Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry
Visiting a dentist is one of the scariest things for so many people in our society. But now scientists believe AI is going to change it. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the ability of a computer or machine to do intelligent tasks, the tasks that usually require human intelligence. The use of artificial intelligence in dentistry is increasing day by day. Scientists are doing advanced research to revolutionize this department. It is eminent that one day AI will change the whole experience of going to a dentist.
Answering the question of “Will AI replace doctors?”, Benjamin Bell said;
“AI will not replace doctors, but instead will augment them, enabling physicians to practice better medicine with greater accuracy and increased efficiency.”
In this article, we will discuss How Dentists are using AI in Dentistry. We will also discuss its benefits in dental care, challenges in using it, and the future of dentistry in the era of artificial intelligence.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry:
Caries Detection:
Dentists have been using AI in the detection of dental caries. According to some studies, Human’s misdiagnosis rate of caries has been estimated to 20%, or even more in some cases. Now AI has demonstrated its potential value in caries detection. Dentists have confirmed that tools of AI can beat even the most experienced dentists in recognizing things on images.
Patient Management:
Dentists are using AI to coordinate appointments, managing the paperwork, and also managing the insurance of patients. It can make databases of patient’s information which may help in the treatment process. It can also help in dental emergencies by teleassistance especially in the absence of a dentist.
Treatment and Diagnosis:
Diagnosis of various dental diseases has never been easy but now AI is augmenting dentists in this niche. Dentists are now using Machine Learning and Deep Learning, which are applications of Artificial Intelligence, to get better at diagnosing the problems in the oral cavity. AI can predict oral cancer way before its clinical appearance just by knowing the genetic makeup of a person.
Voice Commands:
Dentists are using AI by giving voice commands to do simple tasks in a clinical setting. It may go like that, “Alexa! Bring me the medical history of Simon” or “Contact Dr. John and get his opinion about my diagnosis”. It works as a virtual assistant for the practitioner, giving him more time to do important tasks instead of just handling the paperwork.
Dental companies using AI:
Dentistry.ai, a dental company, has designed algorithms that take a large data of radiographs, recognize the pattern in them, and help the dentist in identifying the lesions. Other companies like DEXvoice, MMG Fusion, Kapanu are also AI in dentistry.
Benefits of Artificial Intelligence in Dentistry:
There is a long list of benefits of using AI in various healthcare departments including dentistry.
- It may help in overcoming the shortages in the workforce, which is becoming more and more especially in countries with a low economy.
- It allows us to integrate data from different domains like medical and dental history, biomolecular data, radiographic data, etc. This integration helps us in making a better and personalized treatment plan.
- Another benefit is that machines never get tired. Machines can work 24/7 without getting bored and without the need for lunch breaks.
- Artificial Intelligence is way faster than a human. It is not biased. It can do multiple and repetitive tasks, which is difficult for a human being.
- AI has the potential to make dentistry less scary. It can convert the boring and horrifying dental process into a fun activity. This may be one of the greatest services of AI for humankind.
Research published in the Journal of Dental Research concluded that AI has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare department and especially Dentistry. But it must address the weaknesses in conventionally practiced dentistry.
Challenges in using AI:
Tremendous Resources:
We tremendous computing resources to use the tools of AI. The algorithms of Machine Learning and Deep Learning can’t run or normal computer systems. Advanced algorithms need advanced and supercomputers. Countries with a low economy can’t afford this.
Availability of Data:
The availability of Medical and Dental data is a big issue. Data is some times not available and some times it is incorrect. AI needs a lot of data to work properly. Data should also be correct and verified, otherwise, there is no point in using it.
Data Protection and Security:
People have reasonable concerns about the protection and security of their data. Some doctors also don’t like the idea of handing over critical medical and healthcare decisions to computers. Questions about the implementation of medical ethics in using AI are yet to be answered.
High Initial Costs:
AI may provide great benefits but it requires high-quality systems which are very much expensive. This high initial cost is a big hindrance to using computer intelligence in medical and dental departments.
Research:
Available research is not sufficient and a lot more research is needed to be done in this field. Governments and organizations should invest in the research. There is also a need to raise the awareness level of practitioners about this particular field.
AI and Future of Dentistry:
AI will soon be used enormously in every field of dentistry. The advancements we hope to see soon include;
- Advanced algorithms
- Deep analysis tools for images
- Early detection of Oral cancer
- Digital treatment planning
- Early detection of oral and periodontal diseases
- Prediction of rare events
- Fewer complications
- Accurate diagnosis etc.
On the other side, the fantasy that AI and computers will replace the dentists is not a reality. AI has the potential to make dentists better in diagnosing hidden caries and to help in the decision-making process. The computer can’t empathize with the patient or understand his feelings.
Research published in Academia concluded that in no way, it can replace the dentist’s knowledge and power of judgment. It requires a lot more to be a dentist than just organizing and processing the data and identifying diseases.
After all, if a machine does learn to do everything a dentist does, it still requires a human to run it. The skill, emotional and mental power, and responsible behavior of a human can never be compared with a data processing machine or algorithm. In the future, there will be AI everywhere but it will only augment the dentists in their work.
Usama Khalid
References:
https://dzone.com/articles/the-future-of-artificial-intelligence-in-dentistry
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0022034520915714
Comments
Post a Comment