Microsoft Developer presents how Amar and Arvind built a dental clinic app using GitHub Copilot Pro, Azure SQL, and Azure OpenAI for under $10, integrating AI, secure authentication, and robust deployment patterns.

Building a Professional Clinic Web App with GitHub Copilot and Azure SQL for Under $10

Overview

In this video, Amar and Arvind from Microsoft Developer demonstrate the process of developing a production-ready web application for a university dental clinic. The primary goals were fast delivery, low cost, high security, and AI-powered features, all using predominantly Microsoft technologies for under $10 total cost.

Key Technologies Used

  • GitHub Copilot Pro: Used in VS Code to scaffold the .NET solution, generate deployment scripts, and accelerate debugging through AI-driven suggestions.
  • Azure SQL Database (Free Offer): Serves as the backend data platform, facilitating secure and cost-efficient data storage.
  • Azure App Service (F1 Tier): Hosts the web application with minimal operating cost.
  • Azure OpenAI: Integrates AI summarization for patient medical histories, making use of advanced natural language processing.
  • Microsoft Entra ID (Managed Identity): Implements secure, password-less authentication for compliance and operational safety.

Workflow Highlights

  • Persona-Driven Requirements: Capturing user stories for patients, front office staff, and providers to drive development priorities.
  • Copilot-First Workflow: Leveraging GitHub Copilot Pro for rapid scaffolding, script authoring, and debugging, reducing manual coding overhead.
  • Core Features:
    • Conflict-free scheduling
    • Secure role-based access
    • Detailed billing
    • AI-powered summarization of medical data
  • Zero-Cost Cost Control: Utilizing Azure’s free offering tiers (App Service F1 and SQL Database) and managed identities to minimize operational costs while preserving professional-grade reliability and compliance.
  • Security and Compliance: Password-less authentication via managed identities and secure API invocation using Microsoft Entra ID.

Architecture & Deployment

  • The app is structured with a .NET backend and utilizes deployment scripts generated by Copilot.
  • Managed identity enables secure connections between the application, databases, and Azure AI services without requiring credentials.
  • The team shares a full cost breakdown and architectural patterns for “smart features on a smart budget.”

Key Takeaways

  • Professional, production-grade applications can be quickly built and iterated using AI-powered development tools.
  • Azure’s free tier offerings make high-quality, secure, and scalable deployments possible for minimal cost.
  • Integrating AI for clinical data handling can improve user experiences and efficiency.
  • Secure, compliant authentication is achievable through managed identity patterns in the Azure ecosystem.

Additional Resources

Authors: Amar, Arvind

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