ADA Releases White Paper on AI and its Growing Impact on Dentistry

The American Dental Association (ADA) has released a white paper on the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented intelligence (AuI) in dentistry. The report, titled Dentistry – Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry provides information on the many applications of AI in clinical and nonclinical areas of dentistry.

Potential Uses of AI

The white paper discusses the potential uses of AI in various clinical areas, including prevention, caries and periodontal disease, implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, imaging, and orthodontics. Additionally, it provides information on nonclinical uses of AI, such as claims processing, payment integrity, and dental practice administrative issues.

The paper emphasizes that AI and AuI have already been used extensively in various industries for years and that their use and adoption are only increasing. The ADA believes that dentistry will continue to see advancements in imaging and other areas in the near future.

According to the paper’s foreword, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Intelligence (AuI) has been used throughout industry for several years already. If anything, its use and adoption is increasing. This white paper is designed to provide the best available information on AI available (as of early 2022) in dental imaging and other areas of dentistry where imaging may impact the use of AI (or vice versa). Dentistry will likely see many more advancements in imaging and elsewhere quickly. The reader may find some very pertinent and useful information on where and how AI/AuI in dental imaging is currently used and impacting our profession and where it may go in the foreseeable future.”

Areas where AI and AuI can Influence Dentistry

The white paper identifies many areas where AI and AuI have the potential to influence dentistry now and in the future. It notes that dentistry is already seeing changes, such as image analysis for caries and bone loss, robotic implant placement, and uses in prosthetic design and product construction. The paper’s contributors suggest that AI and AuI will transform how dental care is delivered.

The ADA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute to develop national standards for products and information technology used by dental professionals and consumers. Currently, there are over 100 national standards with more under development.

Read the full article at Dentistry – Overview of Artificial and Augmented Intelligence Uses in Dentistry.