AI’s Place in the Future of Dentistry

By Amrita Feiock, DDS, FPFA, FICD, FACD

The future of dentistry is poised for an exciting transformation, driven by advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Over the past few decades, dentistry has undergone significant changes, from digital radiographs to the development of 3D printing for prosthetics. Now, as AI makes its way into dental practices, the field is expected to experience even more revolutionary progress, improving patient care, enhancing efficiency and altering the way dental offices operate, especially those in small business settings. AI has the potential to redefine the landscape of healthcare, and dentistry is no exception. AI can process vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and perform tasks more accurately and efficiently than humans in certain areas. One of the key applications of AI in dentistry is in diagnostics. Machine-learning algorithms can analyze images such as radiographs, CT scans and 3D scans to identify issues such as carious lesions, gum disease and even oral cancer at early stages, often before they are visible to the human eye. This early detection can significantly improve patient outcomes, as it allows for more timely interventions.

Additionally, AI-powered software can assist in treatment-planning. With the help of AI, dental professionals can receive data-driven recommendations on the most effective treatment options for individual patients, reducing human error and optimizing clinical decision-making. For instance, AI systems can be trained to assess a patient’s specific dental needs based on their medical history, genetics and lifestyle, thereby providing personalized care.

Making Care Faster and More Affordable

AI can also enhance the overall patient experience by streamlining office operations. Dental practices are often burdened with administrative tasks, such as appointment scheduling, insurance verification and patient communication. AI tools can automate many of these processes, freeing up dental staff to focus on more critical patient care tasks. AI chatbots, for example, can manage appointment scheduling and answer patient inquiries, ensuring efficient communication and reducing waiting times.

One of the most exciting prospects of AI in dentistry is its potential to make quality care more accessible. Dental services can be costly, especially for underserved populations, but AI has the ability to help bridge gaps in care. AI-driven diagnostic tools can be used in community health centers or remote areas where access to specialized care may be limited. For example, AI-powered mobile dental apps can help people identify dental problems and even offer basic treatment recommendations without requiring immediate access to a dentist. By streamlining diagnostic procedures, treatment-planning and administrative tasks, AI can help reduce overhead costs. Smaller practices and solo practitioners may benefit from these cost savings, as they will be able to provide high-quality care without incurring the expenses of large administrative teams or costly diagnostic equipment.

AI and Small Practices

Small dental practices are an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem. They provide personalized, patient-centered care and are often more agile and flexible than large corporate dental chains. However, small businesses face unique challenges, particularly in terms of competition with larger chains, overhead costs and the pressure to stay up to date with rapidly advancing technology.

One of the most significant advantages of AI for small dental practices is the ability to level the playing field. AI tools, which were once prohibitively expensive or only accessible to larger organizations, are becoming more affordable and user-friendly. Small dental offices can integrate AI-powered diagnostic tools, automated scheduling software and even virtual assistants without breaking the bank. These technologies can help reduce costs and improve efficiency, making it easier for small practices to compete with larger dental chains that have more resources.

Moreover, AI allows small practices to enhance the patient experience in ways that were previously only possible in high-end or corporate settings. With AI-powered diagnostic software, small dental offices can offer cutting-edge care that rivals the largest practices in the industry. Patients are more likely to be satisfied when they receive fast, accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans, which, in turn, lead to higher retention rates and increased word-of-mouth referrals.

AI can also help small practices reduce overhead by automating administrative tasks, allowing dental teams to focus more on patient care and less on paperwork. Automated scheduling, billing and insurance verification reduce the likelihood of human error and streamline office management. With AI’s ability to handle many of these tasks, small dental practices can operate more efficiently and keep costs lower, helping them remain competitive in a marketplace that is becoming increasingly driven by technology.

Challenges and Concerns

While the integration of AI in dental practices is undoubtedly promising, there are also ethical and practical considerations to keep in mind. One concern is data security. Dental practices handle sensitive patient information, and, as AI tools rely on large datasets to function, ensuring that patient data remains private and secure is paramount. The adoption of AI technologies will require dental professionals to implement robust cybersecurity measures and adhere to strict privacy regulations.

Another challenge is the potential for technology to replace human expertise. While AI can assist with diagnosis and treatment-planning, it is not a substitute for the human touch that patients value in healthcare. Dental professionals must continue to exercise their clinical judgment and communicate effectively with patients, even as AI aids them in providing care.

The future of dentistry is undoubtedly intertwined with the rise of AI. The technology holds the promise of improving diagnostics, enhancing patient care and streamlining operations in dental practices. However, as with any technological advancement, the integration of AI must be approached thoughtfully and responsibly, with careful attention paid to ethical considerations, data security and the preservation of the personal touch that defines quality healthcare. As we move forward, AI has the potential to revolutionize dentistry while keeping it grounded in patient-centered care.

Amrita Feiock, DDS, FPFA, FICD, FACD, is in private practice with her father, endodontist Rohit Z. Patel, DDS, PC, in Westchester County, New York. To comment on this article, email impact@agd.org.