The Collins word of the year for 2023 was ‘AI’, showing how technological innovation is at the forefront of the cultural conversation. Technology, especially AI, in the workplace can be viewed as a double-edged sword, with the power to assist jobs but also to replace them – last year’s writer’s strike was heralded as the first workplace battle between humans and AI.
In the world of healthcare, however, innovation in technology has become crucial to treatment success and business development. Dentistry has evolved. Where once crude tools and limited knowledge defined the early practitioners’ treatment plans, along came ground-breaking ideas like the X-ray, and then the CT scanner. Now, in the 21st century, lasers and 3D printing are some of the recent breakthroughs elevating the standard for accurate diagnoses and treatment plans. Using advanced innovations in technology, such as AI, is the next natural step for dentists to take so that they can provide the best possible treatments.
New tech
Innovations do not have to be brand new tools or services that transform an entire business. A simple upgrade that allows adaptability, fosters growth and separates the business from its competition can be a powerful change. Within a dental practice, this could be something as small as changing the way dental notes are recorded so that they can be completed faster, freeing time for the staff and improving patient care. From an economic standpoint, innovating may reduce costs, improve brand recognition and improve profitability. The risk of not innovating, of keeping the workflow the same, may lead to losing staff, falling productivity and, through failing to contend with competition, taking a hit to the bottom line. To keep your practice stable, pursuing technology that will benefit your work will keep you ahead of the curve.
There are five main clinical advantages and benefits of using advanced technology in dentistry: improved patient comfort, increased speed of diagnosis and treatment, improved safety, increased efficiency, and improved precision and accuracy. The advantages of using better technology include ultimately streamlining workflows and fostering a positive experience for the patient.
Judgement day
Since John McCarthy conceived the idea of ‘artificial intelligence’ in 1956, science has grappled with the complexities of mimicking the human brain within a machine. Now, computer systems are able to imitate critical thinking and decision-making. AI has been observed to achieve a standard of accuracy and precision on par with medical experts more quickly and affordably – be that dental note taking or identifying lesions.
Research on AI in dentistry is booming, with a focus on its ability to identify periodontitis, bone fractures and dental caries, and its use in formulating personalised orthodontic treatment plans. With technology advancing at a considerable rate, it is important that dentists continuously enhance their knowledge and skills in innovative areas like AI, allowing them to better exploit advantages in diagnosing and treating patients, as well as the potential medicolegal advantages available.
Kunal Shah presented a session on AI-driven software at BDIA Dental Showcase 2024, on behalf of Carestream Dental, where interest in this topic was particularly high. He says, “In the current, highly-litigious dental climate, with an increasing number of complaints reaching the DCS and GDC, AI provides an essential extra layer of protection for clinicians. It validates our clinical decision-making, whether you recommend treatment or not. I had some fantastic conversations around AI-driven practice management platforms at the show with colleagues keen to introduce similar into their own practices for the many advantages afforded.”
Getting a feel for the future
The future of technology in dentistry seems unpredictable. Could dental experts teach virtual classrooms via a digital replica – an avatar – without being present? Could robots undertake the toughest of treatment procedures? Will patient communications predominantly take place with an AI-driven messaging service?
As the line between reality and science-fiction grows ever narrower, it is necessary to verify new technologies for their reliability, applicability, and cost-effectiveness before incorporating them into day-to-day clinical practice. Despite the need for innovations in diagnostics, dentists may be hesitant to adopt new technology – and rightly so. This reluctance may be caused by the need for any new technologies to be further tested and trusted. As such, interacting with new technologies in person can help determine their usefulness and your own adaptability to them.
Opportunities for engaging with the latest in cutting-edge equipment, products and services don’t get bigger than the 2025 BDIA Dental Showcase. Premier manufacturers and suppliers will be promoting the products that can help your practice stay technologically ahead of the competition. From the latest in CBCT scanners to in practice high-precision milling machines, there will be a vast range of advanced products. There will also be exclusive chances to connect with the brightest minds and most influential players in dentistry, with experts ready to answer your questions as you assess what will benefit you and your team in the practice. As the longest running dental exhibition in the UK, BDIA Dental Showcase 2025 puts a spotlight on the future.
The fourth industrial revolution is here, and AI is at its forefront. By using the latest in dental technology, you can elevate the standard of care you deliver with accurate diagnostics, streamlined appointments and exceptional clinical outcomes. Be quick and confident in your work by incorporating the latest innovations.
References available on request.