AI and dentistry – new advancements to improve care

Many of us might think of dentistry as a traditional, old-fashioned field, but let me tell you, it's rapidly evolving in the digital age. We're not just talking about teeth and gums anymore; in 2024 we're talking about the potential of big data and new ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) can vastly improve the way we approach oral health.

Data is not scarce in dentistry because half of the world's population is unfortunately affected by some sort of oral disease. It's the most common health condition out there, and it can be expensive to treat. That's why integrating digital technologies to save time, predict oral health issues and improve clinical outcomes is the next big step for us in dentistry.

Let’s talk about data

As dentists, we're generating masses upon masses of data in practices around the world, which can be meaningless when look upon in isolation, but when collated and processed by AI this information can be harnessed to inform better practices and spark new innovations.

The potential of AI in dentistry is huge. We're seeing its impact across various disciplines, from disease identification to decision-making support, and even in predicting treatment outcomes. But, as with any new technology, there are hurdles to overcome, especially when it comes to the quality and coordination of data, particularly given we are dealing with sensitive personal health information.

From a clinician's perspective, if properly applied, AI can be a game-changer. It's like having an extra set of eyes that helps with diagnosing diseases, creating personalised treatment plans, and even predicting clinician mistakes before they happen. This not only improves the quality of care but also makes the whole process more efficient and cost-effective.

And let's not forget about the patients. AI can increase their trust in our diagnoses and treatments, enhance communication, and provide a more humanising care experience. Plus, with AI, we can democratise oral health knowledge, making it more accessible to everyone while improving educational resources in our universities.

A way forward… with caution

So, what's the plan? We need an industry framework that allows for the safe, harmonised use of data sets, enabling dental AI algorithms to produce reliable predictive models and outcomes. This framework should cover regulatory, legal, ethical, educational, and privacy requirements to minimise the risk of 'garbage data' and maximise the potential applications in practice, education, and industry.

We also need to upskill dentists and all people working across dental practices to become comfortable working across AI, even if just at a rudimentary level in the first place. That’s why I am excited that Bupa gives our people at Bupa Dental the opportunity to become more data and AI literate through programs like the Edison Academy which provides access to a series of self-paced online learning pathways. When it comes to AI, culture is king!

The future of big data and AI in dentistry is not a pipedream; it's a reality that's unfolding before our eyes. It's an exciting time to be in the field, and at Bupa Dental, I'm thrilled to be part of this journey toward smarter, more connected, and more patient-centred dental care.