AI and Dentistry: What’s Going On in 2025?

Key Takeaways:

• AI-powered tools are transforming dental diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient engagement.
• Innovations such as SmileScan and reena.ai streamline workflows and improve accessibility to oral healthcare.
• AI-driven imaging technologies like Bite Finder and Pearl’s Second Opinion® enhance diagnostic precision.
• Predictive models and saliva tests are addressing disparities in preventive care for underserved populations.
• Voice-activated platforms and phone systems reduce administrative burdens for dental practices.
• Ethical considerations and clinician acceptance remain critical challenges for AI adoption in dentistry.

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the landscape of dentistry in 2025, offering innovative solutions across diagnostics, treatment planning, patient engagement, and practice management. These advancements are categorized into several key areas: diagnostic tools, workflow optimization, predictive analytics, accessibility initiatives, and communication platforms. Notable examples include AI-powered imaging systems that refine diagnostic accuracy, voice-activated assistants that streamline office operations, and predictive models designed to flag individuals at risk of tooth loss.

This article delves into these developments, exploring their implications for both practitioners and patients while maintaining a balanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges they present.

Diagnostic Tools: Enhancing Precision with AI

Differentiating External Cervical Resorption from Caries

Researchers from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, have made significant strides in using AI to differentiate between External Cervical Resorption (ECR) and caries. Their study leverages label-efficient self-supervised learning (SSL) to train a model capable of discerning ECR from caries with an accuracy rate of 84.09% in test cases. This method highlights the potential of AI to assist clinicians in making nuanced distinctions between similar conditions, thereby enhancing diagnostic reliability.

DeepCare’s Multimodal Dental AI Agent

DeepCare introduced its Multimodal Dental AI Agent at the International Dental Show (IDS) 2025 in Cologne, Germany. This tool integrates six imaging modalities—such as panoramic X-rays and CBCT scans—to detect nearly 40 dental conditions. By contextualizing clinical data and incorporating patient-specific factors, the system tailors recommendations to individual needs. Founder and CEO Dr. Eric Ding emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing dental AI, stating, “We look forward to collaborating with global experts to drive the future of dental AI.”

Pearl and Vatech Partnership

Pearl and Vatech’s partnership marks another milestone in AI-driven diagnostics. Pearl’s Second Opinion® software detects dental conditions in x-rays, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. According to Ophir Tanz, founder and CEO of Pearl, “By integrating Second Opinion® into Vatech’s software platforms, clinicians around the world will have access to the most advanced AI-powered diagnostic tools available today.” This collaboration not only improves radiologic precision but also enhances communication between clinicians and patients, fostering greater trust and understanding.

Workflow Optimization: Streamlining Practice Operations

Bite Finder and ITXPROS Integration

Bite Finder’s integration with ITXPROS exemplifies this trend, automating complex processes like bite registration and jaw motion simulation. Ahmad “AK” Khater, CEO of ITXPROS, noted that the partnership reflects a commitment to combining AI innovation with human-centered care. Features such as one-click occlusion and fixed penetrations facilitate precise prosthetic designs, reducing the time required for treatment planning.

Bola AI’s Voice Perio System

Bola AI’s Voice Perio system, which integrates with Patterson Dental’s practice management software, records periodontal data in real-time, filters background noise, and supports flexible phrasing. Brad Joseph, VP of product management at Patterson Dental, expressed enthusiasm about the tool’s potential to save time and resources, enabling hygienists to focus more on patient care. These advancements demonstrate how AI can alleviate administrative burdens, allowing dental professionals to dedicate more attention to clinical tasks.

reena.ai’s Voice-Activated Platform

Reena.ai’s voice-activated platform simplifies referral processes and streamlines workflows. Co-founder Dr. Reena Gajjar explained that the platform aims to enhance efficiency and satisfaction within dental practices. By integrating seamlessly with existing technologies, reena.ai ensures compatibility with diverse workflows, offering a scalable solution for practices of all sizes.

Predictive Analytics: Preventing Tooth Loss and Improving Outcomes

Predictive Models for Tooth Loss

A study led by Dr. Seyedmisagh Imani from Marquette University School of Dentistry utilized machine learning techniques to forecast the likelihood of permanent tooth loss based on behavioral and socioeconomic factors. Using data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), the research identified age, income, smoking habits, and frequency of dental visits as significant predictors. Among the models tested, extreme gradient boosting trees achieved the highest predictive performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) score of 81.2%.

Dr. Imani emphasized the broader implications of these findings, noting that integrating non-clinical factors into AI models enhances their effectiveness. He stated, “Incorporating socioeconomic characteristics can improve the accuracy and impact of predictive models.” Such tools could help healthcare providers prioritize preventive interventions for underserved communities, addressing disparities in oral health outcomes.

Accessibility Initiatives: Bridging Gaps in Oral Healthcare

United Concordia Dental and Harmony Health Pilot Program

United Concordia Dental and Harmony Health launched a pilot program targeting underserved populations in Pennsylvania, including Medicaid recipients and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. At the heart of the initiative is a point-of-care saliva test paired with a mobile app that provides real-time insights into oral health risks. Ed Shellard, D.M.D., president and CEO of United Concordia Dental, highlighted the program’s dual focus on technology and patient engagement, saying, “It aims to evaluate how technology can foster better patient engagement and reduce the overall burden of oral diseases.”

Dentistry.One’s SmileScan

Dentistry.One’s SmileScan offers another example of accessible diagnostic tools. This free, AI-powered platform allows users to monitor their oral health using smartphone cameras. Sharity Ludwig, Senior Director of Clinical Operations at Dentistry.One, described SmileScan as empowering individuals to take control of their oral health. By generating comprehensive reports on key indicators such as tartar buildup and gum recession, the tool encourages proactive dental care and bridges gaps in routine check-ups.

Communication Platforms: Enhancing Patient Engagement

Newton’s AI-Driven Phone Platform

Newton, an AI-driven phone platform developed by Rohit Chaparala and Sam Detjen, addresses common operational challenges such as appointment cancellations and administrative overload. The platform’s customizable AI agent, Sophia, handles calls, texts, and appointment bookings directly into practice management software, ensuring minimal downtime for practitioners.

Reena.ai’s voice-activated platform further exemplifies this trend, simplifying referral processes and streamlining workflows. Co-founder Dr. Reena Gajjar explained that the platform aims to enhance efficiency and satisfaction within dental practices. By integrating seamlessly with existing technologies, reena.ai ensures compatibility with diverse workflows, offering a scalable solution for practices of all sizes.

Ethical Considerations and Challenges

While AI presents numerous opportunities, ethical considerations and clinician acceptance remain critical challenges. A white paper supported by The MPS Foundation outlines key concerns regarding the adoption of AI in healthcare. Clinicians may resist AI tools if perceived as burdensome or risky to their decision-making autonomy. The document recommends revising product liability laws, involving clinicians in AI design, and prioritizing information over direct recommendations to build trust and usability.

The authors stress the urgency of implementing these recommendations, urging stakeholders to create a supportive framework for AI integration in healthcare. As Tim Horton, assistant director of insight and analysis at the Health Foundation, noted, “While AI is not a panacea, it could play a significant role in easing pressures and supporting the workforce.” Addressing these challenges will be essential to realizing the full potential of AI in dentistry.

In Short

The year 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the integration of AI into dentistry, with advancements spanning diagnostics, workflow optimization, predictive analytics, accessibility initiatives, and communication platforms. Technologies like DeepCare’s Multimodal Dental AI Agent and Newton’s voice-activated system highlight the transformative potential of AI in enhancing clinical efficiency and patient engagement. However, ethical considerations and clinician acceptance must be addressed to ensure equitable and effective adoption. As the industry continues to evolve, these innovations hold promise for reshaping oral healthcare delivery and improving outcomes for patients worldwide.