An Interview With Chad Silverstein
Speeding up time-consuming processes. Before we introduced AI into VISION, segmenting a CBCT scan could take hours. Now it takes about two minutes. That kind of time-saving doesn’t just make workflows smoother — it gives people their day back.
In today’s tech-driven world, artificial intelligence has become a key enabler of business success. But the question remains — how can businesses effectively harness AI to address their unique challenges while staying true to ethical principles? To explore this topic further, we are interviewing Khamzat Asabaev, SoftSmile.
SoftSmile was founded in late 2019 by Khamzat Asabaev, inspired by a young orthodontist friend who was using 3D printing to make aligners in-house at a low cost. Asabaev, who initially knew little about orthodontics, was so moved by his friend’s innovative approach that he invested much of his own savings to build a company aimed at transforming the orthodontic sector globally by making clear aligners more accessible by all. VISION, SoftSmile’s AI-powered orthodontic treatment planning software received FDA approval in December 2021 and has served 100,000 patients worldwide.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path in AI? Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started working with artificial intelligence?
Our journey into AI started with something pretty simple: we realized orthodontists needed a better way to plan treatments. The manual process was time-consuming, repetitive, and left too much room for error. We saw how AI could change that — not by replacing doctors, but by making their work faster, easier, and more precise. That’s how VISION was born. It’s our way of giving orthodontists smart tools that help them deliver better results without wasting time on things that software can do for them.
One of the most exciting moments for us was when we managed to fully automate CBCT segmentation in VISION. What used to take hours of tedious manual work was suddenly done in under two minutes. That felt like magic — not just because of the time saved, but because it meant doctors could spend more time with patients instead of staring at screens. That’s when we really felt the power of what we were building.
You are a successful leader in the AI space. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
If I had to pick three things that helped us most, I’d say:
- Curiosity. We’re always learning. AI doesn’t stand still, and neither do we. Every time we get feedback from a user, we use it to improve — that’s how our models keep getting better.
- Empathy. We build for real people — orthodontists who are juggling patient needs, time, and costs. So we’ve designed tools like automated staging and segmentation that actually solve daily problems, not just look good in demos.
- Boldness. Pushing boundaries is tough, especially in healthcare. But when we built the AI assistant that guides users through treatment planning, it was a big step. It changed the game for how quickly and confidently someone could create a plan.
Let’s jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a specific example of how you or your organization used AI to solve a major business challenge? What was the problem, and how did AI help address it?
Treatment planning in orthodontics is complex and time-consuming. That was one of the biggest bottlenecks we saw — both for doctors and for businesses trying to grow. So we brought AI into VISION to automate the most tedious steps: scan segmentation, treatment setup, staging. The result? Less time spent planning, more accuracy, and ultimately better outcomes for patients. Clinics can now work faster and take on more cases without burning out their teams.
What are some of the common misconceptions you’ve encountered about using AI in business? How do you address those misconceptions?
A big one is the fear that AI is going to replace doctors. That’s not what we’re doing at all. Our AI is more like an extra pair of (very smart) hands — it helps with the heavy lifting so the orthodontist can focus on what really matters: making the right decisions and building trust with patients. We always say: AI is here to assist, not replace.
In your opinion, what is the most significant way AI can make a positive impact on businesses today?
AI can massively boost efficiency and precision. In our case, it’s about giving clinics back their time and confidence. With AI helping handle the technical groundwork, doctors can plan treatments faster, make fewer errors, and scale their work. That means happier patients and healthier businesses. It’s a win-win.
Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways AI Can Solve Complex Business Problems”? These can be strategies, insights, or tools that companies can use to make the most of AI in addressing their challenges.
Sure! At SoftSmile, we’ve seen firsthand how AI can really make a difference in orthodontics. Here are five ways AI helps solve big, complicated problems — and honestly, these lessons apply way beyond dentistry:
1. Speeding up time-consuming processes
Before we introduced AI into VISION, segmenting a CBCT scan could take hours. Now it takes about two minutes. That kind of time-saving doesn’t just make workflows smoother — it gives people their day back.
2. Reducing human error
Planning orthodontic treatment involves a ton of detailed decisions. Our AI tools help automate the trickiest parts — like aligning teeth, setting up staging, or predicting movements — so there’s less chance for something to go wrong. That means fewer remakes and better results.
3. Scaling expert work
AI lets a single orthodontist do the kind of work that would’ve required a whole team. Small clinics can take on more cases without hiring more staff — and big ones can expand faster without compromising on quality.
4. Personalizing services
VISION lets doctors plan treatments that fit each patient’s unique anatomy. That level of customization used to be hard and time-consuming. Now, AI makes it part of the everyday workflow, which leads to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction.
5. Keeping costs under control
By automating the boring, repetitive stuff, AI helps clinics save money on labor and avoid expensive mistakes. It’s not about replacing people — it’s about letting them focus on what only they can do.
How can smaller businesses or startups, with limited budgets, begin to integrate AI into their operations effectively?
Start small — and smart. You don’t need a huge R&D budget to use AI. In our case, we focused on solving specific pain points — like reducing the time it takes to segment a scan or plan a treatment. The key is to look at your daily operations and ask: “What’s taking too much time or causing too many mistakes?” Then look for AI tools that solve that
What advice would you give to business leaders who are hesitant to adopt AI because of fear, misconceptions, or lack of understanding?
We get it — AI can sound intimidating. But it’s not some mysterious black box. It’s just a tool. At SoftSmile, we see it as a very smart assistant. It helps with the heavy lifting, but the final decisions always stay with the expert — the doctor. The same goes for any business. Start by using AI to support your team, not replace it. Once you see how helpful it is, the fear starts to fade.
In your opinion, how will AI continue to shape the business world over the next 5–10 years? Are there any trends or emerging innovations you’re particularly excited about?
We think AI will become part of the everyday fabric of business — not a “special tech” thing, but just how smart companies work. One trend we’re especially excited about is real-time learning and feedback loops. In VISION, for example, AI adapts based on how doctors use it, which helps the system get better and more intuitive over time. That kind of constant evolution is a game-changer.
How do you think the use of AI to solve business problems influences relationships with customers, employees, and the broader community?
It brings more trust into the equation — when it’s done right. For patients, AI means more predictable outcomes and shorter treatment times. For staff, it means fewer repetitive tasks and less burnout. And for the broader community, it shows that innovation doesn’t have to be cold or impersonal — it can actually make healthcare more human.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people through AI, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
If we could spark something big, we’d focus on access. AI has the power to bring expert-level healthcare to places that don’t have enough specialists. Imagine a world where every small town clinic has the tools of a high-end city practice — because the software does the heavy lifting. That’s the kind of future we’d love to help build.
How can our readers further follow you online?
www.softsmile.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/khamzat-asabaev-b00b7b19/
This was great. Thank you so much for the time you spent sharing with us.
About the Interviewer: Chad Silverstein is a seasoned entrepreneur with 25+ years of experience as a Founder and CEO. While attending Ohio State University, he launched his first company, Choice Recovery, Inc., a nationally recognized healthcare collection agency — twice ranked the #1 workplace in Ohio. In 2013, he founded [re]start, helping thousands of people find meaningful career opportunities. After selling both companies, Chad shifted his focus to his true passion — leadership. Today, he coaches founders and CEOs at Built to Lead, advises Authority Magazine’s Thought Leader Incubator.
Khamzat Asabaev Of SoftSmile On How Artificial Intelligence Can Solve Business Problems was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.