CATEGORY 54 AUSTRALASIAN DENTIST The landscape of dentistry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, shaped by advancements in technology and shifting patient expectations. As we navigate 2025, dental professionals must stay ahead of these transformations to enhance patient care, streamline workflows, and keep up with their peers. AI in dentistry: a tipping point like the internet boom Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s already here, reshaping the way dentists diagnose and treat patients. Think back to the early days of the internet: some dental professionals immediately embraced online tools, while others were hesitant. Over time, internetdriven solutions became so integral to running a modern dental practice that today, managing appointments, patient records, and diagnostics without an internet-connected system is unthinkable. AI in dentistry is following the same trajectory – what was once seen as advanced technology will soon become a utility of the modern dental practice, enhancing clinical precision, streamlining workflows, and elevating patient care to new levels of personalisation and trust. The rise of AI in dental diagnostics AI is poised to bring one of the most profound transformations to dental diagnostics, redefining how clinicians detect, analyse, and communicate findings. Just as digital radiographs revolutionised diagnostic capabilities when they replaced film in the 1980s, AI is now taking diagnostics to a new level. While digital radiographs can capture hundreds of shades of grey, the human eye can distinguish only 50 to 60 of these shades under optimal conditions – creating inherent limitations in diagnostic accuracy. This is where AI comes in. Radiologic AI empowers dental professionals by analysing the full range of grey-scale data, detecting subtle variations between pixels at an exponentially higher rate than the human eye. This results in earlier and more accurate detection of disease and other issues, enabling less invasive treatments and improved patient outcomes. Beyond enhancing diagnostics, AI transforms grayscale radiographs into vibrant, annotated visuals that highlight pathologies and tooth structures in distinct colours. This fosters transparent, engaging communication between dentists and patients – leading to greater trust and higher case acceptance. Leading this innovation is Pearl’s Second Opinion® – ANZ’s first realtime, chairside AI platform for dental radiographic interpretation. With regulatory clearance in over 120 countries, including TGA and Medsafe approvals, Pearl continues to push the boundaries of dental AI innovation, enhancing patient care worldwide and positively impacting millions of lives. Gamma Tech: Pearl’s Official Distributor in ANZ Gamma Tech, long recognised as a trusted leader in radiation safety and innovative dental technology, is proud to be the official distributor of Pearl in Australia and New Zealand. With a strong commitment to hands-on support, education, and streamlining workflows, we help dental practices harness the power of AI to enhance diagnostics and patient care. Our strong collaboration with Pearl ensures that clinicians have a reliable local partner who understands their unique needs and delivers tailored solutions to keep them at the forefront of modern dentistry. As AI continues to revolutionise healthcare, Gamma Tech is excited to lead this transformation, empowering dental professionals across ANZ with cutting-edge technology. Why AI is no longer optional in dentistry Despite the clear benefits, AI adoption in dentistry remains uneven. Some practitioners have fully integrated AI into their workflows, while others hesitate due to a myriad of reasons. But here’s the truth: the longer a practice waits to adopt AI, the more likely they are to fall behind. Patients today expect clear, data-backed diagnoses, and AI provides an extra layer of transparency. Inconsistent treatment plans have historically led to scepticism among patients, but AI-driven insights help standardise diagnostics, improving trust and case acceptance. The dentists who embrace AI now will be the ones leading the industry tomorrow. The future of dentistry 2025 marks a pivotal moment for dentistry, as AI integration becomes a cornerstone of success. At Gamma Tech, we believe radiologic AI will soon be a utility – just like the x-ray unit on the wall or the autoclave in the sterilisation room. That’s why we’re committed to providing dental professionals with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to stay ahead in this evolving landscape. Dentistry is more than just treating patients. It’s about leveraging technology to enhance precision, trust, and efficiency, ensuring the best possible care. AI isn’t here to replace dentists, but those who hesitate to adopt it may find themselves outpaced by those who do. The practice down the road using AI isn’t just embracing innovation; they’re setting a new standard for patient care. We are witnessing the next major revolution in dentistry – AI. It’s no longer a question of “if” but “when”. And for those looking to future-proof their practice, the answer is clear: the sooner, the better. u AI won’t take your job – but a dentist using it might From Makenzie Harris, Gamma Tech INSIGHT 2025 Makenzie Harris
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