Nishan Dixit explains how AI can help patients see and understand their oral health issues, leading to informed treatment decisions.
Practitioner-patient co-diagnosis enabled by AI-powered technology which automatically highlights areas of concern on digital X-rays is helping to drive higher treatment acceptance rates at one North London clinic.
Dr Nishan Dixit, a past president of the British Association of Cosmetic Dentists and principal dentist at Blue Court Dental, says Hello Pearl’s Second Opinion, the AI-driven software that uses machine learning and computer vision tools to negate inconsistency in diagnostic accuracy, is acting as a real-time aid to help dentists – and importantly their patients, to read and understand their own digital X-rays.
According to Dr Nishan this has facilitated enhanced consultations during which his patients are co-diagnosing their oral status with him, leading to easy decisions about treatment next-steps.
The software analyses each X-ray, automatically highlighting and colour-coding areas of concern from early decay and bone loss to calculus and defective restorations using consistent assessment criteria.
Dr Nishan integrated Second Opinion into his North London clinic treatment workflows some nine months ago. Since then, he and his colleagues have seen a marked uptick in treatment acceptance because patients are easily able to see and understand their oral health issues.
Driving efficiencies
Dr Nishan explains: ‘For the patient, it is no longer just my opinion they are relying on. They see the same evidence I do, highlighted directly on the X-ray image. That visual proof removes any sense that we are over-treating or trying to push unnecessary treatment. It helps build trust from the outset. Patients can understand things very clearly and this develops a sense of co-diagnosis, which is really important.’
He is also impressed with the speed with which Second Opinion can substantiate a diagnosis: ‘As soon as an X-ray is taken I have access to a colour-coded analysis, identifying potential issues within seconds. That means I spend less time scrutinising the image for subtle changes and more time talking to my patients about their options,’ he explains, adding that the visual clarity of the software is particularly valuable when explaining problems to patients who cannot feel any symptoms.
‘If you tell a patient they have decay between their teeth, but they have no pain, they will often choose to wait. But when they can see the exact area highlighted in pink on their X-ray, they understand the risk much more clearly. This helps patients see the full picture of their oral health, not just the immediate problem. That makes conversations more productive and often leads to patients asking better questions about prevention and maintenance,’ adds Dr Nishan.
Consistency and improved documentation
Second Opinion’s consistent reporting is particularly helpful in multi-clinician practices where every dentist is likely to have their own clinical style and X-rays rely heavily on the dentist’s interpretation, meaning subtle signs can be missed, particularly at busy times. It ensures a shared baseline for interpreting X-rays, which helps to avoid confusion while reassuring patients that the whole team is aligned.
The software also creates a clear digital record, which can be attached to the patient’s clinical notes. This is particularly valuable for practices keen to strengthen their record keeping and reduce potential legal risks. ‘If a patient questions a diagnosis later down the line, we have Second Opinion’s objective analysis as part of their record,’ Dr Nishan explains. ‘That is invaluable for demonstrating why a particular treatment was recommended.’
‘Patients now expect technology to play a role in their healthcare,’ says Dr Nishan. ‘They see AI everywhere in their lives, from facial recognition to online shopping recommendations. When they see it used in dentistry, they appreciate that we are bringing them the most advanced care possible.’
For any practice considering AI, he offers simple advice: ‘Start now. AI is not replacing dentists, but it is making us better. It supports better diagnosis, clearer communication and smarter decision-making and that benefits everyone, from the clinician to the patient.’
Learn more about Second Opinion.
This article is sponsored by Hello Pearl.
