The week in dentistry: Venezuela statement, AI reception and community support

Welcome to The Week in Dentistry, a regular round-up of dental sector updates from across the UK and Ireland.

This week’s edition includes the launch of an artificial intelligence receptionist for dental practices, the sale of a West Midlands practice, community support work in east London and a statement from a UK-based Venezuelan dentist following the earthquake in Venezuela.

Venezuelan dentists at LOC & ODL respond to earthquake

Venezuelan dentists at London Orthodontic Clinic (LOC) and ODL Dental Clinic have responded to the earthquake in Venezuela, highlighting the humanitarian impact on communities across the country.

Alex Seijas, founder of Mission Beyond Smiles and founder and clinical director of LOC and ODL, said many Venezuelans living abroad had spent recent days trying to contact family and friends.

He said: ‘At moments such as this, international solidarity and humanitarian support become more important than ever. My thoughts are with everyone affected by this disaster, particularly those who have lost loved ones, homes or livelihoods.’

Mission Beyond Smiles recently took a team of Venezuelan dental professionals from the UK to the Venezuelan Amazon to provide dental care and support to underserved Indigenous communities.

AI dental receptionist Greeta launched

Conversico launched Greeta, an artificial intelligence (AI) dental receptionist designed to support practices with missed, overflow and out-of-hours calls.

The system answers calls, books directly into the practice management system and gives reception teams a clear next step. Greeta launched on 30 June 2026 and is now live, with a public demo available through Conversico.

Savona Dental supports homeless community

Savona Dental partnered with SameDayDoctor and Nishkam SWAT to provide care packages for people experiencing homelessness in east London.

The Canary Wharf practice helped prepare and distribute bags containing toothbrushes, toothpaste and warm socks. SameDayDoctor also contributed feminine hygiene products, while Nishkam SWAT volunteers distributed the packages in Stratford.

Dudley dental practice sold after owner retires

Andrew Hargreaves Dental Practice in Dudley, West Midlands, was sold after its founding owner retired from clinical dentistry.

The three-surgery mixed-income practice was founded by Andrew Hargreaves in 1996. Christie & Co handled the sale, and the practice was purchased by Nazim Shah, an experienced dentist with previous practice ownership experience. The sale price was undisclosed.

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