AI in dentistry: Innovation meets accountability
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s already reshaping healthcare, and dentistry is no exception. With its ability to simulate human intelligence, AI offers significant opportunities to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning and patient communication. But as with all innovation, its integration must be carefully managed.
Where AI is making an impact
AI’s current strengths in dentistry lie in image analysis, predictive modelling and administrative efficiency. It’s being trialled in:
- Diagnosis: AI can detect caries, oral pathology and assist with radiographic interpretation. While promising, its diagnostic accuracy requires robust clinical validation.
- Treatment planning: In orthodontics and implantology, AI tools are helping develop more efficient workflows and enhancing the consent process through treatment simulations.
- Risk prediction: Algorithms can estimate the likelihood of conditions like caries, periodontal disease (accurate pocket depth measuring) or oral cancer, enabling more proactive care.
- Practice management: From appointment scheduling to data handling, AI is streamlining back-office functions.
- Other applications in dentistry: AI is also being explored for managing cleft lip and palate patients, and in prosthodontics to produce crown and bridgework using CAD/CAM design and 3D printing.
Not a replacement for clinical judgement
Currently, AI’s biggest use in dentistry is in record-keeping and patient communication. Several tools use digital imagery to help dentists explain clinical concepts to patients. These can be stored in the patient’s records and assist in obtaining consent. Other AI-driven tools help with efficiency in documentation and transcription.
Ultimately, any technology that improves patient communication, facilitates consent and improves record-keeping can only be a good thing. However, despite its potential, AI must support, not supplant, professional expertise. Clinicians remain legally and ethically responsible for record keeping accuracy and must ensure any AI-generated content is customised and critically reviewed.
Legal and ethical considerations
Using AI for clinical documentation or patient interaction also raises data protection and consent issues. Clinicians must confirm whether recordings are stored or merely transcribed and ensure GDPR compliance. If a discrepancy arises between a transcript and a recording, this could form the basis of a legal challenge.
Defining clear boundaries
Radiographic interpretation is a high-risk area where AI could prove transformative. Missed caries often forms the basis of clinical negligence claims. AI may enhance diagnostic accuracy, but final interpretation must remain with the dentist.
AI is already producing treatment plans in some areas, such as orthodontics. But where does liability lie if a machine-led or remote clinician plan fails? The profession must define these boundaries now, not later.
AI’s promise lies in enhancing precision, reducing administrative burden and supporting clinical decision-making. But the clinician remains accountable, for better or worse. As technology evolves, cautious optimism, combined with rigorous oversight, will be the key to unlocking its full potential in dentistry.
Staying informed and prepared for AI is essential. MDDUS has developed a practical AI in Dentistry Checklist to help clinicians navigate the adoption of these technologies safely, ethically and with confidence.
Helen Kaney
BDS LLB Dip LP MBA FCGent
Senior Dento-legal Adviser
Please contact MDDUS to discuss a particular case or query. Email us on advice@mddus.com
This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.
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