AI in Dentistry – The beginning…
In dentistry, AI (artificial intelligence) is considered as a medical device which the dentist is responsible for its use. Great…….. You see, you can test other equipment to see if it’s working properly, either myself or an expert. The expert may even certify that it’s function properly and ok to use it.
AI is different.
I asked the lecturer “How do you test AI if I am responsible for it?”
You see the experts in the field don’t always know how AI works.
The answer… “I don’t know.”
Wow, that’s great.
A basis to AI is machine learning. The AI learns to recognise patterns in the data and then performs functions without definitive instructions.
The issue is the data. AI is a “hungry beast” wanting data. The issue is what is the data its consuming? Is it good enough quality and enough quantity? Are the conclusions correct?
There are concerns regarding accuracy, trust and job displacement remain barriers to AI adoption in dentistry.
There is role that can complement the dentist’s skills and that is decay detection in x-rays.
The study below concluded machine learning algorithms was an invaluable cognitive aid in reducing interpretive errors and enhancing the dentist’s confidence in dental radiology diagnosis. The findings support AI integration as a means to improve diagnostic accuracy and an aid toclinical decision making.
Machine learning algorithms enhance the accuracy of radiographic diagnosis of dental caries: a comparative study
Dentomaxillofacial Radiology, 2025, 54, 632–641 https://doi.org/10.1093/dmfr/twaf053 Advance access publication: 10 July 2025
Still, an x-ray is part of the assessment of caries detection. Visual and physical detection will need to be carried out. Diet, oral hygiene and medical conditions need to be considered as part of the treatment regime.
It’s complicated.
Right now, AI companies are trying to automate receptionist tasks as well.
There is no constant but change.
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Dental Student / Nurse beginning his Career - All the Best Kevin