Machine Learning in Dentistry: Nobody couldβve imagined the possibilities but here we are!
But before we dive in, what exactly IS machine learning?
Machine Learning (ML) is the process of training computer systems with vast amounts of data, so they can think like humans, to solve real-world problems. As technology continues to evolve, the use of ML is growing with ML models reaching accuracy rates nearing 100 percent.
Yes, almost a 100%! This makes ML a highly favorable tool for various fields, and dentistry is no exception. An interesting survey by the American Medical Association (AMA) revealed that 93% of medical professionals were eager and pliant to explore the latest technologies like ML for patient engagement and care.1
How is ML Transforming the Dental Landscape?
The use of ML has brought many innovations to dentistry. Predictive analysis, customized 3D imaging, dental chatbots and virtual assistants, just to name a few. Consequently, dental diagnostics, treatment planning, customized patient care, and operational efficiency have become integral to dental workflows. The DEO magazine reported a hike of 18 – 28 % in patient acceptance, engagement and retention when diagnoses were backed up by devices using ML2.
The key contributions of ML to dentistry include:.
Better Predictions and Identification of Symptoms & Disease Trends
Picture this: The dentist feeds their patientβs case history, X-ray reports, and other investigations into a software tool or device that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI). The ML models in the software/device, that are trained with massive dental data, interpret these inputs to identify early signs of oral diseases, recognize subtle abnormalities, see patterns in the disease, predict possible dental issues in the future, and also work up a tentative simulation of a treatment plan. All this within minutes.
In many cases, ML software may detect signs of disease years before they show up. Interestingly, according to the FDA, dentists were able to detect more caries if they were using βOverjet-Caries Assist softwareβ. OVERJET has gained its 5th FDA clearance and first in the dental AI industry. Due to the unparalleled accuracy provided by these models, an increasing number of dentists are adopting the use of ML in their daily routines.
Dentaly reports that 77% of dentists experience a positive change in their daily practices after incorporating AI and ML-based solutions. 68% of patients also feel confident regarding the potential of AI and ML-oriented solutions in dentistry. To date, the FDA has approved 882 AI and ML medical devices3. These staggering numbers highlight the potential of AI/ML in medicine.
Personalization at its Best
Thanks to ML, it’s time to say goodbye to treatments that make you feel uneasy. ML allows the creation of personalized treatment plans for patients by analyzing the patientβs historical data and outputting the most effective treatment options. ML models accurately analyze medical histories and tests to identify patterns of potential diseases. Thus, treatment plans for every patient is created according to their unique conditions.
Moreover, ML models are used in 3D printing to create aligners, dentures, and crowns according to each patientβs dental anatomy. Hence, the use of ML is increasing the level of personalization and improving the success rates in the fields of orthodontics, prosthodontics, and implantology.
Teledentistry: Bringing Expertise to Your Home
Have you ever wanted expert dental advice from the comfort of your home? ML has made remote dental consultations, also known as teledentistry, a reality today.
In teledentistry, patients can provide their dentists with images and videos of their dental issues. This data is then processed by the ML models to give accurate diagnoses. Letβs take a look at an example – Dentulu , has leveraged AI and ML effectively through remote dentistry. From salivary testing to sleep apnea diagnosis and remote dental monitoring, all is possible thanks to ML and AI. Patients can get recommendations and prescriptions without even visiting the clinic.
ML models can also analyze post-treatment images and update dentists and patients on whether things are on the right track or not.
ML-driven virtual assistants and chatbots, patients can receive 24/7 support and schedule appointments. Hence, there is no longer a need for you to now wait for the dental staff to be available to get your queries answered.
It is clear that the use of ML in dentistry has positively transformed this field. This is why an increasing number of healthcare professionals are incorporating ML methodologies into their daily routines. Companies like Pearl AI, OVERJET, endoAI , and Diagnocat are at the forefront of providing ML-based dental solutions.
Staying Ahead: Why Should Dentists Embrace Technological Model Advancements?
You might wonder βWhy should I bother with incorporating ML-based solutions if my business is going fine?β In this section, we will discuss the significance of staying updated with the latest trends and advancements in the dental world.
Gaining a Competitive Edge
By applying the latest technologies in their daily practices, dentists stay at the forefront of the latest dental advancements, that make procedures more patient friendly, painless, precise, quick, evidence-based & patient-friendly.
For example, dentists who use ML will be able to provide their patients with more accurate diagnoses, customizable treatment plans, and an overall improved customer experience more efficiently. This will drive better patient conversions, credibility in the field, better revenue and growth.
According to a Pew Research Center Survey, 40% of Americans are confident that ML-based solutions can significantly reduce medical errors. By following the current trends, AI is expected to generate an estimated $2.9 trillion in business by 2025.4
Fostering Professional Growth
Staying updated with the latest dental trends and incorporating them into practice fosters an environment of continuous learning and growth for dental professionals. Staying up-to-date with the latest happenings in the dental world, dentists will not only increase their professional growth but will also attract more patients. A study by the American Dental Association (ADA) reports that dentists who participate in continuous learning and stay updated with the latest trends see a 20% increase in their professional growth opportunities.
Responsiveness to Further Advancements
If you think you have hit the road running with DenTech, then get ready for more surprises. Technology is growing at faster rates than ever, which is why it is essential for dentists to embrace the new changes. By staying updated with the latest technological practices and trends, dentists will allow themselves to easily embrace new innovations and transformations. By staying ahead of the curve, dentists can respond effectively to future advancements and challenges in the industry. In contrast, dentists who stick with their conventional practices risk becoming outdated, overburdened with work, burn out, and seeing less patients per day.
Looking Ahead: Dental Evolution with Machine Learning
Undoubtedly, advancements in ML have successfully brought a positive change to the dental landscape. With the effective use of ML, dentists can improve their work efficiently, provide error-free diagnoses, unparalleled customized user experiences, and drive their personal and professional growth.
As technology evolves, ML algorithms will become more accurate and useful, integrating into more workflows. Therefore, it is essential for dentists to stay knowledgeable regarding the latest trends in the dental world, so they do not fall behind anyone and continue to excel in this field. Hence, if you are looking for ways to drive more revenue and growth for yourself and your business, embracing new technologies is the way to go.
Global Dentistsβ Pool
NamNR Pro is actively helping its clients equip themselves with the necessary knowledge to upscale their business in the dental AI industry β whether it be a dental device company or a dental clinic, businesses benefit from the cross-collaboration between industry and clinicians to support the progress of the dental field.
By introducing a platform, named The Global Dentist PoolTM, NamNR Pro – Global Dentists’ Pool helps support Dental Device companies in overcoming the day-to-day, as well as long-term strategic challenges, like those that appear in when manufacturing AI & ML models for dental workflows.
Via running Early Stage IdeationStage Surveys or offering well-matched advisors for freelance project needs, this Pool is filling the gaps in the industry by providing critical clinical insights at tables where decisions get made, as well as Team support for the daily operations, directly from dentists.
Simultaneously, as a Pool Member, dentists have the opportunity to up-skill themselves in areas that allow them to participate in paid industry projects whilst maintaining their clinical practices.
Some of the dental AI companies mentioned in this article are active clients of NamNR Pro. Whether you are a company looking for clinicians to support your product, or a dentist looking for an up-skilling platform & alternate work opportunities, reach out to the Founder & CEO of NamNR Pro, Dr Namrata Upadhyay π at namrata@namnrpro.org, to learn how NamNR Pro can help
References
1. AMA Digital Healthcare 2022 Study Findings. Sep 2022.
https://www.ama-assn.org/about/research/ama-digital-health-care-2022-study-findings
2. DEO Magazine. βBest of Tech: Improving Dental Care with Ai.β DEO Magazine, 12 Oct. 2022.
www.dentalgrouppractice.com/best-of-tech-improving-dental-care-with-ai.html.
3. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) – Enabled Medical Devices. May 2024
4. Unlocking Success: Using AI for Dental Practice and Business Development. March 2024
About the Author:
Dr. Savaiz Elahi is a dentist by profession with a Post-graduate diploma in Healthcare Management and a Master’s in Public Health, focusing on the use of AI to diagnose periodontal disease.Currently working with the NHS, Savaiz combines clinical expertise with a solid foundation in healthcare management.
With experience at Overjet, an AI company, and a role as a dental advisor for a UK dental consultancy, Savaiz has a well-rounded background in both practical and advisory capacities. His work is focused on integrating advanced technology into dental practice to improve patient outcomes.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this article are the authorβs own and not necessarily shared by NamNR Pro.
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