We live in a very technological age. With public access to the new AI platform, chat gpt, on a global scale it begs the question, is there AI in dentistry?

I’m sure we’ve seen the sci-fi movies that AI and robots will soon take over from the human race but I’m sure that is light years away. Ellon Musk seems to be of a different opinion This helpful platform such as chat gpt can be used by dentists for a myriad of reasons. It can be used to reaffirm a diagnosis, to stipulate a treatment plan or options and of course in research. The platform can also be used to help in health economics. 

The only shortcoming that I personally see is the data currently on this platform is majorly from Western Countries and it may be difficult for us to integrate it locally. 

The advances in dentistry where AI currently comes into play is in treatment planning for implants. This accurately shows where the best position to have your implant is with regards to surrounding structures such as the teeth and nerves. 

It’s basically a tool in the dentist’s arson There is also a new robotic system called YOMI. It is FDA approved, currently in use in the US where the robot and the dentist work in synchrony to place an implant. This new technology can aid to mitigate any human error that can occur during the minor surgical procedure. It can also help speed up the procedure with accuracy 

The robots are yet to take away the human side of health. There still needs to be an operator who has the scientific knowledge on the patient’s diagnosis, what the treatment objectives are as well as the motor skills to perform certain procedures. 

There can be endless possibilities when it comes to AI. Just imagine a system that can help with radiological diagnosis on whether your tooth has a cavity or any other diagnosis that our patients have  The technology is yet to replace your health care practitioner but it’s here to help the process of treatment planning and the procedure. We shall still give the human touch.

Who knows what the landscape of dentistry & AI will be in another 20 years?