By: Ms. Laura Ramsey

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a futuristic concept, it’s already making waves in the world of dentistry. From diagnostics to patient education and treatment planning, AI is transforming how dental professionals deliver care, working not as a replacement, but as a helpful tool to assist in many ways.

BUILDING TRUST THROUGH TRANSPARENCY
One of the most powerful ways AI is enhancing patient care is by strengthening the relationship between patients and dental providers. Lynn Doan, DDS, owner of The Dental Bar in Aurora, Colorado, and University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine alumna, is a leading advocate for AI in clinical practice. She said, “patients need to understand how AI works in order to trust it.” Transparency is key. AI-powered technologies can offer detailed, clear explanations of diagnoses, treatment options and outcomes, giving patients the autonomy to make educated decisions about their care.

For many patients, comprehending the details of their dental care can be a challenge. AI technology is making it easier for dental professionals to convey complex information in a simpler way. One of the most notable uses is the ability to show X-rays in a way that patients can easily grasp.

“When patients see a black and white X-ray, they don’t truly understand what they’re seeing,” said Doan. “We use AI to show patients exactly where they might have decay, calculus, bone loss or other potential problems that need to be addressed.”

     
While dentists can detect caries on traditional X-rays, patients typically cannot see that level of detail. AI software can colorize parts of the tooth (white, green, purple and blue), as well as decay (pink), so that patients can comprehend what the dentist is seeing and when it may be important to intervene.

This visual approach can make a substantial difference in helping patients appreciate the necessity of procedures like deep cleaning or restorative treatments. By visualizing the issue, patients are more likely to feel assured in the treatment plan and follow through with the recommended care.

Doan said she hears many patients say, “No other dentist has ever shown me this.”

TRANSFORMING DIAGNOSTICS WITH AI
Benjamin Crockett, DMD, MS, assistant professor and chair, division of maxillofacial radiology and AI innovations in the department of diagnostic sciences and surgical dentistry at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, uses AI in radiology and teaches dental students how to incorporate it into their clinical practice. However, before introducing AI to the students, he ensures they have developed a baseline knowledge of diagnostic skills and that they know AI is not the expert.

“AI is not going anywhere,” he said. “We are preparing students for clinical practice, and we want to be sure they’ve had a chance to learn the pros and cons.” He advises students to embrace AI, but also to be critical of it because it’s not perfect. “In radiology specifically AI can give false positives or false negatives, and you must be able to discern when those are occurring. Make sure you’re not missing something, and make sure if the AI identified something, you always take a second look.”

Crockett said AI can act as an aid in helping clinicians make more precise clinical choices. “AI can help identify issues early that might not be easily visible to the human eye – including both general dentists and radiologists,” he said. With advanced algorithms that can analyze X-rays, CT scans and other diagnostic tools, AI assists in pinpointing potential problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.

One of the key advantages of AI, according to Crockett, is its unbiased nature. “AI operates based on data, not personal experience or preconceived notions,” he said. Unlike human practitioners, who may have unconscious biases or be influenced by past experiences, AI evaluates each case based purely on the data it’s given. Th is level of objectivity can be crucial in delivering consistent, accurate diagnoses and minimizing human error.

For example, AI can detect subtle changes in radiographs that may indicate early stages of dental disease, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes. Crockett emphasized, “AI doesn’t replace the expertise of a dentist, but rather enhances it by uncovering additional insights, providing unbiased diagnostic accuracy and reducing the risk of missed diagnoses.” This collaboration between AI and dental professionals helps create more precise and comprehensive treatment plans, ultimately benefiting patients.

BOOSTING TREATMENT PLAN ACCEPTANCE
In many dental practices, treatment plan acceptance can be a significant challenge, but AI helps to bridge the gap between diagnosis and treatment by offering patients a clearer sense of what’s involved.

Doan explained that the use of AI in treatment planning has been instrumental in helping her patients feel more confident in their choices. “Most patients schedule treatment before they leave the office because they can understand and trust the information they’ve been given,” she said. In a Google review for The Dental Bar, Jordan R. said, “My husband, 5-year-old daughter and myself finally know what our teeth and gum health status are. We saw and understood our X-rays with modern AI technology. I now feel confident in the way we care for our teeth.”

By providing patients with visual evidence, real-time diagnostic data and even simulation models, AI makes treatment plans clearer and more accessible.

Doan said AI has even helped with insurance claims: “If a claim is denied, I can use AI to provide more detailed documentation that supports the need for coverage.” AI tools allow for more precise evidence, such as before-and-after X-rays or detailed diagnostic information, which can be crucial when appealing a decision. She said, “When the insurance company sees this level of detail, it’s harder for them to deny the claim.”

THE FUTURE OF AI IN DENTISTRY
As we look to the future, it’s clear that AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the way dental practices operate. From enhancing diagnostic accuracy to improving treatment outcomes and patient education, AI has the potential to revolutionize the profession, just as X-rays or local anesthesia did when they were first introduced. The future of dentistry is not about replacing humans with machines – it’s about using advanced technology such as AI to complement the already-exceptional care that dentists provide and build stronger, more trusting relationships with their patients.

Ms. Laura Ramsey is the Communications and Content Manager at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Her father and grandfather were both dentists, so finding her place in the dental community has been especially fulfilling.