Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the rise, and it’s changing the way we live our lives. It’s also propelling the healthcare industry to a new level, specifically dentistry. From using AI-powered diagnostics and personalized treatment planning systems to enhancing the patient experience through streamlined scheduling and better practice management, the opportunities are endless. Read on to discover more about the power of AI and what you can expect to see at your next dental visit.
How is AI Being Used in Dentistry?
The American Dental Association (ADA) Standards Committee on Dental Informatics released a paper in 2023 detailing how AI is being used (and can be used) in dentistry.
Dentists, dental schools, and policymakers are identifying ways to align with the evolution of artificial intelligence and what it can do to help create a more efficient, safe, and positive experience for patients.
Some of the ways it is being introduced into various dental practices include:
AI-Powered Diagnostics
Dentists are turning to AI to provide more accurate and efficient diagnoses, which not only benefits patients but also dental professionals.
AI-powered programs offer reliability and intellect that dentists can use to precisely find cavities and gum disease. Vision-specific systems can identify dental decay or lesions using specific algorithms that ultimately allow for early detection and treatment.
The same is true for periodontal disease, which AI can detect with depth probing – a technique that can determine the stage of gum disease a person is experiencing.
By incorporating this unique AI system, dentists can spend more time treating existing problems instead of trying to identify them with a visual examination and evaluation of high-resolution digital imaging.
Personalized Treatment Planning
AI software is also being used to create more effective and personalized treatment plans. Instead of the dentist solely mapping out a proposal for a patient to review, AI can quickly analyze data and compare it with other cases before determining what the outcomes might be.
With this information, dentists can readily review the information and deliver a more efficient and well-thought-out treatment plan that includes multiple options for patients to consider. It can also make it easier for dental professionals to determine the types of techniques and materials that can be used to achieve results.
Streamlined Appointment Scheduling
Administrative team members remain an integral part of any dental practice, but the incorporation of AI streamlines many of the most common components of a person’s visit.
One of these includes appointment scheduling. Whether it is using AI tools to make it easier for patients to book their next visit online, send reminders to individuals, update a person’s data or medical history, or prevent double-booking, this alleviates the workload of administrative staff so they can focus on creating a positive patient experience.
Practice Management
Dental office managers now find AI to be a welcome addition because of how it automates many of the most time-consuming aspects of practice management, such as:
- Billing and Dental Insurance Claims Filing: It decreases potential errors so that quicker approval is obtained.
- Communication: Online questions and post-procedural information can be provided using AI, making it possible for staff to spend more time interacting with patients who are in the office.
- Personalized Service: By using AI to improve accuracy when developing treatment plans, the operations of the office become more efficient, which can help improve a patient’s visit.
AI in dentistry is truly changing the way patients experience oral healthcare and how dentists and staff members practice. When arriving for your next appointment, don’t hesitate to ask how artificial intelligence is being used to ensure greater accuracy and efficiency.
About the Practice
Westgate Dental Care prioritizes each patient’s experience by providing safe, comfortable, and innovative techniques during every appointment. Our knowledgeable staff and talented dentists stay up to date on the latest advancements in the field, specifically as it relates to AI. Our dental office currently uses Bola AI to assist with diagnostics and charting, allowing us to spend more time on treatment and patient interactions. If you are curious how these innovative systems are changing the way you visit the dentist, visit our website or call us at (847) 908-3684.