CATEGORY 110 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST FEATURE: ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE The human experience is at the heart of dentistry. It requires steady hands, sharp eyes, physical stamina, and strong emotional intelligence. As medical practitioners, dentists undergo years of study to identify and treat a wide range of pathologies and conditions. As artists, they create beautiful smiles that renew their patients’ self-esteem. And yet here we are, in the 21st century, and dentistry is being reshaped by artificial intelligence (AI). Long ballyhooed by futurists and science fiction writers, AI is revolutionising a multitude of industries. In the rapidly evolving landscape of AI in healthcare, dentistry has emerged as a significant player, challenging its late arrival to the revolution. While traditionally overshadowed by fields like oncology and radiology, dentistry is taking the lead in seamlessly integrating radiologic AI into patient care. Driving this innovation is Pearl’s Second Opinion® software, an AI platform that automatically detects numerous conditions in dental x-rays through the integration of machine learning technology. As the dental community rapidly embraces AI technology, Pearl’s innovative software not only enhances diagnostic accuracy but also serves as a robust tool for patient education and communication. While Pearl stands out in terms of patents, regulatory approvals, and global adoption, it is exciting to witness other players entering this dynamic space. The goal is to put the best tools available into the hands of dentists so they can provide the best oral healthcare possible, and friendly competition will improve awareness and adoption, ultimately contributing to cost reduction. Yet, despite these advancements, there are still some misconceptions within the broader community that need to be dismantled to fully realise the potential of AI in dentistry. What is dental radiologic AI? Most artificial intelligence in the medical field deploys a combination of computer vision (the processing and understanding of digital imagery), machine learning (datadriven algorithms that enable computers to learn underlying patterns about the data they process), and predictive analytics (statistical modelling used to find or forecast patterns and outcomes). Second Opinion® leading the charge in dental radiologic AI By Makenzie Harris & Martina Dietrich Within dentistry, AI software can provide valuable support to dentists by drawing attention to potential oral health issues that might have gone unnoticed. The software scans, analyses, and annotates patient x-rays, contributing to more accurate and expedited identification of diseases and conditions. This approach enables dentists to detect problems at an earlier stage, preventing them from escalating into more serious and challenging-to-treat issues. Misconceptions about AI in dentistry Concerns about AI often revolve around the fear of job displacement, which may be justified in some fields. However, in dentistry, it’s not about replacing dentists but providing them with a powerful tool that enhances their capabilities. While AI can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and ease the diagnostic burden on dentists, the responsibility for treatment decisions and patient care remains firmly with the practitioner. The technology acts as a supportive secondary set of eyes, highlighting areas of interest and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of oral health conditions. AI is a collaborative partner, empowering dentists to make informed decisions and foster a more proactive approach to patient care. Benefits of integrating radiologic AI into dental practices Embracing AI benefits both dental professionals and patients alike. Addressing the issue of diagnostic consistency in dentistry, the software establishes an enhanced and standardised care approach across the entire practice, while mitigating decision fatigue. Dentists supported by AI have the opportunity to rely on a perpetual second opinion that operates consistently, free from the limitations of distractions, eye strain, or the occasional off day. In the coming decade, AI will likely be a common tool in every dental practice. Ophir Tanz, Founder and CEO at Pearl
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