Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming industries across the globe. Whether it's naval ships or ice cream producers, athletes or politicians, media firms or legal professionals, everyone seems to be implementing or, more frequently, discussing AI.
This revolutionary technology, which has been around for some time, has recently started infiltrating various aspects of our lives at an unprecedented pace. A particular sector where its impact is increasingly visible is healthcare, with an emphasis on dentistry.
Dentistry is learning to embrace AI
Traditionally, the field of dentistry has been quite conservative, rarely celebrating or appreciating innovation. However, it is now brimming with discussions on AI and its potential to transform patient care. There are concerns regarding the legitimacy of these AI-related claims, and whether AI can truly be a panacea for all healthcare issues, which it undoubtedly is not. Setting these concerns aside, it is crucial to examine the current state of AI in dentistry and understand how it can help advance patient well-being.
There are several key areas where we can see AI making a tangible difference in the field of orthodontics:
1. Object detection: With the advent of AI, modern software can automatically distinguish between different objects, such as teeth and gums. This capability dramatically reduces the time and effort required from dental professionals. Additionally, AI can detect dental anomalies like cavities or periodontal diseases. Despite these advancements, the role of a dentist remains vital. As a tireless assistant, AI takes over manual labor, thereby reducing errors and allowing dentists to focus on high-level procedures rather than manual line drawing.
2. Treatment planning: Leading aligner producers have long employed pre-determined plans. While these plans do save time, they adopt a one-size-fits-all approach and fail to consider the individual nuances of each patient. This traditional methodology, referred to as "protocol," attempts to categorize all cases and bring most of them to a common denominator. However, with AI, modern software solutions can devise treatment strategies for specific patient characteristics. This shift makes treatment more effective and precise.
3. Automated manufacturing: The developments in automated manufacturing have been nothing short of astounding. The automated manufacturing processes introduced over a decade ago have set a benchmark for automation in the dental field. AI was optimizing manufacturing processes before it became mainstream. And now, the automation that AI brings will help to address issues like labor shortages, requiring less staff to complete more jobs.
The question then arises: Can AI be advantageous to modern doctors and patients? The answer is a resounding yes. While there are whispers of resistance from some corners of the medical community, most professionals acknowledge the benefits of a diligent and tireless digital assistant.
Such an assistant can alleviate the burden of mundane tasks, allowing doctors to concentrate on their primary responsibility — patient care. With AI, doctors can resolve cases faster, treat a higher number of patients, and spend more time on their professional duties, rather than drawing digital contours. This shift not only benefits healthcare professionals but also has a positive impact on patient well-being by increasing treatment accessibility and reducing costs.
Managing AI perception and execution risks
However, like all technology, AI also comes with risks. In my view, the primary risks associated with the integration of AI into the dental sector are related to perception and execution.
AI should not be misconstrued as a cure-all. Oversimplification and overreliance on AI can lead to misleading claims like "We use AI – we are the best". It's vital to explain what AI does, how it ensures precision and reliability, and most importantly, its limitations. Just asserting "We do it automatically – you will have the perfect smile" can be dangerously misleading.
Execution is another significant concern. Full automation is not always the best approach. While machines can efficiently manage simple tasks, intricate details require a human touch. At SoftSmile, we intentionally kept certain parts of our VISION software semi-manual, recognizing the irreplaceable value of a trained human eye.
Looking ahead at AI in healthcare
Despite these risks, the future of AI in healthcare is bright. With more data to refine its algorithms, the next wave of AI advancements promises to further reduce treatment planning time, enhance precision, and customize patient care. This evolution will save time and money for both doctors and patients.
As more healthcare professionals adopt AI tools, the supply will start to meet the substantial demand in the aligner market. Ultimately, aligner treatment will become a standard procedure, and only edge cases will require specialist involvement. This development points towards a future where orthodontic treatment is affordable and universally accessible — a testament to the transformative potential of AI in healthcare.