Legacy Gazette Magazine: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
This article written by Renee Jia is featured in the Legacy Gazette, an internationally distributed magazine, May 2024 Issue, which can be read here: https://legacygazette.org/issues
Artificial intelligence, commonly known as AI, is reshaping commercial industries, including the healthcare industry, where it is transforming diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. Dentistry, specifically, has the potential to benefit significantly from the integration of AI. This essay explores current applications of AI in the field of dentistry, discusses potential future applications of AI, examines diverse opinions about AI advances in dentistry, and evaluates the pros and cons of utilizing AI in the healthcare industry.
AI is already revolutionizing dentistry. Two primary types of AI-assistive technologies are already making waves in dentists’ offices: (1) platforms for patients, providers, and payers that focus on using AI to interpret and analyze imaging, and (2) AI software that automates patient engagement, scheduling, and other time-consuming “back office” tasks for dental practices (Harvard Medical School, 2023). Among all the AI applications in dentistry, the most popular one was created to improve the process of delivering a diagnosis. AI can produce more accurate and efficient diagnoses than a human expert, thus proving itself a useful tool for reducing dentists' workload and efficiently improving patient health. AI-powered algorithms can analyze dental radiographs, including X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, to detect dental abnormalities, caries (a common chronic infectious disease), and periodontal diseases with remarkable accuracy. For instance, AI-based software such as Denti.AI can detect and classify different types of dental conditions, aiding dentists in making timely and accurate diagnoses. A clinical study revealed a notable enhancement in disease detection by all of the two-dozen participating dentists, unlocking 26% extra treatment opportunities with Denti.AI Detect (Denti.AI, 2023). Some tools even enable patients to see AI-powered, life-like simulations of how their teeth, mouth, and face will look after dental work or braces.
Denti AI Program Operation Example; Source: Denti AI Official Website
AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots can also enhance patient management and engagement in dental clinics. For instance, some companies offer AI-driven virtual assistants that streamline administrative tasks and improve patient communication in dental practices. Virtual assistants can schedule appointments, answer patient queries, provide post-treatment instructions, and even offer personalized oral health advice based on individual patient data.
The future of AI in dentistry holds immense promise, with ongoing research focusing on autonomous dental procedures performed by AI-driven robots. These robots could revolutionize dental surgery by offering unparalleled precision, efficiency, and safety. For example, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry have developed a robotic dental surgery system that can perform tooth extractions with minimal human intervention, showcasing the potential of AI in enhancing surgical outcomes (University of Maryland, 2023). Furthermore, AI integrated with emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could transform dental education and training by providing realistic simulations for skill development.
Opinions regarding AI integration in dentistry are mixed. Some view AI as a valuable tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy, treatment outcomes, and patient experience. Others, however, express concerns about potential biases in algorithms, data security, and patient privacy issues associated with AI adoption. When discussing the integration of AI technology into the world of healthcare, challenges such as ethical considerations, data privacy concerns, and disparities in access to AI technology must be addressed. Moreover, the risk of overreliance on AI and potential biases in algorithms are valid concerns as well. Therefore, in order for AI to be successful in the healthcare field, quality data and interdisciplinary collaboration between computer scientists and clinicians is critical. Ensuring data privacy, reducing (and, hopefully, erasing) biases in algorithms, and addressing disparities in access to AI technology are critical issues to solve before AI becomes widespread in healthcare.
AI holds immense potential to transform dentistry and the healthcare field by enhancing diagnostic precision, treatment planning, and patient care. However, realizing its potential requires addressing ethical, privacy, and accessibility concerns. By leveraging AI responsibly, dentistry can embrace innovation while upholding a high standard of patient-centered care. As AI continues to evolve, its integration into dentistry promises to revolutionize oral healthcare, improving patient outcomes and significantly advancing the field of dentistry as we know it.