EDITORIAL

Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry

Prof NH Wood

MDent, PhD

The development and progression in artificial intelligence has been rapid over the past decade. The expansion of artificial intelligence applications into areas that were previously thought exclusive to human control and expertise is now a measurable phenomenon. This is largely facilitated by rapid advances in data acquisition and consumption, machine learning, and computing infrastructure improvements.

The intention to introduce artificial intelligence applications into medicine and dentistry currently centers around patient care improvement, specifically to diagnostic capacity and prognostication, and to assist by providing tools for advanced decision making and even for treating patients remotely. This is an extremely complex field with close working relationships between various clinicians, researchers, and engineers.

The instant exchange and interpretation of large volumes of information will provide the clinician with a great advantage in the determination of treatment needs and implementation of treatment. However, the functions aren't limited to these only. Automation of claims processing, fraud detection, appointment scheduling and management, including the communication between similar systems in referral practices and dental laboratories, and resource management and control are some of the more immediate benefits provided by artificial intelligence systems.

Virtual automation in dentistry is not a distant imaginary concept anymore. However, the expert human aspect, and touch, remains a critical ingredient in successful patient care and service delivery in which artificial intelligence plays a complimentary role.

There are still some concerns regarding artificial intelligence and its applications. Consideration will be given to individual privacy rights and to autonomy. It is important to also address issues around trustworthiness as well as generalizability of any artificially intelligent application or implementation of such a system.

References

1. Nguyen TT, Larrivée N, Lee A, Bilaniuk O, Durand R. Use of artificial intelligence in dentistry. Current clinical trends and research advances. J Can Dent Assoc 2021; 7:17        [ Links ]

2. Chen Y, Stanley K, Att W. Artificial intelligence in dentistry: current applications and future perspectives. Quintessence Int 2020; 51:248-257        [ Links ]

3. Krois J, Samek W, Schwendicke F. Artificial intelligence in dentistry: chances and challenges. J Dent Res 2020; 99:769-774.         [ Links ]