Great Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in Dental Clinics

Dra. Claudia Bruns

For years now, digital advances have permeated the world of medical dentistry. And of course it is a topic that generates a lot of concern. More and more machines are replacing human tasks, including those of the dentist. However, what are the pros and cons of this robotic dentistry that is being talked about today?

If we go back in history, we can say that the concept of artificial intelligence comes from approximately 1956, a proposal that came out of Dartmouth College, a university in the USA, by 4 researchers. It is described as a science that seeks to simulate human intelligence in machines, with the aim of solving human problems. That is, we are talking about systems that think like humans and act like humans, or that have the ability to interpret, rationalize and return a response, such as systems like Alexia, Siri, autopilots or self-driving vehicles.

Where does artificial intelligence start from? CAPTURING AND ORDERING DATA, and this is something that opens many doors. For this reason we can say that there are already machines in dental offices, capable of capturing images and data to complement the diagnosis, design and manufacture of restorations.

‍

‍

Dental offices are definitely moving towards this technology - it's ALREADY here!!! Surely when you've been to the dentist, you've seen NEW SYSTEMS for taking x-rays, or an intraoral camera capable of capturing super-detailed photos of your teeth. Even newer, the famous DENTAL SCANNERS to transfer much more sophisticated information of the entire dentition and tissues to a computer. So then to be able to elaborate dental restorations again, through the USE OF INTELLIGENT MACHINES, able to take the data and translate them into a kind of digital impression, which allows to have from more accurate aesthetic restorations to innovative appliances, such as the so-called digital orthodontic aligners.

‍

‍

Now, although it is an indisputable advance, in dentistry, MACHINES CANNOT COMPLETELY REPLACE THE DENTIST, who acts as the conductor of the whole orchestra. That is to say, we do not see the possibility of having "robot dentists" who can replace human criteria to be able to approach the patient in an integral way, to understand his emotions and ailments, his concerns... of course! If there are MANY EMOTIONS and CHALLENGES INVOLVED IN A DENTAL AILMENT.

‍

‍

The ideal dental treatment is achieved through the teamwork of several specialists, not just one. Ideally, this technology should be applied in conjunction and synchrony with the "human" capacity of the dentist, and thus provide a dental treatment that gives the best results.

‍

‍

Advantages of this ARTIFICIAL TECHNOLOGY:

- Providing faster and more convenient appointments for patients

- Avoiding the use of cumbersome conventional materials (impression putties, developing X-rays, etc.)

- More complete and accurate diagnostics

- Improve the dentist's management and thus be able to provide a better service to their patients.

- Have digital records that can integrate all patient data from medical history, symptoms, allergies, to all clinical findings and type of restorations performed.

- Better management of agendas and follow-up appointments

- Improved communication between different specialists

‍

‍

Risks and disadvantages:

- Any digital system is a change that requires learning and adaptation by the user. That is, no machine works well if the operator does not know how to do it. This requires time and constant study.

- Digital technology changes very quickly. When applying it, the law of "trial and error" is inevitable, which requires patience on the part of the dentist, and therefore also on the part of the patient.

- It is an EXPENSIVE technology, although if we look at the benefits it provides, it is rather VALUABLE.

- Ethical management of patient information and data security.

‍

BEWARE!!! has also seen direct use by patients to "schedule treatments online".online treatment scheduling", which is dangerous.which is dangerous. Artificial intelligence facilitates information and even access to products, BUT we cannot forget that the final decision must be made by a health professional.Avoid considering for example buying online things like alienators, dental guards or whitening kits. You need the guidance and supervision of your dentist to avoid the risks of a bad practice that will deteriorate your health, so we can safely say that the machine will not be able to replace 100% of the medical professionals.

‍

As we can see, the benefits of this technology based on artificial intelligence are enormous and are being applied TODAY in dentistry. They allow the dentist to be much more efficient, from the management of all the data about the patient and the clinical management of various procedures, which facilitates productivity and quality of service provided. This ultimately allows you to be more profitable and reduce costs in the long run.

‍

‍

However, any medical professional who wishes to apply artificial intelligence, i.e. robotic dentistry, must be willing to learn continuously, in order to prepare for the changes that these systems bring. If we continue to do the same thing, we will never advance enough to be able to adapt to the new change, something that is inevitable in any field of medicine today.

‍