AI in dentistry: Are we there yet?

Technological innovation continues to accelerate at an extraordinary pace, and among the most transformative forces shaping our world is artificial intelligence (AI). Once confined to the realm of science fiction, AI now permeates virtually every sector, performing tasks that traditionally required human intelligence, intuition, and creativity. Dentistry is no exception.

I vividly recall an early conversation about AI's potential in dentistry during a visit to Nijmegen, the Netherlands, with my esteemed colleague and Aesthetic Update Editorial Board member, Prof Dr Bas Loomans. We discussed how AI might revolutionize the diagnosis and management of tooth wear. These are aspects that have been highly dependent on clinical acumen, experience and nuanced judgement. At the time, the ideas seemed both provocative and futuristic. Today, however, with the rapid evolution of AI-driven solutions, what once felt like a distant possibility is perhaps becoming a tangible reality.

The applications of AI in dentistry are extensive and rapidly evolving. From enhancing patient communication and streamlining record-keeping to advancing diagnostics, AI is increasingly being integrated into various aspects of dental care. Modern AI tools can analyse radiographs, dental scans and clinical photographs and this may aid early detection and diagnosis. AI can impact on treatment planning and execution, including the design of restorations and dental appliances. Predictive analytics platforms are being developed to assess a patient's risk of developing oral health conditions, enabling more proactive and personalized care.