Pearl Secures U.S. Patent for Chairside AI Disease Detection Software

Pearl, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for the dental industry, has announced the acquisition of U.S Patent No. 11,676,701 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The patent, titled “Systems and methods for automated medical image analysis,” grants Pearl exclusive rights to the computer system technology supporting the application programming interface (API) of their chairside AI disease detection software, known as Second Opinion.

Pearl’s Machine Learning Models

The recently obtained patent specifically encompasses the machine learning models utilized by Pearl to generate and train image data from dental radiographs. Second Opinion’s AI capabilities include the localization, classification, and detection of a wide range of pathologies, existing restorations, and natural anatomical structures in bitewing, periapical, and panoramic dental radiographs.

One of the distinguishing features of Pearl’s patented system is its ability to present the AI’s findings in real-time, allowing dental professionals to review, modify, or reject the system’s detections during patient examinations. By integrating AI technology into the dental operatory, Second Opinion aims to empower dentists with more accurate and efficient diagnoses.

Pearl Becomes First AI Dental Detection Software Company to Receive EU-MDR Certification

Extensive FDA-Cleared Clinical AI

According to a press release, Pearl’s Second Opinion AI boasts the most extensive collection of FDA-cleared clinical AI detection capabilities available in the market. With this software, dental professionals can reportedly detect pathologies in x-rays with a 37% increase in accuracy compared to traditional methods.

Cambron Carter, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Pearl, expressed the significance of this latest patent. 

“Pearl’s position as the leading AI provider in the dental category rests on the quality of the innovation we bring to dentists and practices. This patent reflects the ingenuity at the core of our company and is a testament to our continued dedication to empowering dentists and patients with state-of-the-art technology,” said Carter. 

Accumulating Dental AI Technology Patents

This recent acquisition marks Pearl‘s tenth patent for their dental AI technology and the second patent specifically addressing the technology employed by Second Opinion. In 2021, Pearl was granted a patent for “Systems and Methods for Automated Medical Image Annotation,” which focused on the technologies underlying Second Opinion’s display of detections in dental x-rays.

With medical regulatory clearances obtained for clinical pathology detection in more than 100 countries, this new patent marks an important achievement for Pearl, says the company. It signifies their commitment to advancing dentistry by incorporating AI technology.