🚨 Important - This feature is currently in closed beta - Get in touch via Support Chat if you're interested in early access and providing feedback.
Choosing the right microphone for you
Our AI is designed to work with a wide range of microphones, but some setups will perform better than others depending on your environment. Use the below to figure out what will work best for you.
📎 Lavalier (Clip-on) Microphones (Recommended for most practices)
Best for: Dentists who move around or want minimal gear
Clips to your clothing for hands-free dictation
Lightweight and discreet
May require adapter depending on your computer
Recommended model:
RØDE Wireless GO II - Tried and tested ✅
Hollyland Lark M2 Wireless Lavalier - Tried and tested ✅
🛒 Available via Amazon UK and other retailers
🎙 Desktop Microphones
Best for: Private rooms or quieter spaces
Higher-quality audio
No need to wear a headset
Common connection types
Recommended models:
Blue Yeti (cardioid mode) – Tried and tested ✅
Rode NT-USB Mini
Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
Rode Podcaster
Yeti X
Available from Amazon UK, Currys Business, Gear4Music, Andertons and others
🎧 Headset Microphones
Best for: Busy surgeries with background noise
Consistent microphone placement and excellent noise rejection
Comfortable to wear and fully hands-free
Plug-and-play with no extra hardware needed
Recommended models:
Jabra Evolve 40/65/75
Logitech Zone Wireless Plus
EPOS IMPACT 860T ANC
Available from Amazon UK, Currys Business, John Lewis, Logitech UK and others
🧠 What to consider before you buy
🔌 Connection Type
Check you current equipment and ensure you are looking at microphones that will work with current laptops and computers. The common connect types will be USB, USB C or a 3.5mm Jack.
🦷 Cleaning & Durability
When choosing your microphone you want to be sure they are going to suitable for your environment in surgery, some things you should keep in mind:
Look for smooth, wipeable surfaces, or devices which come apart for easy cleaning.
Avoid microphone covers as they may not meet sanitary standards.
Prioritise models that can be easily disinfected between surgery.
🧳 Portability
Its important to consider when and where you will be recording your notes to ensure you choose the best microphone for you.
Wireless or clip-on microphones are useful for multi-room setups or for those providers that are on the move, during surgery
USB headsets or tabletop microphones are ideal for consistent desktop use and for those that intend to record whilst static at their machine, after surgery.
🔇 Noise Cancellation
Dental practices can be busy, and background noise from equipment or nearby conversations may interfere with note accuracy.
Microphones with built-in noise cancellation will help reduce this interference and improve transcription quality—especially in shared or open-plan environments.
🛠 Setup tips
Point the microphone directly at your mouth, 15–30 cm away is best.
Use a cardioid pattern if available on your microphone to reduce background noise.
Check you have the correct microphone selected in Dentally by using the dropdown arrow next to the mic in the clinical sidebar and test it in Dentally before using it for patient notes.
Avoid placing the microphone near aircon/decon units or dental suction to avoid pick up issues.
🧩 Troubleshooting tips
If Dentally is struggling to pick up your words as you are dictating your notes here are a few things that could be affecting your recordings that you can try to resolve:
Background noise: Switch to a cardiod or supercardiod microphone for clearer pickup, or move away from devices which may be interfering with the pickup.
Low volume: Move the microphone closer or increase gain in the microphone settings.
Audio distortion: Reduce input sensitivity or move microphone back slightly from its current pick up location.
Inconsistent transcription: Speak clearly and consistently, Just talk as if you are talking directly to your nurse.
If you see a red microphone icon in the bottom right of your clinical AI notes dictation menu, and can no longer click to record, this means your microphone has been denied access within your browser and will need enabling again. You can follow Googles direction on this here.
Still struggling? Check with your IT provider for further troubleshooting guidance.