Dentrix Ascend Opens Its MCP Layer, Bringing AI Agents and a Custom Build Platform to Dental Practices

Key Terms

model context protocol technical

A model context protocol is a set of rules or guidelines that determine how a financial model interprets and applies information within a specific situation. It helps ensure consistent and accurate analysis by clarifying what data or assumptions are relevant in a given scenario. For investors, it provides clarity on how predictions or assessments are made, increasing confidence in decision-making.

ai agents technical

AI agents are computer programs designed to perform tasks or make decisions automatically, often by learning from data and adapting to new information. They act like virtual assistants or robots that can handle complex activities without human intervention, which can help businesses and individuals save time and improve efficiency. For investors, AI agents matter because they can enhance decision-making and automate processes that influence markets and financial outcomes.

orchestration layer technical

An orchestration layer is the software that coordinates and manages multiple applications, services, or machines so they act together as a single, reliable system. For investors, it matters because effective orchestration improves uptime, speeds product rollouts, lowers operational costs, and simplifies integration of new features—like an air‑traffic controller keeping many flights on time so the whole airport operates smoothly.

A new MCP layer gives ambitious practices, DSOs, and developers three ways to work smarter: Ask questions of their data with natural language; run live AI agents that handle operational work automatically; and build custom workflows tailored to how they practice.

AMERICAN FORK, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Henry Schein One, the global leader in dental technology, today announced support for the Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open layer inside Dentrix Ascend that enables ambitious practices, DSOs, and developers to query their data, run AI agents, and build custom workflows, all within the platform they already use.

The Platform Dental AI Runs On

Henry Schein One supports more than 100,000 global locations, including approximately 90% of the top DSOs. The company’s technology processes over 120 million claims annually, supports more than 191 million eligibility checks, and has facilitated more than 22 million completed digital forms. That depth of structured clinical and operational data is what makes these agents effective from day one.

“We built the agents that do the work,” said Brian Weatherly, Chief Executive Officer, Henry Schein One. “The build layer is there for practices and partners who want to go further, but most customers will see results immediately—without writing a single line of code.”

"The combination of embedded capabilities and deeper insights gives us greater flexibility in how we take action,” said Justin Carroll, Chief Financial Officer at MB2.

Ask. Orchestrate. Build.

Dentrix Ascend’s MCP layer works across three tiers:

Ask

Any team member can query clinical, operational, and financial data in plain language—no training required. For example, “Who has unverified insurance this week?” gets an answer in seconds. An Ask preview is now available for Dentrix Ascend practices.

Orchestrate

Pre-built agents are running live today, handling the operational work that doesn’t require a person—including Eligibility Pro for real-time insurance verification, Image Verify for documentation quality, claims reconciliation, recall gap management, and automated patient follow-up.

The MCP-based orchestration layer allows ambitious practices to automate and coordinate workflows across the entire practice and DSOs to connect and coordinate agents across their organizations. The orchestration layer will be available to select customers after THRIVELIVE®, with broader availability coming this year.

Build

The full MCP build layer is the next phase of the platform. Ambitious practices and DSOs will be able to configure custom workflows and dashboards and build agents tuned to their care model.

Availability

Henry Schein One will showcase these capabilities at THRIVELIVE, Henry Schein’s premier annual dental education event, where attendees will have hands-on access in a live sandbox environment. A dedicated session will also be featured at the Dykema DSO Executive Event. To learn more and see a demo, join us at booth #300 at THRIVELIVE.

About Henry Schein One

Henry Schein One is the global leader in dental technology, delivering integrated solutions that connect practice operations, clinical workflows, and patient experience. Dentrix Ascend is its cloud-based platform built to help practices grow with less complexity. With more than 100,000 global locations on the platform, Henry Schein One provides the infrastructure, the data foundation, the pre-built AI agents, and the open build layer that dental AI runs on. Henry Schein One, LLC, is a joint venture between Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) and Internet Brands.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260427042340/en/

Media Contact:
Adam Beeson
Sr. Manager of Communications, Henry Schein One
Adam.Beeson@henryscheinone.com

Source: Henry Schein One