Why note template structure matters when using AI?
When your template has clear structure and formatting lines, you are giving the AI a guideline to follow so you always end up with cleaner, more predictable note outputs every time. If your template is vague or empty, the AI will do its best to fill in the blanks but results will vary.
Use the following formatting rules when creating AI note templates to get consistent, structured, and high-quality generated summaries.
1. Use clear section headings
Structure your template into clear, labelled sections (e.g. Medical History, Exam, Treatment Plan). This improves consistency in how the AI formats and returns notes.
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Example:
History: [Medical history] [Social history]
Examination: [eg. Extraoral, Intraoral exam details]
Treatment plan and Discussion: [Treatment 1] / [Treatment 2]
2. Use brackets to define input and options
When providing multiple options or expected input, use square brackets and commas to separate the different options you'd expect to see here. Adding 'eg.' to the beginning of these brackets helps the AI understand the field and the type of information it should return.
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Example:
Smoking: [eg. Never, Ex-smoker, Daily, Occasional, Vape user]
3. Use Bullet Points or Numbering for Lists
To create structured lists, use bullet points or numbered formats in your template.
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Example bullets:
Plan:
- [Topical fluoride]
- [Oral hygiene advice]
Example numbered steps:
Post-Treatment Instructions:
1. [Rinse mouth]
2. [Avoid eating for 30 minutes]
4. Write reusable phrases as fixed text
If a line should always appear as-is, write it into the template exactly how you want it.
Example:
Patient consent obtained.
This ensures the AI includes the text unchanged.
๐จ Important - Things to note when creating clinical notes using AI in Dentally:
AI notes cannot diagnose, access risk or recommend treatment.
AI notes is a tool not a replacement for clinical expertise.
AI can make mistakes and misinterpret information; to ensure accuracy and maintain clinical standards you should:
Review every AI-generated note before finalising.
Edit any inaccuracies directly in the note editor.
Use templates as a guide to make sure all key details are included.
Final accuracy of the note is the clinicians responsibility.
Optimised clinical AI notes outcomes
Below you can see an example side by side of the initial Dentally 'AI Adult Exam' template (left) before generating a summary, and the outcome of the generated summary (right) after dictation. You can clearly see it has kept the structure, header and fixed text. Whilst choosing one option where prompted and filling in bullet points as needed.
๐ก Top Tip - Start with a Dentally template! Use existing Dentally templates (like AI Adult Exam) as a starting point. These are designed specifically for AI use and already include best practice formatting.
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โWant to further customise these templates? Head over to our dedicated article on cloning and editing a clinical note template here ๐
What if you donโt follow these steps?
Templates with unclear or missing structure may:
Return inconsistent or restructured notes.
Vary in formatting between uses.
Make dictation harder by requiring more manual input after dictation.
Use these best practice guidelines to save time and improve accuracy across your clinical notes.