Many people fear Artificial Intelligence(AI) because they do not fully understand what it is, what benefits it has provided in the field of healthcare and how it will continue to enhance patient care in the future.
AI refers to computer systems that are developed to conduct complex analytics or tasks that require human intelligence. Unlike traditional software systems which must follow a predetermined list of instructions, AI has the capability to analyze and learn from data. AI can identify patterns and nuances, make autonomous decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances. It can learn, reason, adapt, and predict better ways to recognize and solve a problem. In other words, it can mimic human intelligence.
AI’s superpower lies in its ability to process and analyze enormous amounts of data in record time, while simultaneously refining its algorithms to continuously improve the data generated. Both oral and medical physicians benefit from AI’s ability to examine tens of thousands of x-rays and learn to recognize the subtle signs that indicate developing disease in its earliest stages. This information allows earlier and more accurate diagnosis and treatment options. AI does not take the place of your oral or medical physician but rather acts as a supportive tool that provides information that they did not previously have when developing a patient’s care plan. Additionally, AI models are being developed to analyze patient’s records in conjunction with social determinants of health to predict, prevent, and treat disease more accurately.
During the COVID pandemic augmented/virtual reality combined with AI offered ways to maintain and enhance dental school’s clinical training while minimizing in-person contact. This allowed the instructors to provide immersive, highly realistic experiences to dental students. Students were able to perform simulated clinical dental procedures such as root canal therapy, crown preparation, extractions, and implant surgery, with AI feedback.
While AI is primarily being used in imaging(digital x-rays, CBCT scans and intraoral scanners) and diagnostics, it is also playing an increasing role in the operational side of oral physician’s offices. In addition to appointment scheduling and predicting individual insurance coverage from a host of different companies and plans, an increasing number offices are using AI to transcribe calls, manage workflows, and improve quality and accuracy of lab work.
Next week I will discuss how AI is providing antibiotic breakthroughs.
Dr. Stephen Petras
An Illinois Licensed General Dentist