CATEGORY AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST 99 Gamma Talk by Gamma Tech 136 dentists, 1 full-mouth x-ray series, 11 diagnoses, and 29 treatments By Makenzie Harris & Martina Dietrich Dentistry, like all healthcare fields, relies heavily on trust. Patients need to feel confident that their diagnosis is accurate and that the recommended treatment plan is both necessary and appropriate. Yet, a recent patient trust survey revealed a startling fact: 61% of patients have switched dentists, sought second opinions, or outright refused treatment after receiving a diagnosis. Why? A major factor behind the deteriorating trust is inconsistency in dental diagnosis and treatment planning. Dentists can, and often do, arrive at vastly different conclusions when presented with the same radiographs. This discrepancy in diagnostic outcomes can confuse patients and make it difficult for them to fully trust their dentist’s judgement and treatment options. A study conducted by the Dental AI Council (DAIC) in 2020 shines a light on this issue. The study The study aimed to investigate the variability in diagnosis and treatment plans provided by dentists from across the globe. A full-mouth radiographic series was presented to 136 dentists, who were then asked to diagnose the patient’s conditions and propose treatment plans. Participants came from a variety of countries, with nearly half based in the U.S., while others hailed from Spain, Peru, Australia, and the UK. Their years of experience ranged from 2 to 44 years, providing a diverse range of perspectives. The dentists were tasked with identifying dental pathologies – such as caries, bone loss, and impaction – from the same radiographs, and then recommending treatments from a standardised list of 29 options. The study did not seek to determine which diagnosis or treatment was most accurate but rather focused on the range of diagnoses and their associated costs. Results: A wide range of diagnoses and treatments The study uncovered significant inconsistencies in both diagnoses and treatment recommendations. In some cases, while a majority of dentists identified the same issue, their assessment of the severity varied greatly. For example, one dentist diagnosed a tooth as having a mild case of caries, while another suggested that the decay had progressed to the pulp, necessitating more invasive procedures like a root canal. The variability didn’t stop there. Even when dentists agreed on the diagnosis, their treatment recommendations diverged significantly. Some suggested a simple filling, while others proposed more complex and expensive interventions like crowns or implants. This inconsistency extended to treatment costs, which ranged from just a few hundred dollars to over $36,000 in some cases. This diagnostic inconsistency is problematic, not just for patients trying to understand their health, but also for their trust in the system. Patients may feel overwhelmed when faced with such a wide range of potential treatments and costs, leaving them uncertain about what’s really necessary. The findings of this study highlight the urgent need for standardised diagnostic protocols to provide consistent care across dental practices worldwide. Radiologic AI: A path to consistency and trust As we venture deeper into the 21st century, technology is transforming the way healthcare is delivered. In dentistry, radiologic AI is emerging as a powerful tool to address the inconsistencies that diminish patient trust. Platforms such as Pearl’s Second Opinion® are designed to enhance diagnostic accuracy and consistency. These systems use advanced computer vision algorithms to analyse dental radiographs, Radiologic AI is bringing accuracy and consistency to dentistry DAICs study highlights a clear lack of diagnostic consistency in dentistry. offering a standardised and objective second opinion on diagnoses, while the patient is still in the chair. But AI’s impact goes beyond just diagnostics. It also plays a critical role in improving patient communication and trust. When patients can visually see the AI’s findings, it enhances their understanding of their diagnosis and allows them to feel more confident in the proposed treatment plan. They no longer have to rely solely on the dentist’s word; instead, they can see the evidence for themselves, fostering greater trust in the process. If you’re concerned about diagnostic inconsistencies in your practice or want to learn more about how radiologic AI can help improve patient trust, Gamma Tech is here to help. Contact us today to receive the full DAIC study and book a free demo to experience firsthand how AI is transforming the future of dentistry. u P: +61 437 230 808 E: service@gammatech.com.au W: www.gammatech.com.au AI
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