AI and dentistry
The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in dentistry, provides the profession with a whole host of innovative functions, and its implementation in clinical practice requires due diligence.
While there’s an explosion of AI-powered products in the market which can streamline delivery systems and transform the landscape of dentistry in the years to come, one should remain cognizant that AI only imitates human cognitive capabilities and is not a substitute for a practitioner’s intelligence or judgement.
Dentists are still responsible for the care they provide to patients, even when that care is augmented by AI.
What makes dentistry well suited to AI advancements?
- Dentistry is unique for data mining (legally accessing data for the advancement of patient care) as the majority of the population visits the dentist annually, and vast numbers of procedures are performed in conjunction with dental imaging.
- AI tools have the potential to empower the clinician to improve decision-making in real time, decreasing errors and omissions in patient care.
- Some areas of dentistry are already experiencing the early adoption of AI, these include:
- radiographic interpretation with auto-charting
- orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning
- endodontics
- early detection and diagnosis of pathologies
- practice management (schedule appointments and create patient records)
- dental laboratories (design and fabrication of appliances)
- dental education
Potential Pitfalls
- AI-generated errors, especially early in the game, can result in adverse treatment outcomes.
- Over-reliance on AI by dentists with the potential to supersede clinical experience and expertise.
- could drive up the cost of the delivery of dental care, effectively widening the gap in access to care.
- Depending on AI data quality in terms of population diversity, certain groups may be at risk of negative treatment outcomes where AI may contribute to inequities in dental care.
- Patient privacy and confidentiality concerns are ever present with the use of datasets.
- Potential loss of human touch if AI is embedded in all aspects of patient interaction.
- Uncertainty in the risks vs benefits of using AI.
Current Status
AI can be a useful adjunct in clinical practice, but the responsibility for decision-making and treatment of patients ultimately lies with the dentist.
Dentists’ existing professional obligations continue to be in effect (e.g., as set out in Standards, legislation, etc.) The RCDSO is currently working to develop guidance that will support dentists who wish to incorporate AI into their practices.