guided them, challenged them, and helped them see possibilities they may not have fully recognized. I’ve been fortunate to have wonderful mentors throughout dental school, residency, academia, and organized dentistry.
More recently, one of the most meaningful experiences of my career has been participating in Glidewell’s Guiding Leaders Program, founded through the vision of its former CEO, Stephanie Goddard. I have had the privilege of working with her as my executive coach, and the experience has been profoundly impactful.
As women, especially in leadership spaces where access is not always organic or equally available, mentorship can be transformative. Having someone help you identify blind spots, navigate challenges, build confidence, and recognize opportunities is incredibly empowering.
Dr. Feuerstein: You also founded Lavasani Diagnostic Institute, which has become increasingly recognized within the profession. What inspired you to create it, and how do you hope it contributes to dentistry?
Dr. Lavasani: I founded Lavasani Diagnostic Institute (lavasanidx.com) because I saw a growing need for accessible, high-quality, evidence-based oral radiology education and advanced diagnostic support as CBCT and advanced imaging became more integrated into everyday dentistry.
The institute focuses on providing practical and clinically relevant continuing education tailored to the needs of dentists, study clubs, universities, and professional organizations in areas such as CBCT interpretation, implant planning, pathology, airway evaluation, TMJ imaging, endodontics, AI integration, and reducing diagnostic blind spots.
In addition, we provide CBCT and 2D radiographic interpretation and reporting services to support clinicians in diagnosis and treatment planning.
At its core, the institute is an extension of my larger mission: helping bridge the gap between advanced technology, education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and patient-centered care while making clinicians feel more confident, supported, and connected.
Dr. Feuerstein: What excites you most about the future of dentistry?
Dr. Lavasani: Honestly, the unlimited possibilities. We are entering a fascinating era where advanced imaging modalities, including ultrasound imaging and dental-designated MRI, are poised to further elevate the diagnostic landscape in the near future, complementing the already transformative capabilities of CBCT and expanding clinicians’ ability to diagnose and manage disease with greater precision.
At the same time, I am very excited about the introduction of ultrasound imaging in dentistry to expand the care and diagnostic value we can provide patients in evaluating soft tissue abnormalities and pathologies. I also hope we continue to preserve the human side of healthcare: communication, ethics, empathy, and mentorship. Technology should enhance those qualities, not replace them.
I’m also very hopeful about the next generation of students and young clinicians. They are intelligent, globally connected, and eager to learn. Our responsibility is to guide them thoughtfully and help them become not only technically skilled, but also compassionate, ethical, and visionary professionals.
Dr. Feuerstein: In addition to your role in oral radiology diagnosis and interdisciplinary care, what other areas of clinical care do you believe you can make an impact on?
Dr. Lavasani: Beyond diagnosis and interdisciplinary care, I believe one of the most important areas in which oral radiologists can contribute is radiation safety, regulatory compliance, and the creation of safe and efficient clinical environments for both patients and healthcare personnel.
There are many nuances in state, federal, and regulatory compliance standards for ionizing radiation and imaging equipment. Proper evaluation, monitoring, quality assurance, and documentation of radiographic equipment are extremely important to ensure patient safety and maintain the highest standards of care.
As emerging non-ionizing imaging modalities such as ultrasound and dental-designated MRI continue to complement the already powerful capabilities of CBCT, our specialty remains uniquely positioned to guide safe, effective, and patient-centered imaging care. Equally important is educating dentists and patients on evidence-based imaging selection criteria, indications, limitations, and appropriate use of these technologies, a topic that could easily warrant an entire discussion of its own. Ultimately, patient safety, education, and trust are deeply interconnected, and I believe oral and maxillofacial radiologists play a vital role in advancing all three.
Dr. Feuerstein: Last question. When people think about Dr. Setareh Lavasani years from now, what do you hope they remember most?
Dr. Lavasani: I hope they remember that I genuinely cared about students, patients, colleagues, and the profession itself. Beyond titles or accomplishments, I hope people remember someone who tried to bring humanity, collaboration, integrity, and encouragement into every room she entered. At the end of the day, that matters most to me.
Dr. Feuerstein: For readers who would like to connect with you or learn more about your work, what is the best way to reach you?
Dr. Lavasani: Absolutely. You can reach me at lavasanidx@yahoo.com. To learn more about my CBCT reporting and continuing education programs, visit Lavasani Diagnostic Institute, and feel free to connect with me on Instagram at @slavasanidds or visit my website lavasanidx.com.
About Setareh Lavasani, DDS, MS
Dr. Lavasani is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial radiologist. She earned her specialty certificate and master’s degree in dental diagnostic sciences from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.
She is an internationally respected educator on topics related to CBCT applications, diagnostic interpretation, digital imaging, and radiation biology. Dr. Lavasani is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and has earned a Fellowship at the Southern California Academy of Oral Pathologists.
The post INTERVIEW: Bridging Academia, Innovation, and Purpose appeared first on Dentistry Today.
