‘With great power comes great responsibility’: Jawad Abbas explores how AI in helping dental professionals and what the potential drawbacks are.
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a dystopian subject of science fiction – it’s here, and is changing dentistry on a national scale. From diagnosing problems in their initial stages to making treatment planning and admin tasks less tedious, AI profoundly is affecting our dental world in a big way.
So, how exactly is it helping dentists? Is it here to stay? And if so, what can we expect in the future?
The dentist’s new best friend in diagnosing
On numerous occasions, we’ve all pledged guilty to scanning a patient’s X-ray and everything to appear fairly routine, only to spot caries or a sneaky periapical radiolucency on a second glance. Through the use of a widespread database, AI can detect abnormalities that may be missed by even the most eagle-eyed dentist, and thereby be a reliable sidekick in dental diagnosis.
For example, Pearl AI was recently introduced, an AI platform that gives real-time diagnostic suggestions based on a patient’s X-rays, and points out potential issues like cavities. Having personally witnessed the AI integration of such software on patients, it provides professional confidence in preventing matters worsening. I’m sure with its brilliant capabilities, the software will become a popular player in the dental world in the foreseeable future.
Having reached out to a few dentists, it is clear that AI software is becoming increasingly popular amongst UK dentists. From speaking to experienced dentists like Dr Jaz Gulati from Reading, it was clear that such AI integration is considered ‘pretty cool’ and the natural progression for the dental field.
Smile simulations and AI-powered treatment plans
AI isn’t just for diagnostics; it’s revolutionising treatment planning, especially in aesthetic restorative and orthodontic dentistry. Platforms like Byrnes Digital Workflow enables dentists to provide a digital preview of how a prosthesis will look in a patient’s mouth and develop personalised treatment plans. Dental Monitoring allows patients to scan their mouths from home and share the data with labs and professionals.
AI in practice management
Most dentists didn’t choose the profession for their love of paperwork. Fortunately, AI advancements are helping practices handle administrative tasks more efficiently. Tools like Software of Excellence generate patient reminders, predict scheduling, and estimate bills. Similarly, software like Kanini can predict patient no-shows and suggest rescheduling times.
Excitingly, AI is transforming note-writing and record-keeping. Tools like Dental Audio Notes convert dentist-patient conversations into accurate, legal and comprehensive notes. This reduces time spent on documentation, allowing clinicians to focus on patient care and easing pressures in complex cases.
But is it all sunshine and smiles?
Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. There are some ethical concerns with AI in dentistry, like over-reliance on technology or worries about patient privacy and confidentiality – one of the foundational concepts of healthcare in general.
After all, AI systems work with a lot of data, and keeping that data secure is crucial. For instance, in the above example of using AI to convert conversations into clinical notes, it would be devastating for such information to be misused and be accessed by unintended parties.
Furthermore, many patients may also have ethical qualms knowing that artificial software is in the driving seat for their care. For instance, a patient may have used the Dental Monitoring software to scan their dentition using their phones, then have it sent to a dental lab which may use software like Byrnes Digital Workflow to construct and generate a digital prototype of a prosthesis. This may be followed by 3D printing of the necessary prosthetic components, with the dental professional merely placing the appliance in the patient’s mouth.
While this scenario may seem exaggerated, it illustrates a concern; could dentistry become too reliant on technology? Patients may question the reliability, personalisation and accuracy of such a process or even the necessity for dental professionals in the first place.
However, when used responsibly and with the right cautionary regulations in place, AI has the potential to significantly enhance the standard of care and become a useful instrument in any dental dispensary.
Follow Dentistry.co.uk on Instagram to keep up with all the latest dental news and trends.
