Ben Atkins on how Assistdent gives dental professionals the chance to offer patients an accurate picture of their oral health.
Assistdent is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostic tool which was created to improve dental diagnoses.
The software is the first of a planned portfolio of Artificial Intelligence (AI) diagnostic tools which have been developed by a ‘spin out’ from the University of Manchester. It is the only UK AI software company to have been published in a peer reviewed publication (British Dental Journal – 22 October 2021).
Assistdent can identify the earliest signs of dental disease, currently early proximal caries, instantly from X-rays that otherwise might go unseen, especially in a busy practice setting with a high throughput of patients.
The subtle signs of early-stage caries can be difficult and time-consuming to detect on traditional X-rays, so the opportunity for preventative and early stage interventions can be missed.
True state
Dental practices using Assistdent simply import patient X-rays into the software; it identifies the earliest signs of disease before the dental professional then validates the findings and generates a report, which allows them to recommend preventive treatments. All this within about eight seconds.
According to Dr Ben Atkins, general dentist and former multiple practice owner: ‘Assistdent offers the opportunity for the dentist to show patients the results of their radiograph diagnosis and more accurately than ever before, show them the true state of their oral health.
‘It also puts them in a position to evidence and ethically offer them the choice of taking preventative action immediately.’
He recommends the Assistdent for any type of dental practice – from premium private to NHS practices, saving valuable diagnostic time.
‘Assistdent isn’t the sole preserve of practice principals. But can be adopted by associates, therapists, and hygienists, because it’s such good value, to build their relationship with patients and to augment their income stream.’
For more information: www.manchester-imaging.com/getting-started/
