AI has found several applications across various domains of dentistry from diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and patient management to dental education.

AI in dental diagnosis, planning and decision-making

AI-driven radiographic diagnosis of dental decay enables early diagnosis of initial lesions facilitating preventive measures and prevention of caries progression. This can immensely benefit schools and rural health centres in preventive programs and oral health education.

In orthodontics, AI has automated tasks like cephalometric analysis, decision-making in orthodontic extractions, and generating personalised treatment plans enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of orthodontic treatment. AI has been instrumental in designing and fabricating orthodontic aligners with precision and speed overcoming the need for manual adjustments. With AI it is possible to remotely monitor treatment progress and schedule appointments based on real-time progress saving patients and clinician’s time.

AI plays a pivotal role in dental implant planning, surgical planning and virtual surgery. This automates several traditional manual diagnostic and planning procedures and provides more precise and time-efficient patient care. AI is a useful tool in orthognathic surgery to establish a precise diagnosis, analyze the need for surgery, and predict treatment outcomes. AI software allows clinicians to virtually perform surgery and they can anticipate and predict the course and outcome of surgery.

AI-driven imaging diagnosis is transforming the early and accurate detection of various dental conditions like oral cysts, tumours, pre-cancerous, cancerous, and metastatic conditions driving proactive management. AI can predict the risk of oral cancer, assist in early diagnosis, and remotely monitor for signs of oral cancer development driving early intervention and personalised care.

The preservation of the periodontium is crucial for the longevity of teeth. AI systems aid dentists in the precise identification and interpretation of alveolar bone level and radiographic bone loss, enhancing diagnostic capabilities in periodontal care, replacing conventional tools with precision and speed.

AI models have shown potential in dental implantology, implant planning, predicting implant performance, and identifying dental implant systems.

AI-powered robotics can aid dentists in autonomous implant placement, robotic surgeries, tooth drilling, and various dental procedures.

AI in dental practice management

AI systems can manage patient records, and appointment scheduling reducing administrative burdens. AI chatbots can engage with patients to provide information, reminders, and post-treatment follow-ups, enhancing patient communication and satisfaction. AI tools can auto-chart dental findings like dental decay, existing restorations, periodontal findings, missing teeth, anatomic landmarks etc and recommend treatment plans. This automates the record-keeping task and also helps in patient education. These AI tools are also voice-assisted easing the task further. Dental practice management will become completely automated with AI, driving efficiency, and more dedicated time for patient care.

AI in dental education

AI-driven simulations and virtual reality are transforming dental education and training by providing immersive learning experiences. These innovative AI tools simulate diverse dental procedures, enabling students to practice and hone their skills without real-world risks. These simulations provide realistic case scenarios which mimic real-world dental situations, enabling students to develop critical decision-making skills and refine their techniques before working with actual patients. AI-enabled adaptive learning systems ensure that students receive personalized instruction and support, optimizing their learning outcomes.

AI in forensic dentistry

AI could predict patients’ age from radiographs using morphometric parameters and facial reconstruction with machine learning is a valuable tool in forensic dentistry.

It is expected in the near future dental clinics will adopt an AI comprehensive care system, patients’ histories and records managed by AI systems will also help to understand oral diseases better and improve patient care. AI will minimize human error by providing comprehensive feedback regarding patients’ medical history, allergic history, disease, and drug interactions, overall improving treatment outcomes and patient care. The dental workflow will become completely automated with AI enhancing efficiency and improved patient care. 

1. Chen YW, Stanley K, Att W. Artificial intelligence in dentistry: current applications and future perspectives. Quintessence Int. 2020;51(3):248-257. doi: 10.3290/j.qi.a43952. Erratum in: Quintessence Int. 2020;51(5):430. 2. Mohammad N, Ahmad R, Kurniawan A, Mohd Yusof MYP. Applications of contemporary artificial intelligence technology in forensic odontology as primary forensic identifier: A scoping review. Front Artif Intell. 2022 Dec 6;5:1049584. doi: 10.3389/frai.2022.1049584.