Artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, and health care technology is no exception. As organizations explore how AI can improve productivity, accelerate innovation, and enhance decision-making, many are discovering that technology alone is not enough. Success depends on people understanding how to use AI effectively, responsibly, and strategically.
At DSS, that realization led to the creation of the 2026 AI Fluency Practicum, a company-wide initiative designed to help employees build practical AI skills that can be applied in their everyday work.
The program served approximately 605 employees across DSS and Juno Health and represented the second phase of a broader enterprise AI strategy focused on workforce readiness and responsible AI adoption. More than 470 employees ultimately completed training, demonstrating a strong level of engagement across departments and job functions.
One of the unique aspects of the Practicum was its focus on proficiency rather than job title. Employees completed an assessment designed to evaluate their familiarity with AI concepts and tools.
Based on the results, participants were assigned to learning tracks that matched their experience level, ranging from beginners exploring AI for the first time to advanced users and technical professionals developing AI-enabled solutions.
The program included dedicated courses for foundational users, intermediate practitioners, advanced power users, executives, and software developers. This approach allowed employees to learn at a pace and depth appropriate to their roles while creating a common understanding of how AI can support the organization.
According to post-training surveys, 90 percent of respondents reported gaining new knowledge and skills, while 98 percent expressed interest in additional AI training opportunities.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Practicum is that it was not only about AI, but it was built with AI.
AI tools were integrated throughout the planning and execution process. Tasks that traditionally require a large program team were completed by a much smaller group using AI as a collaborator.
It helped support project planning, participant communications, course placement, attendance tracking, survey analysis, and administrative coordination. Personalized emails were generated for hundreds of employees. Training records were processed and validated. Survey results were analyzed and compared across courses.
The result was a highly personalized experience delivered at scale. As a result, AI functioned less like a traditional software tool and more like an operational partner, helping the team manage complexity, document lessons learned, and continuously improve the program as it progressed.
The Practicum reflects a broader philosophy at DSS that AI should be embraced as a capability that enhances employees rather than replaces them.
Throughout the training, participants explored practical ways AI can improve quality, accelerate routine work, and create more time for higher-value activities. The goal was not simply to introduce new technology, but to help employees understand how AI can become a trusted companion in their daily work. That approach appears to be resonating.
Nearly 100 employees volunteered to serve as AI Champions within their departments, while nearly 200 additional employees expressed interest in supporting AI adoption efforts across the company. These employees will help identify opportunities for AI-driven improvements and share best practices throughout the organization.
The AI Fluency Practicum is only one step in DSS's broader AI journey. Future plans include expanding the AI Champion network, launching department-level training through a train-the-trainer model, extending the program to SBG Technology Solutions, and continuing to build advanced technical training through partnerships with organizations such as AWS.
As AI capabilities continue to evolve, DSS remains committed to ensuring employees have the knowledge, tools, and support needed to take advantage of those advancements responsibly and effectively.
The company's investment in AI fluency aims to empower its people to understand and apply AI today will be better positioned to innovate, compete, and deliver value tomorrow.
At DSS, AI is more than a technology initiative. It is an investment in people, innovation, and the future of health care IT. By helping employees build AI fluency and practical skills, DSS is creating a foundation for smarter operations, stronger collaboration, and continued innovation across the organization.
Contact DSS today to learn more about how we are leveraging AI to enhance operations, support innovation, and prepare our workforce for the future. Subscribe to our blog page to stay informed of the stories that matter to you.